The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest phase converters?

I just bought a Hamilton lathe and I need to make a phase converter but I have never done this before. here is the info I have.
220 v 3 phase 3hp motor.

I have not hooked up my rotary phase converter, but in checking the different ones available on line, I found the wood working sites had the best information on them. It is best to purchase a rotary phase generator if you have the cash, otherwise the option I took is ok.

I purchased a phase converter that uses a 3 phase motor to convert single phase to three phase. make sure you size your three phase motor to a larger motor. I have a five horsepower load and I am using a seven and a half horsepower motor to turn it with my phase converter.

Using the type that I purchased will result in some imbalance, but since I am not going to be using my woodworking tools constantly, I chose this route over the much better rotary phase generator.

I built a pony start 5 hp for abut $30. Theirs plenty of info on the web for about any kind of converter you would want to build. The one I built will run my Bridgeport mill and a old 3 hp horizontal mill at the same time with ease. My biggest expense was wire and boxes old three phase motors can be had for scrap prices. Don't be tempted to use a static converter most gear head lathes without a clutch start realy hard.

For hobby use a static converter works just fine.

I would like to run the end mill and the lathe together