Wiring in for 220?

[machinistnoob]

Hello all, I'll keep this as brief as possible. I'll start with my appreciation in advance. Across every forum here, you guys are great!
I have an opportunity to aquire a massive lathe that is way out of my league. This thing is beautiful and i will not be abletouse it its fullpotential. Regardless, I want it. However, because of its size I think powering it is going to be a problem. The owner is selling it because he cannot get 480v to his shop. I will have the same problem. A transformer is $3k, so that's not an option for me now. Can this be configured to 240v? The pic are all the info I have right now. I could not gain access to the motor itself to get pics of it. Any ideas?
M. Noob

 

[WobblyHand]

I'll let the experts chime in, but in general you need to see the motor plate to tell what's possible.

 

[woodchucker]

Well if the previous owner cannot get 480,I would think he considered 220, but wasn't able

 

[mksj]

The transformer can be wired for 230VAC, but it depends on if the motor can be rewired for 230VAC, it should indicate on the motor plate. If the motor cannot be rewired, buying a replacement motor should not be very much. You would need to replace the overload relay, fusing to match the lower voltage setting and higher current. An alternative would be to use a VFD if you do not have a 3 phase source. A step up transformer can be had for a lot less, but at the end of the day it would be more practical to swap out the motor if the current one cannot be rewired for a lower voltage.

 

[matthewsx]

Pretty unlikely, but we need to see the motor to know. Swapping the motor would be an alternative if some standard frame size is used. Also, if you're out in the country you could possibly buy a military surplus generator with the required voltage.

John

 

[machinistnoob]

I will try and get access to motor plate. Thanks guys!

 

[FOMOGO]

Used three phase motors can be had pretty reasonably. Can't imagine it would be to hard to make up a mount if needed. Mike

 

[projectnut]

I'm betting the motor can be wired either 240 or 480. The limiting factor may be the amperage needed to power it. The KK series lathes could be purchased with anywhere from a 3hp to a 7 1/2 hp motor. The largest motor would require up to 25 amps on 240-volt 3 phase.

 

[Larry$]

For hobby use it is highly unlikely that you will need more than 3HP so a motor swap should work. You will need to change the fuses and overload relays to match the motor current. Used transformers are pretty widely available. My shop has 208V three phase. I have 4 machines running on higher voltages. Two @ 380V, two @ 460/480V. Motors generally tolerate up to a 10% variance. My electrician gave me a good sized transformer that he took out of a hospital remodel, I bought another for $300 used and got an equipment dealer to throw in one when I bought a used Austrian saw. It didn't come with an enclosure but there was room for it in the control cabinet. I just had to wire it and make a protective cover. 3 phase wiring is simple but 460V is lethal! Check with some used equipment dealers, including woodworking. Even a 7.5 hp motor won't take a very big transformer. If you don't have 3 phase then a VFD is the solution.

 

[Larry$]

The owner is selling it because he cannot get 480v to his shop.

This sounds strange to me. Used transformers are widely available!