First, thanks for the millions of resources on this forum. I've learned a lot.

Now my question: Attached is a picture of a lathe I'm considering. It's a standard four speed Rockwell/Delta 46-200 series (no Reeves -- just a set of stepped pulleys) with a three phase motor. Came out of a cabinet shop. Yes, I know -- too many tailstocks. I'll be selling at least one of those.

There's an electrical box underneath the bed, mounted to the base, that has me a curious. Is that a variable frequency drive? When I do go inspect the lathe, how can I figure out what that box is? I've only read about VFDs, and never seen one "in the wild." If it's not a VFD, what else could it be?

rockwell.jpg

I have about a million questions about these VFDs. Can they only be used on 3 phase motors? Do they convert 3 phase into single phase? I only have single phase in my garage...