Hi Robin.

I have owned a Warco VMC mill for around 17 years now, mine is a Taiwanese made version from 1997. A few years ago I fitted a used 1 HP Brooke Crompton three phase motor that I reconditioned, plus a new Inverter and Pendant control from Power Capacitors. The 1 HP motor has always been more than enough for this mill. The original single phase motor fitted was also 1 HP. I think current versions have a more powerful motor fitted.

It was a fairly easy, straightforward job that I should have done a lot earlier. It has transformed the machine from a bit of a vibrating rattler into a smooth and quiet machine tool with excellent speed control.

I have always liked the VMC type turret milling machines, probably why I have still got it after all these years. The current Chinese made VMC mills are a little heavier built than my Taiwanese made version, but are otherwise just about identical and are a good choice for the home workshop whether from Warco or the 626 from Chester.

Edited By Lathejack on 18/08/2015 23:56:02

Edited By Lathejack on 18/08/2015 23:59:06

Edited By Lathejack on 19/08/2015 00:00:07

Hardly any faff at all Robin.

The single phase motor fitted will be a modern metric framed motor and there will be a directly interchangeable unit in the same frame size. Often possible to get one slightly bigger in power but same frame size.

Biggest choice then is whether to mount the inverter in a prominent position and used the controls on that or mount it remote and use a pendant.

Personally I think that depends on the make of inverter, whether it has a pot for speed control or arrow buttons. I find the arrow type inverters to be fiddly.