VFD for 5 hp??

[Mike Ruggeri]

I bought a 5hp 3phase bandsaw but only have single phase power. I've been looking at VFD's as an option to run it and can find cheaper ones up to 3hp (say $300) but have only been able to find really expensive ones rated for 5hp (more than double the price of a 3hp unit). Anybody know where I can find a VFD rated for 5hp at an attractive price???

Otherwise, I may be shopping for a new motor......

Thanks in advance.

Mike

[Rob Russell]

Upfortunately, 3HP is the largest I found that did single phase conversion at a reasonable price.

[Rick Lizek]

Is $430 too much???

[Mike Ruggeri]

Rick,

$430 is about $200 less than I have seen them. Where did you see one at that price?

Thanks

Mike

[John Fricke]

I just got a new Surplus center catalog in the mail. They have phase converters at a decent price. 3-5 hp for 198.95 item # 11-1878 and 8-12 hp for 319.95 item # 11-1879. Page 135 of catalog #282. they have a website surpluscenter.com

[Rod Sheridan]

Are you doing work of a scale that requires 5 HP?

Regards, Rod.

[Mike Ruggeri]

Rod,

5ph is probably more than I need. I could probably be fine with less hp.

M

[Jamie Buxton]

There is a different approach to making three-phase -- the static converter. It uses a capacitor to generate the third leg. It is less expensive than a full VFD. The knock on this technique is that you can't get the full power from the motor. But you say you don't need 5 hp on your saw anyhow...


For instance http://www.phase-a-matic.com/StaticModels&Prices.htm

[Rick Lizek]

Phase-a-matic prices are better through Enco.

[Rick Lizek]

Rick,

$430 is about $200 less than I have seen them. Where did you see one at that price?

Thanks

Mike

www.factorymation.com You would have to derate a larger VFD to run the 5 hp. It's a bit confusing as they list some of the VFD's and single phase input. On the larger ones they don't list that. I beleive you would need a 7.5 hp 3 phase input to work in your case. Have bought a number of their VFD's lately and they tech staff is great.