Wadkin Planer- 3 Phase to domestic

[Will_Price]

Hi guys

Ive been after a planer for a while and ive bought a Wadkin Planer on ebay it was a snap decision as it was about to end and i got it for a good price. The problem is its 3 Phase ( and bloody massive) . Ive heard about inverters, are they a pain? And are they expensive?
I was over the moon when I won it but now im thinking its going to be a pain!
Any suggestions?

Cheers

Will

 

[Togalosh]

Hello Will,

Apparently you can do it with capacitors.. some chap was on here a while back who was over the moon with getting it to work but I did not follow it up- he got the info from an electric motors book. You could also look to buy a single phase motor.

Togs

 

[Andy RV]

First question is whats the motor size and is it dual voltage, to determine look at the plate and it should say 415/240, if its single voltage than it will just list 415.

You got a number of options:
Static and Rotary converters, the latter being superior, however all it is from what I've gathered a static with a pilot electric motor attached to it conditioning the current. If you fancy a go a some electronic's these can be built and there are forums with loads of information on doing so: http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/transformers-phase-converters-vfd/

Digital Inverters, these are great, little digital boxes that give you a range of control options, variable speed, braking, ramp up and down times ect.
Mostly available in 240v 3 phase output however you can get some that give a 415v output but are more expensive if your motor is single voltage (Your motor can also be internally modified to allow use at 240v if it is single voltage, not a big job but you have to be careful)

Fit a single phase motor, I've done this in the past, it works but sometimes I look back after having to mess around with mounting plates and brackets and think I should of just bought a converter / inverter.

With all of these options the as the HP of the motor increases so does the price of the converter system. You may also need to upgrade your electrics to run what ever system you choose off, that could be with a 16a or 32a plug & breaker or a hardwired connection to a suitable breaker.

 

[G S Haydon]

Hi Will

A phase converter should work but get some advice from an electrician before making your purchase. Although it might cost more to have it set up by a pro at least you have some comeback and support.

I couple of guys near me used to run quite big machines on converters with no problems that i'm aware of.

Which model do you have?

 

[wallace]

I have loads of 3 phase machinery all ran from a transwave static converter. If your planning on getting more 3 phase stuff then a converter is a worthwhile purchase. Rotary ones being the better. Static ones reduce the power of the machine being ran. If your just going to have one machine then a digital phase converter would be good but the price is dependant on size of motor.
Mark