- Joined
- Aug 19, 2013
- Messages
- 764
I totally agree with everything Jim presents here. I also have a variable head BP knockoff with a vfdA few random thoughts on VFD vs. RPC on a mill. I have both a VS head and a VFD, and for most operations have the VFD set to 60Hz and use the mechanical speed control.
Soft motor start vs. instant on. Less shock on the mechanical system
Controlled breaking/deceleration vs. coast to stop
Nice for drilling & tapping. Change the speed with a knob vs. crank speed down or or even go into back gear for tapping speed.
If converting to CNC, spindle speed can be controlled by the program vs. manual speed change.
In a CNC conversion, wiring is simplified for FOR/OFF/REV vs. rather complex and expensive contactor controls.
Motor overload protection vs. no overload protection on most mills.
Even if I had 3 phase power available, I would probably install a VFD on the mill just for convenience.
On a lathe, the VFD is less advantage, but all of the above applies. I am running a static phase converter on my lathe but have been thinking putting a VFD on it just to be able to fine tune the spindle speed between the geared speeds.
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& I wouldn't have it any other way.