Alternative to large 3 phase converter box.

[woodman-46]

Hello,
I'm looking to buy a woodworking machine that comes in both three phase and single phase

The one I am looking at is three phase
( secondhand) and comes with large converter box as per photo. I don't want such a a large unit , is it possible to run this machine using another method ? My fusebox in the workshop says total ampage used at any time shouldn't exceed 100amps.
Thanks in advance
James

 

[flameport]

Change the motor to a single phase one.
May be possible to run the 3 phase motor from a VFD instead of that rotary converter.

However all depends on the power required for the device. Your workshop may not have a 100A supply.

 

[ericmark]

Using 3 phase motors with inverters allows a more controlled start, many motors are star 400 volt delta 230 volt, but much depends on the machine, if the motor can have a slow start.

But the costs have changed, drives were coming down in price, so not a clue what they cost now.

 

[woodman-46]

Thank you both for your responses.

 

[Ragnar_AT]

It‘s not exactly my main field of expertise (more of a house basher myself) but I‘ve read that older (pre-2000s) motors can be damaged by running them off of a VFD. Something about the insulation needing to withstand higher voltage spikes.