Lee

I would go the inverter route every time and not even think about swapping motors. If the 'inverter' is a VFD (which it should be for over £100) you will not regret it. OK its a lump to fork out but you will forget the cost once you use it.

I have no shaper experience since school metalwork but I would think its one machine that would really benefit from variable speed. There are numerous other advantages with a VFD like really slow speed (with very little torque) which is ideal for checking the setup. With a normal contactor its all or nothing whereas a VFD can be set to have gentle acceleration etc.

I have VFD on most of my motors (including the usual lathe, Mill, linisher, pillar drill etc), most have come from eBay and none cost me more than £35.

Ian P

Hi Lee,

One thing to be aware of is motor speed. I have an Elliot 10M, and the 3 Phase motor is 6 Pole, meaning it runs at around 900 RPM. Usually 1 phase motors are 4 Pole – 1425 rpm approx. If you go for a straight motor swap with one of these, your ram speeds will increase accordingly, if you do not adjust the pulley sizes.

I ended up leaving my original motor and running mine from a rotary converter – a bit noisier, but all runs fine.

Good Luck,

James

Hi Lee,

Also, if you send me your email address on a PM, I have a PDF manual for the 10M I can send you if you need one.

James

Lee,

Keep the 3 phase motor and get an inverter. Talk to:

Gavin Oseman
Malvern
WR14
UK
01684 574966
[email protected]

He supplies used inverters from quality manufactures at sensible prices.

I have not used his services personally but I have friends who are very satisfied with his services.

Eric

Before buying an inverter make sure that the motor can be converted from star (415 V) to delta (240 V). Inverters that produce 415 V are significantly more expensive. I have fitted inverters and new three phase motors to my lathe and my mill with new Marelli motors from Drives Direct. The motors are designed for use with inverters and have more cooling than usual so that they can run continuously at low speeds. I don't know if you will be running the shaper much at low speed but it's something else to think about.

Russell.

Lee

There is no 'exactly which one to buy'. There are dozens at least of VFDs that could be used. One of the replies suggested Gavin Oseman and although I have only ever seen his adverts I think he is knowledgeable and his prices look good so unless you know much about the subject I would give him a call.

Ian P

Ady1,
I have read somewhere that older motors were more heavily built with a certain type of insulation and could run cool for hours and modern motors lightly built get very hot and have a different type of insulation which will withstand the heat. They are supposed to be dsigned to run at a high temp.
John.

Dual voltage (220/415v) motors should have a junction box on them which may if you're lucky have a wiring diagram in it, you will have to open the junction box cover and alter the "links" (brass strips with a hole either end) motors will vary by manufacturer but typically should look something like this

Example of a STAR Mode (415V) Connection

Example of a DELTA (220V) Mode Connection

Paul

Lee,

Yes it is that simple – one of the benefits of a dual voltage 3 phase motor. Another benefit is ease of reversing the direction of rotation by just interchanging any two of the incoming power wires (not necessary when using an inverter which will have a built in F/R switching facility).

Some older fractional horse power 3 phase motors that do not require star /delta starting are often connected in star only (400 v). The only option with this type is to dismantle the motor, dig out the star point and rewire the motor in delta. This is best left to a motor repair specialist.

Eric