VMC mill 3-phase conversion.

[Robin GrahamParticipant @robingraham42208]

Hi. I am contemplating getting a VMC mill, and have been looking at Warco's offering. They don't stock a 3-phase version, and were unable to advise me as to whether I would be able to replace the single-phase motor supplied with a third-party 3-phase, to be run off an inverter. It must be possible of course, but I'm wondering if anyone out there has done this and how much faff it was?

Regards, Robin.

[Robin GrahamParticipant @robingraham42208]

[LathejackParticipant @lathejack]

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

[Clive FosterParticipant @clivefoster55965]

Content Delted as lathejack said it better and has experience with that machine.

Edited By Clive Foster on 19/08/2015 00:19:25

Edited By Clive Foster on 19/08/2015 00:20:26

[John Stevenson 1Participant @johnstevenson1]

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.

[Roger VaneParticipant @rogervane67137]

Hi Robin

When I bought my VMC I wanted a 3 phase / R8 / imperial machine which is not listed by Warco – they made a special order for me which took about 6 months or so to arrive, but well worth the wait. I then fitted an inverter and remote control station from Newton Tesla – a simple process using the wiring diagram supplied by NT.

If you decide to go this route then you will need to specify that the motor must be 240v – tell Warco that you will be fitting an inverter. This route saves you the cost of buying a 3 phase motor and also the job of swapping the motors over..

Regards, Roger

[Robin GrahamParticipant @robingraham42208]

Thanks for replies. I should have looked at the Warco website again before I posted – I've just been there and they are now listing Metric/R8/3-phase ex stock! Odd, it was only a month or so ago they told me they couldn't guarantee I'd be able to fit a 3-phase motor but they 'might' be able to make a special order, as they evidently did for Roger. Hmm, well, apologies for time-wasting .

Regards, Robin

[Mark P.Participant @markp]

Hi Robin,I asked about the 3 phase version with a view to running it with an inverter and was told that it was not suitable as it is a 400 volt motor. I bought the single phase R8 with fitted DRO and am very impressed with it. I will be doing an inverter/motor conversion to it soon.
Regards Mark P.

[Robin GrahamParticipant @robingraham42208]

Thanks Mark, that's useful info – I'd wrongly assumed that all modern three-phase motors of this sort of power would be dual voltage. Also perhaps explains why Warco said it would have to be a special order – though they might have been more explicit.

If I go this way I'll probably get a replacement motor as JohnS assures that the 1phase VMC motor, as supplied, will have a standard frame size. Don't understand why Warco couldn't have told me that.

Regards, Robin.

[Mark P.Participant @markp]

Hi Robin, I assume that they haven’t changed the spec of the 3 phase motor since I bought mine. Had it about 3 months. But I will be going to an inverter drive before long, I believe that the inverter supermarket (no conection) is the place to go, they seem to be reasonably priced.
Mark P.

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