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View Full Version : VFD for 5 hp??


Mike Ruggeri
03-22-2009, 3:16 PM
I bought a 5hp 3phase bandsaw but only have single phase power. I've been looking at VFD's as an option to run it and can find cheaper ones up to 3hp (say $300) but have only been able to find really expensive ones rated for 5hp (more than double the price of a 3hp unit). Anybody know where I can find a VFD rated for 5hp at an attractive price???

Otherwise, I may be shopping for a new motor......

Thanks in advance.

Mike
Rob Russell
03-22-2009, 4:42 PM
Upfortunately, 3HP is the largest I found that did single phase conversion at a reasonable price.
Rick Lizek
03-22-2009, 4:58 PM
Is $430 too much???
Mike Ruggeri
03-22-2009, 9:20 PM
Rick,

$430 is about $200 less than I have seen them. Where did you see one at that price?

Thanks

Mike
John Fricke
03-22-2009, 10:14 PM
I just got a new Surplus center catalog in the mail. They have phase converters at a decent price. 3-5 hp for 198.95 item # 11-1878 and 8-12 hp for 319.95 item # 11-1879. Page 135 of catalog #282. they have a website surpluscenter.com
Rod Sheridan
03-23-2009, 8:51 AM
Are you doing work of a scale that requires 5 HP?

Regards, Rod.
Mike Ruggeri
03-23-2009, 11:27 AM
Rod,

5ph is probably more than I need. I could probably be fine with less hp.

M
Jamie Buxton
03-23-2009, 11:40 AM
There is a different approach to making three-phase -- the static converter. It uses a capacitor to generate the third leg. It is less expensive than a full VFD. The knock on this technique is that you can't get the full power from the motor. But you say you don't need 5 hp on your saw anyhow...


For instance http://www.phase-a-matic.com/StaticModels&Prices.htm
Rick Lizek
03-23-2009, 5:20 PM
Phase-a-matic prices are better through Enco.
Rick Lizek
03-23-2009, 5:23 PM
Rick,

$430 is about $200 less than I have seen them. Where did you see one at that price?

Thanks

Mike
www.factorymation.com You would have to derate a larger VFD to run the 5 hp. It's a bit confusing as they list some of the VFD's and single phase input. On the larger ones they don't list that. I beleive you would need a 7.5 hp 3 phase input to work in your case. Have bought a number of their VFD's lately and they tech staff is great.