Hi All,
I'm a voracious reader of this site, but this is one of my first posts, so I hope you can assist me.
I've recently purchased a General 590 bandsaw (14" VS) that had a 3 phase motor (3/4 hp) with a Teco FM50 VFD and magnetic switch. Works great.
I also just purchased a General 130 planer, also 3 phase (3 hp). It has a non-functioning mag switch, but I got it for a very good price ($900 CDN).
My shop power is single phase.
I am wondering if I should switch out the bandsaw motor to a single phase 3/4" hp motor, and use the Teco FM 50 for the planer, given that I have a used 3/4 hp 1 ph motor that came out of a Powermatic spindle sander on hand. This would obviously be cheaper than trying to buy a new/used 3 hp single phase motor.
(I don't plan on purchasing any more 3 phase equipment, as I run just a small 1 man hobby shop, so no need for a phase converter or more expense than necessary.)
What are your thoughts on this idea? And what type of switch would I need if I switch the VFD to the planer?