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Advice Needed, New Lathe - 120V

Just found this thread as I was searching for info about Powermatic PM2014s. Could I ask what you ended up purchasing? Did you buy the PM2014 with the cosmetic shipping damage?
 
Mike Peace said:
The VFD apparently sends 230 volts to the motor?
Click to expand...

I had two 110V Jet1642 lathes and that's how they worked - IIRC the manual said the VFD powered the 3-phase motor at 220v.

But the voltage from the wall depended on which motor the lathe had. I plugged the VFD for the 1.5hp Jet into a 20A 110v wall outlet. The 2hp Jet needed 30A 220v power, same as my PM3520b. It appears the VFD on either could also be wired to run on 3-phase power, but that's rare in most home shops!

When one VFD failed I replaced it with an inexpensive generic VFD (with advice and help from Harvey Meyer) and learned more about VFD options and programming than I wanted to know!

(I think I still have a couple of broken 1642 VFDs here if someone wants them for their collection. :))

JKJ
 
Mike Peace said:
I have one and it plugs into a 115V regular wall plug. The VFD apparently sends 230 volts to the motor? I love mine and turn on it more than my larger PM3520C.
Click to expand...
There are only 2 ways that could work. The first would be to have a transformer in the lathe to raise the voltage to 230 volt. The second is to set the volts per Hz to the requirements of a 230 volt motor (230 / 60 = 3.8). In past threads discussing this situation a photo of the nameplate on the motor indicated that the motor was in fact a 230V 3ph 60Hz designed motor. The VFD works because it maintains the volts per Hz ratio, but they can also be set to put out a higher than design frequency "Hz". The VFD controlled 3 ph motor is also constant torque over it's design frequency range, than if set for a higher frequency range the torque will drop off when the volts per Hz is no longer maintained. Example a 2HP motor receiving a maximum of 115 volts with a 3.8V per Hz setting would only be the equivalent of 1HP at 115V.
The best bet in my opinion is to bite the bullet and put in a 230 volt 20 amp circuit, it is not that difficult you can buy everything needed at your local big box building center.
 
Jeramiah Crosier said:
Hi Everyone,

New poster here on the forum. I have a Nova Neptune that has been dead since mid-January with limited assistance from Teknatool despite numerous calls and emails. I am confident that I will eventually receive the part that I need to get the lathe functional, but I am no longer willing to be a Teknatool customer and will be selling the lathe. I would like advice on a replacement lathe. I have looked through various forum posts, Reddit, Facebook woodturning groups, etc.

Requirements: New, Available in the USA,120V (renter, can't go to 220V), variable speed (down to 50 rpm), and have a 1-1/4" x 8TPI headstock. The company must have a proven track record of good customer service. Budget: $3000 (could stretch a little bit). I mostly turn bowls but want to start turning spindle work as well.

Options:
Rikon Model 70-1824VSR - Reviews look good, Rikon customer service is well-regarded. This is my current favorite option.

Laguna Revo 18/36 - Considering my issues with Teknatool, I am hesitant to go with Laguna and their poor reputation for customer service and electrical issues
Jet JWL-1640EVS - good reviews, good customer service, less capable than the rest
Harvey T40 - good company, good customer service, more expensive
Powermatic 2014 - too expensive?
Grizzly is only a couple of hours from me, so I could not pay for shipping, but all of their lathes at this size are 220V (as far as I can tell)

Anything that I am not considering?
Click to expand...
Have you considered using a 110V/220V transformer? Connected to a 20A 110V input it could handle up to a 2HP motor. These are available from several sources and are not very expensive compared to the cost of a lathe.
 
Many motors can be wired for 110 or 220. Why not buy what you want the first time and have it wired for 110 and when you finally end up where you own, rewire for 220. For example the Robust Scout is listed for both voltages.

Buy once, cry once. I promise you’ll forget the tears in short time and the smiles will follow.

Perhaps Brent will chime in and confirm.
 
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