Craftex cx630 mill

[slow-poke]

There are a few ways. Probably easiest is get a replacement 240 motor. Or a 220 3 phase motor and use a vfd to get 3 phase. Or buy a 575 volt single phase to 3 phase VFD and a 240 volt to 575 volt step up transformer.

I swapped the 600V motor on my mill to 240V - 3PH and picked up a used eBay VFD, that was years ago and it works like a charm. Seems like the prices on the used industrial type 600V mills are considerably lower than the 120/240V hobby mills. I paid $500Cdn with tooling the motor and VFD cost me $200. I was able to sell the original motor on Kijiji.

 

[Mcgyver]

Take your time and think this through. There are lots of options. You don't need to decide on the basis of a few questions.

Dont be afraid of 3phase. Most of us only have single phase supply - I'm one of them. And many of us have 3phase equipment - again I'm one of them.

It isn't as hard as it seems on first blush. If you can rebuild an engine, you can deal with the 3ph power issue no sweat. You have a whole forum here who can both attest to that and help you through it.

FWIW, I am now at the point where I actually prefer a 3ph motor over a single phase one. I'm not the only member who feels that way.

Perfect.

I'd add that swapping motors is one option, but wouldn't necessarily be my first choice. All you really need is to transform 240 1P to 600 1P then into the VFD. Autotransformers are usually available on kijiji for small dollars. Its just keeps what is likely a good quality motor in place and often on machines the motor isn't a standard NEMA frame that can be easily swapped out. The disadvantage though is there are not cheap 600V VFD's

Anyway, you made what are imo the two most important points. 1) 3P went from being a mountain to climb to a mole hill with cheap VFD's, and 2) there are several ways to come at it so don't rush to a solution.

FWIW, I am now at the point where I actually prefer a 3ph motor over a single phase one.

Agreed, for the last three motors I bought, starting from scratch, could have gone any route, I went VFD + 3P.

The last few days though I've been trying to screw up the courage (It almost causes me physical pain spending that much money lol) to pull the trigger on a servo and controller. THAT is the ultimate solution.