New member 1st post. After 40+ years away from a wood lathe, I just purchased a powermatic model 90. Its the gold color, not green. Its the same model I used during 6 years of junior / senior high school. It has [ I think] the original Baldor motor 3.6 A at 208 V, 3 phase 1725 RPM. I want to run it on single phase with some type of a phase converter. Any one have suggestions on a particular model? Thanks, Tracy
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powermatic model 90
- Thread starter Tracy Peterson
- Start date
I added a variable frequency drive to mine. Cheap and easy using household 220 to drive a 480 volt 3 phase original motor. I mostly use the Reeves drive to adjust speed but can use the VFD if needed. Over the long haul I expect driving the motor off 60Hz would shorten the remaining life, but maybe not.
I used a Teco 510 something-or-other to power my old Delta 3ph lathe. I'd buy one again in a heartbeat if needed. Was able to have soft start, controlled slow down, and reverse with it. Usable range was literally 1 to 3000 RPM. All the modern conveniences on an antique.
I have a TECO vfd on my General 260 Reeves drive lathe. The nice thing about this setup is that at all but the lowest speeds the Reeves drive allows running the motor at high enough rpms that its cooling fan is effective and it delivers close to maximum horsepower. I think ineffective cooling is the only real potential harm to the motor from using a vfd. The TECO works well but the manual is less than stellar, the model is obsolete and no longer supported, and the vendor (Factorymation.com) no longer sells the line. So I don't have a specific recommendation but I would look for a unit with good documentation and a track record from a vendor who will offer support.
Unless you are an electronics geek or are satisfied with the factory defaults you will want some guidance in setting up a vfd, whether from a good manual, vendor support, online help through forums or a competent controls tech. You may well want a remote control box with magnetic back so you can place it in a convenient spot, and that choice will probably require changing a programming parameter or two. Acceleration/deceleration rates are two others you might want to change.
The wiring is simple but it is best to put the vfd in a dust free area or enclosure with enough space to prevent the drive overheating - mine is in the headstock pedestal. There can be no switch between the drive and the motor.
Unless you are an electronics geek or are satisfied with the factory defaults you will want some guidance in setting up a vfd, whether from a good manual, vendor support, online help through forums or a competent controls tech. You may well want a remote control box with magnetic back so you can place it in a convenient spot, and that choice will probably require changing a programming parameter or two. Acceleration/deceleration rates are two others you might want to change.
The wiring is simple but it is best to put the vfd in a dust free area or enclosure with enough space to prevent the drive overheating - mine is in the headstock pedestal. There can be no switch between the drive and the motor.
I used an Allen Bradley Power Flex. Over on OWWM (Old Wood Working Machines) I believe a lot of folks use automationdirect.com and report excellent support.