VFD or Phase Converter for 3 phase jointer planer combo?

[roger wiegand]

When I researched this for my MiniMax J/P I found that there was enough concern expressed about the electronics working properly with a VFD that I went with a RPC. Aside from being annoyingly loud the American Rotary model I got has been perfect. They were great to work with. The model they recommended for my 7.5 hp machine has a 20hp idler motor and required a 60A breaker, so that's a consideration if you're light on power.

[Jim Becker]

Erik has already stated that using a VFD isn't in the cards for this Felder Machine. He knows the product, having sold many of them.

[Christopher Charles]

I researched a similar question for a minimax J/P with similar specs but with no electronic controls before finding a used single phase machine. Jack Fosberg quoted ~$1200 for the two VFDs needed to run the main motor and feed motor for the 16" minimax. After much research and hand-wringing, my conclusion was that VFDs make sense for smaller single motor machines (like drill presses). I would look into the phase perfect, which is about $1,800, but is quiet if you can afford.

[Warren Lake]

my 10Hp roto was over 2,000.00 probably 30 plus years ago.

[Kevin Jenness]

I have about $600 in a used 10hp 3 phase motor and distribution panel and a starter panel from WNY supply. That setup supplies a 5 hp planer and compressor and a 6+ hp slide saw. Vfds make more sense for smaller motors that need speed control. I have them on an exhaust fan, edge sander and lathe, all 3 hp or less.

[ray grundhoefer]

A vfd can control 2 motors at the same time but they both have to start and stop at the same time. Also electronic controls of any kind are a BIG NONO, motors only

I also would not recommend downsizing a vfd or phase convertor. I have seen people argue this point on here many times however as an electrician for 45 years I can tell you devices have a horsepower and amperage for a reason

[Warren Lake]

depends who builds the roto. Always read 20 HP roto for a 10 HP motor, not true depends on the manufacturer of the roto and what they have put in it.

[Rod Sheridan]

Erik has already stated that using a VFD isn't in the cards for this Felder Machine. He knows the product, having sold many of them.

That’s not quite correct Jim.

I recently helped an American user with a new AD941.

I helped him convert the machine to a VFD, what you do is continue to run all the control and electronics from the single phase input.

The VFD is configured to run the machine motor, accepting the run signal from the existing motor contactor.

It keeps all the safety and stop start functions from the existing machine.

Regards, Rod.

[Mike King]

That’s not quite correct Jim.

I recently helped an American user with a new AD941.

I helped him convert the machine to a VFD, what you do is continue to run all the control and electronics from the single phase input.

The VFD is configured to run the machine motor, accepting the run signal from the existing motor contactor.

It keeps all the safety and stop start functions from the existing machine.

Regards, Rod.

Good luck on getting tech support for that from Felder.

Mike

[Jeff Roltgen]

I am in the phase converter camp. VFD's are regularly spoken of lately as a substitute, presumably as a cheaper way to get the job done. If you know you will never buy another machine in this lifetime, okay, I get it, and I'd research the VFD option a bit.
Otherwise, I'm reinforcing a previous statement from another post - once you get that 3 phase issue resolved, a huge door opens for other machines of the grade you just purchased. Once you get a taste of that level of performance with this machine, you will want to stay at that level as more acquisitions come into view = more 3 phase gear.
Betting by the time you horse around with VFD's on 2 or more machines, you're not saving much over simply getting a robust phase convertor as a once and done solution.

I had to swap out an older rotary to digital when I got my Felder machine, as the rotary output was not within tolerances required by the new shaper, and no local electricians were trained/proficient at balancing the output to suit. This meant I could have fried it and had no warranty. This is not the time to be cheating and shortcutting the power delivery system when implementing modern equipment and all it's delicate intricacies. This ain't your grandpa's 2 wire table saw.

Bottom line: If you're likely to grow and continue upgrading your shop with machines of this caliber, the wisest step is to get the 3 phase issue covered now, albeit painful.