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I’m not sure, if I was to go with the first 2 digits on the serial number it would be 85 so 1985 possibly but is a wild guess. I will try to find out though.

Thanks Spectric. Digital converter sounds like an option along with the rotary converter with the slave motor. Both these options allow expansion albeit to a degree where I can link up more than one machine without further adaption to the machines or extra equipment to run them. I can only...

Thanks everyone for your advice. I think ruling out changing the motor etc is a good idea just now due to complications that will inevitably arise. I am keen to get the machine working as it originally would with full 3 phase power, not so bothered about the variable speed at this point in time...

Hi Deema. Thanks, I will check this out. Unfortunately I know nothing about motors, I took the end vent cap off the end of the motor yesterday to find a fan that is very clogged with dust. Presumably, I am looking in the wrong place and will check for another plate to remove today and see if I...

Thanks for your reply, I am sorry to hear that you are unwell and wish you all the best with any treatment you are getting. My mother has this year has beaten her cancer with immunotherapy while she was not expected to do so, it goes to show that no matter how bad things are, always stay...

Thanks, I’ll look into the 400v VFD. The motor seems quite old with imperial measurements. I’ll try to figure out it it’s wired for star or delta. I think it has to be delta for VFD’s but not sure.

Glad to see the Wadkin in my workshop now in one piece. Cable has been cut off due to damage but the rest of the machine looks good, if I am correct, the machine was built in 1960. A few pics below of the motor and the machine plate, also the motor plate which is difficult to read although most...

Thanks for this information. Is the control system for if I go down the VFD route? Is the control system separate to the machine or would it have to be fitted to the machine somehow?

Being able to reduce the inrush current would be a great thing, it is what is putting me off connecting it to the mains. Thanks for the advice.

That is not as expensive as I thought, it shows that I have no idea what I am looking for. Thanks for the info, I can run this by my sparky.

I really appreciate your help on this. I had no idea about the complications involved. I am starting to get an idea now.

Thanks I will try to find the motor frame number. I had a look at VFD, it is pricey.

Right. I noticed in the online manual there are 3 different motors, 6hp 3 phase, 5hp 3phase and 4hp single phase, which I am guessing is for smaller versions, mine is 18” planer with the 5hp 3phase. I could take a picture of the flange plate on Tuesday when it arrives.

Thanks Deema. How do I know what I am looking at, is there something I can compare with? I can google some pictures possibly.

Thanks, this is what I thought. I don’t have one ready, I would need to purchase one. I wasn’t sure what spec generator would be needed but I am guessing a 10kva one. The machine is 5hp possibly 3.7kw, it will be on the serial plate when the machine arrives on Tuesday. Once I can figure out what...

Yes, it is a 5hp motor too. I guess I can work out equipment spec needed from that, or a sparky can possibly. It will be the only 3 phase machine in my shop for now and only me in there using 1 at a time anyway. I’m just going to use it mainly to flatten out allot of kiln dried planks so if a...

The digital one sounds good although right now, it is the only 3 phase machine I will be using in the near future. I guess it might come down to expense. I am the only one working in there and only one machine is running at any one time, even if I did get more machines in future. I’m kind of...

Thanks for that. Yes I think that these old machines are built like tanks and are generally good for the job if looked after properly. I will check out inverters/converters.

I have managed to obtain this much needed planer thicknesser and know that I have the issue of not having 3 phase power. I am reaching out for some advice from people who may know these machines and what I would need to do. I would be happy to run the machine from a generator although not sure...