PM 1236 VFD setup question

outsider347

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Thinking about a VFD setup for my 1236

Cost, of course is a big factor

Wondering if anyone that has made the upgrade can give me an idea what the cost will be.

I understand the operational benefits of this setup.

Tks for your responses Gents

ed
 
MKSJ has some good posts on here about just what you want to do.
 
One example thread by mksj. A good read.

Hitachi VFD upgrade for PM lathe

The cost depends on many factors, new vs used 3 phase motor, the VFD model, how much of the controls do you want to replace vs using the keypad on the VFD, whether you want to add a brake. Just some examples of the choices.
 
Here are the numbers from when I did mine. I did not go the route of relays--my machine was pretty new, & the contactors seem to function quite well.
As mentioned above, MKSJ provided me with some hand-holding along the way--He knows his stuff!!
Here is a link to the thread I started about Surface Finish, & evolved into the VFD install. It is pretty long.

https://www.hobby-machinist.com/thr...6-long-post-kb-electronics-vfd-install.49178/


So, here is the breakdown of costs for this project:

Leeson 3 phase motor (192205.30)---------$213
KB Electronics VFD (inc shipping)----------- 269
KB Electronics IODA Board (required)------ 75
9 conductor shielded cable-------------------- 20
Power cable-------------------------------------- 23
Speed control pot + knob---------------------- 6
Aluminum (VFD mounting bracket)--------- 18
__________________________________
Total-----------------------------------------------$624

Best to you
Jerry in Delaware
 
Here are the numbers from when I did mine. I did not go the route of relays--my machine was pretty new, & the contactors seem to function quite well.
As mentioned above, MKSJ provided me with some hand-holding along the way--He knows his stuff!!
Here is a link to the thread I started about Surface Finish, & evolved into the VFD install. It is pretty long.

https://www.hobby-machinist.com/thr...6-long-post-kb-electronics-vfd-install.49178/


So, here is the breakdown of costs for this project:

Leeson 3 phase motor (192205.30)---------$213
KB Electronics VFD (inc shipping)----------- 269
KB Electronics IODA Board (required)------ 75
9 conductor shielded cable-------------------- 20
Power cable-------------------------------------- 23
Speed control pot + knob---------------------- 6
Aluminum (VFD mounting bracket)--------- 18
__________________________________
Total-----------------------------------------------$624

Best to you
Jerry in Delaware

FWIW, I've been running my PM1236 with the same Leeson motor listed above along with a Huang-Yang (sp?) cheapo VFD since 2012. The VFD frequency is limited between 40 and 65 Hz. The VFD is set for a 1.5 second ramp up and coast stop. The system has been flawless these last 6 years.

I believe I documented the process here but have no idea where that thread is anymore.

Ray
 
It kind of depends on a couple factors. Motor size being first. That dictates your ballpark on vfd prices.
I don’t see why you need a operator control panel from the vfd manufacturer? Once you wire your on/off,fwd/rev,jog if you’d like,and a potentiometer you don’t need to touch the vfd except to program. Waste
So you would need a 3p motor. See them all day on c.l. Brand new ? 250
Vfd mine is a teco Westinghouse which I would highly recommend to anyone. Goes from 0-120hz if I remember correctly. Only have mine going to 85hz which was recommended by tech as a “safe limit”. Great instructions. I’ve installed 3 haven’t had a glitch of problem going on 6yrs. Tech was American spoke English and found my fault the first time in minutes. For a 3hp vfd was 250-275.
Switches you can reuse your original in their original spot. Pot switch 5 bucks
Shielded wire I had but cheap maybe 10-15 dollars.
All in I would say 6-7 hundred. All I had to buy was a vfd and some fuses for vfd. If your interested I have ALOT of din mount fuse holders for a mini fuse. I use them on all my circuits they are nice a compact has a light on block to indicate blown fuse. I purchased like 50 from a auction and I don’t think I’ll be needing all so I’ll give for a bargain. I’ll throw in fuses if I have your size needed. image.jpg
 
Thinking about a VFD setup for my 1236

Cost, of course is a big factor

Wondering if anyone that has made the upgrade can give me an idea what the cost will be.

I understand the operational benefits of this setup.

Tks for your responses Gents

ed


The cost will depend a few things,
If you use the lower cabinet to house your VFD then that saves a few $$ ($100 - $120)
If you need to buy a new 3 phase motor that could be $300 -$400, try Matt at QMT he maybe able to supply one for you.
Matt also sells the Hitachi VFD's I believe the they are about $300 ish for the 2HP lathes.
Misc, switches, fuses and wire etc. $100 -$200.
So expect to spend a minimum of $500 and as much as $900 depending on how creative you are.

It's a big learning curve and it's really satisfying once complete but it is not something quick or easy and I've only just finished my Mill which was a piece of cake compared to the lathe conversion which I'll start in a few weeks.

Good luck.

David
 
It's a big learning curve and it's really satisfying once complete but it is not something quick or easy and I've only just finished my Mill which was a piece of cake compared to the lathe conversion which I'll start in a few weeks.

Good luck.

David
What enclosure did you use for the mill?
 
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