1340GT decision

Aukai said:

Perfect, thank you for the clarification on which VFD to use, now I am looking at the wiring and it gave me the vapors, with all due respect, it's not going to be me. I would rather manage a traffic accident with 7-10 injured, and fatalities before I do that. I've gone back, and looked 3-4 times now, and it's not helping....

Click to expand...

LOL! I can so relate to this! I might even have used the same analogy. But remember, it's only because that's what you are familiar with and know the basic processes for managing trauma. Working on electrical is no harder - just different. That said, in Mksj hinted that you could have someone do this for you...

"....if you do not understand or cannot test the system, then have a system built for you and have an electrician work with the high voltage wiring."

Mksj, how much does having such a system built for you generally cost?

If one decides to do a basic install system, you only need to do the VFD enclosure, so as a minimum you need an electrical enclosure, VFD, braking resistor, main power disconnect, wiring and some misc. parts which total to around $500. This is outlined in the recommended enclosure build list I have posted. The wiring changes at the lathe control board are outlined in detail in the document provided, basically removing the high voltage wires to the contactors and reconnecting them to the low voltage VFD control inputs. If you are uncomfortable with the electrical get a friend who is and/or an electrician to do the wiring and VFD programming. I figure 2-3 hours of time, if that. Maybe some day QMT will offer a simple VFD package, but I have helped 100's of people with various VFD installs and everyone has been able to do it. That being said, lathes, mills, etc. can be purchased with the VFD installed and/or full blown CNC. The PM-1440BV can be purchased at close to the cost of the 1340GT plus the cost of a basic VFD system. A number of people have gone this route, and have been happy with the lathe. You can also get it with the DRO as part of the package.

I also practiced medicine for 35+ years, and I learned how to do these installs knowing nothing about VFD's. My first VFD build was on my 1340GT took about 3 months to figure out the design, test and figure out the programming. The first 2 months was procrastination as to what to do, there was no information on the web or from QMT at the time. Doing a poor install job and not giving adequate concern for safety and interlock redundancy (what ifs) is a big gripe of mine with individuals that say it won't happen to me. Not understanding what your doing is just as dangerous, whatever the task.

As a hobbyist in the last 12 years I have done quite a few VFD system builds for various machines, but for the 1340GT I only do complete replacement control systems and rarely full system turnkey enclosures. These are primarily designed around the use of a proximity stop control system with 2-3 levels of safety redundancy and all the bells/whistles. Everything electrical is replaced, switch gear, front panel and all the cabling, additional items are spec'd out on the build list. Takes several weeks, cost various by design features and component build list. I do not do this as a business, I make more in 1 hour of medical consulting then one of these systems, so a real PTA. Since shipping has gotten prohibitively expensive turnkey systems are completely individualized primarily for local pickup.

Glad to see career medical people here, and there seems to be a few. I must be in the right hobby. Now you have me walking in circles talking to myself with a tape measure. The electrical simplification is a no brainer for the 1440. The 1340, is 70" foot print, the 1440 is 72" that is the straw that broke the camels back. My 1228 is 59"

You can’t push the extra 2”? That’s so close

I can power the 1340 3PH, no VFD for now, and keep my foot print. I am heavily encroaching on my wife's clothes line. She's dealing with it, sorta...
If I rearrange my layout, there is one orientation I think will work, but if I miscalculate things will get tricky. I have a mechanics cart, a 211 MIG, and a Syncrowave 250 TIG that need to park. My working floor space is 8' x 11', cabinets on one wall, closets on the other wall, and I still need walk through space past the cabinets, and the closets which need access too, with enough room if I need to carry something. If I was pouring rice in a bag it would fit, cumbersome stuff is a little harder. Then what are the pros, and cons for each machine, 3ph vs 1ph vfd, do I give up a Taiwan machine? I'm not real happy with that thought. Thank you guys for letting me type this out, so I can see what I'm thinking. Input is appreciated.

You know I got it figured out for you. Just send me the syncrowave 250 since that thing is huge and buy yourself a nice new compact dynasty280.

.........

I'm working on the VFD with the electrician....

The electrician will do the RPC for the saw, and do the VFD, and add another 220 line to power them. I have to go back and see what PDFs are relevant to the parts, and enclosures, the ones listed have to be downloaded to view, I have till Dec to get that up, and running. I'll start with the VFD listed

If you don't mind my asking, how much is he going to charge to do all that?