Three phase power for Maka Mortiser

[Keegan Shields]

So I brought home an awesome bench top Maka swing chisel mortiser. I’ll post some pictures when I get it unloaded. It needs 3 phase power, which my garage shop doesn’t have, so I’m looking for recommendations for a phase converter. The Maka has a 1.8 HP motor. Do you think I need a full rotary phase converter or can I get away with a digital converter? This is my first 3 phase tool, so I’m looking for any suggestions. The Maka came with a transformer to boost the voltage to 480 (I think).

Learn me Creekers!

[Jim Becker]

I believe that Mr Holcomb is using a rotary phase converter for his Maka, although he's also running some other 3-phase tools. For a single tool application, VFDs are pretty popular.

[Phillip Mitchell]

Unless there’s something specific to the Maka that I’m unaware of, I would choose a VFD for this particular application unless you have active plans for other 3 phase machines...most of them will likely have larger motors than this. If you’re going through the expense of a rotary phase converter, from a bang for the buck perspective, it makes sense to size it for the biggest 3 PH machine you anticipate having to run. VFD for a single tool is simpler and cheaper to get up and running with one motor.

Does the Maka have more than one motor? I’m assuming it has a pneumatic requirement for some of the functions? You may already have it figured out, but you will want clean and dry air for this.

What model is your Maka? You might post a photo of your motor tag just for further clarity on motor electrical questions.

What are the specs on the transformer you acquired with it?

[Bill Dufour]

I think a vfd is a better fit since it will give you slow start and variable speed.
Bill D

[Michael Todrin]

Keegan,

I would use an RPC for the Maka. The Maka motor cycles on and off for each mortise and might be tricky doing that control from a VFD.

Michael

[Brian Holcombe]

I agree with Micheal, Use a Rotary, not sure how a VFD is going to deal with the machine’s on/off cycles.

Once you start buying chisels, you’ll forget all about how much the rotary costs :D

[Keegan Shields]

Once you start buying chisels, you’ll forget all about how much the rotary costs :D

Haha I think that might be true. Here's a couple of pictures. I plan to build a new stand that will house the transformer and RPC.

I'm guessing this is a Maka M6-11? It came with several 1/4" and 3/8" chisels which I think will cover the chairs and tables I have planned.

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Another question: the wet head appears to be leaking oil around the bottom seal. Any idea if this is a standard sized seal or if anyone still has NOS parts available? I have no idea what weight oil is supposed to be used.

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[Mark Hennebury]

Hi, A rotary phase convertor is probably best as the others have said, due to the constant cycling on and off of the motor.
This is one of the older machines with an oil head. so not a #II . The #II designation refers to the newer head with standard bearings.
Your machine has an aluminum blade holder with a brass/bronze bushing and operates like a piston in a cylinder, which is filled with oil. The piston creates pressure in the head which pushes the oil out when things get worn.
The cylinder seals are a standard metric seals.
The seal # is on the seal, I may be able to find it for you. I will take a look tonight.
The original lubricant is Marfak0 or Marfak00 It is a semi-liquid grease. One is heavier than the other. When the machine wears you can replace the original lighter-weight grease with the thicker one, i forget which is the thicker one. They are Texaco products, if you call Texaco they can tell you which one or offer a suitable substitute.

Texaco "Marfak 0" is a NLGI #0 using a SODIUM-soap thickener.
Marfak 00 is a proven performance fibrous sodium soap greases. Their fibrous content offers protection from contaminants such as dust and dirt by helping provide a reliable seal.

[Bill Dufour]

Is that similar to cotton picker or cornhead grease which is easy to find?
Bill D

[Keegan Shields]

Wow, thanks Mark!

I'll pick up some Mobile Grease XHP220 at Grainger and see if that solves the problem (FYI: Marfak 0 -> Mobilith AW0 -> Mobilgrease XHP 220). Looks like there is Chainsaw bar oil in the head now, so even if the seal is in great shape, it would probably still leak.

If the grease doesn't help, I'll look into replacing the seal. Good to know that they are a standard size.

Thanks for the input on the RPC also. I'm looking at the 5HP Pro Line model (PL-5) here: https://www.northamericaphaseconverters.com/phase-converters/pro-line-rotary-phase-converters/

Let me know if anyone has a preferred brand or has had a bad experience with the company above.

[Jim Becker]

Well, I learned something here..."how the tool works" applies to choosing the power source, too. RPC does seem like the better route given what several folks indicate about the motor cycling.

[Keegan Shields]

Well, scratch that. The smallest container of Mobilegrease XHP220 I can find is 35lbs :eek:

Looks like NLGI 2 viscosity grease is the thinnest available in tube form. I'll keep looking.

[Ron Selzer]

take a look at corn head grease or cotton spindle grease. comes in a tube is a 0 viscosity not certain how the rest matches up. used in agriculture gear boxes to slow/prevent leaks

[Keegan Shields]

Thanks Ron, I'll check it out.

[Keegan Shields]

Bill, Ron, thanks for the suggestion! 00 cotton spindle grease did the trick. Not more drips. After going through the wiring, I connected up the rotary phase converter yesterday and she fired right up!

There are a few smaller parts which are missing or damaged. Anyone know of a good source for misc. Maka parts? There are a few ads on ebay from someone parting out a larger machine, but that's all I could find.

[Mark Hennebury]

Hi,

I have some parts.

mark@solidwoodmachinery.com


Bill, Ron, thanks for the suggestion! 00 cotton spindle grease did the trick. Not more drips. After going through the wiring, I connected up the rotary phase converter yesterday and she fired right up!

There are a few smaller parts which are missing or damaged. Anyone know of a good source for misc. Maka parts? There are a few ads on ebay from someone parting out a larger machine, but that's all I could find.