Am I crazy?

[65535]

I've got my incomplete Taig Micro Lathe. It needs a motor sometime. With all you guys doing VFD, I wanted something variable speed because I hate step pulleys.

http://cgi.ebay.com/BALDOR-M3353-1-...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5880f42080


BTW it isn't a .5HP it is 1/8th HP.
Is that motor a just plain stupid idea? I'd need a VFD preferably a 115V 1PH input, but I think I should be able to wire up my buck boost transformer to get 230V. Though that isn't ideal.
​

 

[Torque1st]

You could use a 1/4 or 1/3 HP also. You should also have 220-240VAC single phase service in a residence that could supply a VFD. Basically 2x oversize the VFD to power it with single phase.

 

[gadget_lover]

I missed the HP.

Still think a DC motor + variable PS might do just as well.

Dan

 

[65535]

You could use a 1/4 or 1/3 HP also. You should also have 220-240VAC single phase service in a residence that could supply a VFD. Basically 2x oversize the VFD to power it with single phase.

We do, but not in the garage, and no way I'm sinking money into wiring a detached garage for 230V.

 

[precisionworks]

I'd need a VFD preferably a 115V 1PH input

ACTech makes the SMVector drive (as Will & I have used) in 115-120v 1ph. Available to drive a 240v motor of .33 hp, .50 hp, 1.0 hp or 1.5 hp. FWIW, the 1.0 hp drive is $209.00 from Wolf Automation.

The drive has an internal transformer that boosts the 120v to 240v, and eliminates the need for any additional wiring. A nice way to go as long as the motor size is 1.5 hp or less.

 

[65535]

Motor is .125 HP, so even a .33HP drive should work. Though I imagine it's not cost effective for this lathe.

 

[precisionworks]

The .33 hp drive is $176, so you might as well find a 1 hp motor & drive for not much more money.

 

[65535]

I think a 1HP motor would make my little micro lathe explode.

 

[Torque1st]

Considering that many of us upgrade our tools and keep upgrading, and adding... -It may not be a bad idea to wire the shop with a 60-100A service.

Even if you move later it is not money lost because many people look for that in a shop. Just run the wire in a 1.5 or 2" conduit and bury another 1" for phone, cable, etc at the same time.