3-phase? 1 Phase? Scotty, bring me a Phaser

[Mike Minto]

On my new lathe (Jet 1642 - stealth gloat) i notice the inverter changes input power to 3 phase - why? what is the advantage over 1-phase? thanks, i'm a wood guy, not an electric guy :o. mike

[Bob Espy]

The variable speed wouldn't be possible with single phase, only 3 phase or DC.

[alex carey]

someone once explained it to me like this. Imagine a tether ball court with one person on it hitting the ball. Now imagine a tether ball court with 3 people hitting the same ball the same way.

So basically its the same power, but more constantly which means its smoother. Not sure if this is right or not.

[Mike Minto]

ok, thanks, guys. now, where did i put that tether ball pole? you know, that game was pretty big when i was a youngster in school. mike