Fobco Star wiring switch help please

[MadhatterParticipant @madhatter]

Hello,

I have just manage to get myself a Fobco Star and am converting it back to 240V, however, I have been told that I can still use the original 6 spur switch for 240V but I am unsure which terminals to use, I have a couple of photos, on each side there is a bank of three terminals and they have been written on showing 1,2 and 3 and on the other side, A, B and C. Any advice welcome.

I shall wire up an NVR switch on the wall next to the machine but really wish to keep it original.

I am still looking for a suitable motor, the Crompton 3 phase unit looks almost like new so shall be selling this one on or exchange/swap.

Below is a link the the switch photos.

**LINK**

[MadhatterParticipant @madhatter]

[Brian WoodParticipant @brianwood45127]

Madhatter,

I suggest you try the old trick used on 3 phase contactors which uses all the ways.

Couple mains Live to 1 and A to motor. Couple mains Neutral to 2 and B to a link wire which is then coupled to 3 and take C to the motor.

If you have a test meter then check that through first, if not a batten lamp holder and wire to that as a load before transferring it all to the motor.

Brian

[MadhatterParticipant @madhatter]

Posted by Brian Wood on 27/08/2017 10:33:01:

Madhatter,

I suggest you try the old trick used on 3 phase contactors which uses all the ways.

Couple mains Live to 1 and A to motor. Couple mains Neutral to 2 and B to a link wire which is then coupled to 3 and take C to the motor.

If you have a test meter then check that through first, if not a batten lamp holder and wire to that as a load before transferring it all to the motor.

Brian

Many Thanks Brian,

I shall do this when I locate a single phase motor.

Best

Chris (Madhatter)

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

If you are thinking of buying a single phase motor, why don't you but a VFD instead? Probably no more expensive (on eBay) and will result in a much more versatile and quieter machine.

[Michael BriggsParticipant @michaelbriggs82422]

+1 John, I made a nice Fobco Star out of two donor machines. It has a three phase motor and a VFD, runs very smoothly and rarely needs the belt moving on the pulleys.

[MadhatterParticipant @madhatter]

I had contemplated this but I did not really wish to buy armoured cable and all that goes with it, I found VFD's around £130 + shipping for a decent one (though may be looking in the wrong place) and then the additional cost and messing about when I can buy a new Crompton motor for the same, £130-delivered.

[Ian PParticipant @ianp]

Posted by Madhatter on 01/09/2017 15:24:33:

I had contemplated this but I did not really wish to buy armoured cable and all that goes with it, I found VFD's around £130 + shipping for a decent one (though may be looking in the wrong place) and then the additional cost and messing about when I can buy a new Crompton motor for the same, £130-delivered.

Chris

New single phase motor or VFD? Its absolutely no contest!

Seriously do go the VFD route, you will not regret it. Even if it cost a bit more (which if it was my machine it would cost less) it is worth the premium.

As Michael said above. Its 10 years since I fitted a VFD to my Fobco and have never moved the belt since! That is spite of the fact that I use the machine for tapping M2 threads as well as drilling up to 16mm in steel (reduced shank drill) and also have deep counterbored holes 50mm diameter (with a sort of spigotted flycutter).

I mounted my VFD to one side of the motor so have no need of screened or armoured cable.

Ian P

[MadhatterParticipant @madhatter]

Posted by Brian Wood on 27/08/2017 10:33:01:

Madhatter,

I suggest you try the old trick used on 3 phase contactors which uses all the ways.

Couple mains Live to 1 and A to motor. Couple mains Neutral to 2 and B to a link wire which is then coupled to 3 and take C to the motor.

If you have a test meter then check that through first, if not a batten lamp holder and wire to that as a load before transferring it all to the motor.

Brian

I have decided to stay with my original plan and use a 240V motor which has arrived, I just wish to run through these connections again only where you say couple mains neutral to 2 and B, then link a wire over to 3, then take C to the motor, but I only have the three wires and two of those are earthed on the body.

[HillclimberParticipant @hillclimber]

Posted by Ian Phillips on 01/09/2017 16:21:08:

I mounted my VFD to one side of the motor so have no need of screened or armoured cable.

Ian P

Ian, any chance of a photo? I am about to do the same thing and would be interested to see how you manages the bracketry.

Cheers, Colin

[MadhatterParticipant @madhatter]

Posted by Madhatter on 07/09/2017 18:01:10:

Posted by Brian Wood on 27/08/2017 10:33:01:

Madhatter,

I suggest you try the old trick used on 3 phase contactors which uses all the ways.

Couple mains Live to 1 and A to motor. Couple mains Neutral to 2 and B to a link wire which is then coupled to 3 and take C to the motor.

If you have a test meter then check that through first, if not a batten lamp holder and wire to that as a load before transferring it all to the motor.

Brian

I have decided to stay with my original plan and use a 240V motor which has arrived, I just wish to run through these connections again only where you say couple mains neutral to 2 and B, then link a wire over to 3, then take C to the motor, but I only have the three wires and two of those are earthed on the body.

It's ok, I got it…finally! Thanks Brian, it works a treat!

[MadhatterParticipant @madhatter]

Now I shall rig it all up to an Nvc… photos of before and after coming very soon.

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