Looking for Advise - I need to Buy a Phase Converter for my Bridgeport
 

I have an old Round Ram M-Head Bridgeport and I believe the motor on that head is 1/2 HP but it is 3-phase. I want to get a big enough phase converter however that will allow me to run a larger J-head if I was to add one to the opposite side of my turrent if I wanted to.

I had looked into this months ago but I got swamped with work and projects like setting up these websites so I never got my Milling machine running. I have all the rest of the tools I need now except for power... :eek:

Where is an affordable place to buy and would you suggest that the Rotary Phase converter is the best way to go? I rember that the basic options are the Static Converter, Roterary Converter or a third type but darned if I can recall what the other type was. I do recall that the last type allowed for varaible speeds better but it was also much more expensive...

Does anybody have any advise they can share?

I have absolutely no clue as to an answer.

But....you could check on this site. There are a lot of knowledgable guys over there:

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/cg...ultimatebb.cgi

KillJoy

I have a Bridgport ser 1 2J that I used a Varable frequency drive on it works great!! here a link to where I got mine. Hitachi SJ100 inverters are available at [URL=www.automationdirect.com]

Bill

QUARTERBORE NOTE: Fixed the link for you: www.automationdirect.com

Thanks guys... I will need some time to adsorb the info in this forum:

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/ub...?ubb=forum;f=3

Also, yes it was the VFD that was the third option that I remember people suggesting...

http://web5.automationdirect.com/adc...)/SJ100_-_230V

I will have to look at it more later...

I did a quick search and found this little VFD on .eBAY...


Variable Frequency Drive, VFD, 2 hp, Phase Converter

It is only $219 and 2HP should be fine for my little 0.5 HP M-head...

Does this look like a decent option or is this likely junk that I will regret buying?

I eneded up buying the unit linked above... I need to find some time to get a 220 line run to the mill and get this little box wired up but I have had some solid feedback on this unit!

I know it's a little too late to mention this now, but I will anyways. I have a little 1-3hp static phase converter that works absolutely fine for my DoAll bandsaw, Clausing H mill, and once I get the J head BP wired up it'll work fine for it. I am however, going to be picking up a 15hp rotary converter from someone I know because I will eventually get a lathe and it'll likely need all the grunt I can throw at it. That is the ONLY reason I say to get a larger capacity one......because you may need it if you buy larger equipment.
For what you have and plan to do, yours is more than ample. When I was looking at the VFD's, I wasn't needing anything like that and it was a bit more expensive and unecessary IMO. I'd say you are in good shape though if you don't ever need anymore juice.

Thanks for the advise anyways....

Sad, I have the Bridgport all set in place, all the handles, collets, endmills, and now the VFD... and I have no time to run a 220-line and get it all hooked up... Man do I need to cut back on work some... Add to that that the wife wanted the Deck built this spring and now summer and I lost a few more weekends...

Still, there are so many small parts that can be made with a milling machine that I am really quite anxious to fire her up... I even found a local tech school that has a machinist program and I am thinking about taking some classes if they will let me in... Too bad I have to travel with my work a good amount and I can never count on getting out of work... :bangin:

I recently bought a Bridgeport 2J and had the same problem. A local precision service company recommended the converter currently on sale at Enco (use-enco.com) for about $127. Works wonderfully.

However is you want a silent converter, you'll need to spend over $350 for a digital model.

Phase Converter
 

I have a Acer mill with Variable speed and 3hp motor that has run
many years with no problems from a converter I purchased from
Enco, I opted for the heavy duty model.