Austrailian 3-phase?

[72sporty]

Does anyone have any info on what is called around here an "austrailian 3-phase" set-up. The process involves running 240 single phase through an old 3-phase motor, so as, the 3phs. motor generates the third leg. You use a 110 "pony motor" (v-belts connecting), to get the 3phs. motor spinning. I have an old drill press I plan on powering in this fashion. I trust the old machinist I bought it from to get me up and running in this fashion, and I also know of a local machine shop that powers all there machines like this. I was just wondering if anyone had any additional info, such as 3-phase motor sizes, and apprx. amps that are acheivable. If this makes sense to you, you are probably the person I need to talk to. Thank You Adam

[PAToyota]

Check out Lindsay Books:
http://lindsaybks.com/

They have a couple books on the very subject. You can do this sort of thing for a three phase motor, but you lose efficiency. Should be ok for a drill press unless you are doing really heavy work and need a lot of torque. This setup does not work for a three phase welder.

[72sporty]

Hey,thanks for the info. It looks like they have alot of interesting books.

[PAToyota]

Definitely a good source of information. I add a few of the books to my library each year. :) Was recently able to help a guy re-babbit his bearings after he was complaining that nobody knew how to do that anymore!

[enlpck]

Does anyone have any info on what is called around here an "austrailian 3-phase" set-up. The process involves running 240 single phase through an old 3-phase motor, so as, the 3phs. motor generates the third leg. You use a 110 "pony motor" (v-belts connecting), to get the 3phs. motor spinning. I have an old drill press I plan on powering in this fashion. I trust the old machinist I bought it from to get me up and running in this fashion, and I also know of a local machine shop that powers all there machines like this. I was just wondering if anyone had any additional info, such as 3-phase motor sizes, and apprx. amps that are acheivable. If this makes sense to you, you are probably the person I need to talk to. Thank You Adam

Common name: phase converter.

You can start with a pony motor, a pull rope (I know several people that do this) a capacitor starting network, etc. The generated leg will need balancing with capacitors to keep the wave form stable and control the voltage. This is load dependant.

[kevbo]

Several articals here:

http://www.metalwebnews.com/msc.html

Also, If you have a EE degree, look for old usenet postings by Fitch Williams in
rec.crafts.metalworking. For extensive theory of operation and performance analysis.

[72sporty]

Thanxs for the web address. That is EXACTLY what I was looking for! :) :waving:

[JimK]

Does anyone have any info on what is called around here an "austrailian 3-phase" set-up. The process involves running 240 single phase through an old 3-phase motor, so as, the 3phs. motor generates the third leg. You use a 110 "pony motor" (v-belts connecting), to get the 3phs. motor spinning. I have an old drill press I plan on powering in this fashion. I trust the old machinist I bought it from to get me up and running in this fashion, and I also know of a local machine shop that powers all there machines like this. I was just wondering if anyone had any additional info, such as 3-phase motor sizes, and apprx. amps that are acheivable. If this makes sense to you, you are probably the person I need to talk to. Thank You Adam Adam that is no problem , my father uses that system to power his three phase macines. The machine or 3 phase motor, idler motor , needs to be 1750 or slower as it is easer to bring into step. I will find the web sight to have all of the Data www.frugalmachinist.com/rpc.html
good luck and if you need more info pm me JimK

[72sporty]

JimK, Thanks for the Link! This is exactly the type info I'm looking for! ADAM