18 Jun
2014
18 Jun
'14
9:08 p.m.
On 06/18/2014 05:39 PM, Paul Koning wrote:
Rotary converters are effective but pricy. Solid
state variable
frequency motor controllers (basic ones) are a lot more economical.
They will do for a few kW of 3-phase power. They will also serve if
you need a different frequency ? not usually a consideration but it
matters if you have an old Cyber, or possibly some military surplus
gear.
Home machinists often do a DIY by using some capacitors and a surplus
3-phase "idler" motor. I wouldn't give a plugged nickel for the phase
balance, but it works well enough for some motors. I have a friend who
runs his West Bend lathe that way.
See, for example:
http://www.nojolt.com/how-to-build-a-rotary-phase-converter.shtml
--Chuck