Electrical and Spindle Experts Help!!

[Luxury Architectural]

I am looking for a way to not use 220v and still equip my ShopBot Buddy with a spindle, I want to use 110v single phase and run a spindle. I found this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/260724520878?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

but I do not know if any 2.2 kw spindle would work with it?

Thanks!!!

[harold_weber]

The VFD you show will deliver 110V three phase, but I'm not aware of a 110 volt three phase router spindle.

[tlempicke]

I can see where you are coming from but try thinking about it this way.

A 2200 watt spindle is going to draw just about 20 amps at full chat. There fore you need at least a 30 amp circuit and 40 to 50 would be more like it.

Since all household appliances are limited to 1500 watts the largest circuit you are likely to find will be 20 amps. Usually anything larger will be a special or industrial installation.

Skimping on the copper is going to lead to voltage bounces and mysterious problems.

If you have in mess with the wiring anyway, just go to 220V and be done with it. Half of the amp load and I can tell you from my experience that the spindle/vfd will run just perfectly.

[gerryv]

Does that mean you simply don't want to be using 220v or maybe that your shop does not have 220v available to it?

If the former then maybe it's best to call some US based suppliers to discuss (without telling them what you're actually looking at on eBay) If the latter, then a 110v to 220v transformer installed before the VFD is easily done and not very expensive.

[michael_schwartz]

If your doing work that is serious enough to require a spindle you should really have adequate 240v service available in your shop. Even if this is only a hobby, or part time business.

If you really wanted to go ahead with something like this I would seek out the advice of ShopBot and or the supplier of the spindle regarding the compatibility of the VFD with the chosen spindle. I would only go ahead with this with their blessings. I would also make sure that this would not void any warrantees. You don't want to take any risks with this sort of equipment.

And one more thing. 99% of the electrical advice you read on the internet should be taken with a grain of salt.

[bleeth]

You need 220. Single phase is OK and to make 220 you simply wire the leads from 2 110 breakers. If all you have is 110 outlets then you need to create 220. If you are not comfortable doing this then you really need to hire an electrician. There is a manual for home wiring by Caldwell sold at Fine Woodworking and the part about wiring for stoves and dryers will give you the roadmap. If you do get into doing it yourself GET A VOLTMETER AND CHECK YOUR WORK BEFORE HOOKING UP TOOLS.
If the above feels intimidating the hire the electrician.
The most valuable thing in the world is to admit you don't know something or don't want to do it.

[bcondon]

Agree wth everyone that you NEED 220V

The biggest reason is that the lower the voltage, the more amperage (current) going across the cable. There s a voltage drop due to the amount of current and the resistance of the cable and the voltage drop is
expodential to the current.

It does not cost any more to run a device with 220 over 110. You pay be WATTS which is (current * voltage). If you are running a 2400 watt spindle, you either have (voltage = 120 * current = 20 amps) or
(Voltage = 240 * Current = 10 amps) but in the end, 2400 watts == 2400 watts.

The concept stated about that you may need a 30, 40 or 50 amps circuits is scarey and why fires start. You will need some extra current capacity over the 20 amps (if using 110 volts) because the starting current will exceed 20 amps for 3-5 seconds and then runs at nameplate ratings.

Eelectricians are your friend if you do not know or understand this. I would hate to see you zap a $5000 controller to say $50.

If your facility does not have 220V, then you facility is inadequate to be using this tool. A new 220V 200 amp installation is around 2500, 100Amp is $1800 which is a lot less than the tool.

[Gary Campbell]

RJ...
To answer your original question.... that VFD will work. However, you will have to find a 110V spindle. The 2.2 hp HSD that ShopBot sells is, I think, 240/480V 3ph and will not work with this VFD.

They (ShopBot) have a 110V spindle & VFD combo that is used on the Desktop, but I dont know if they sell them as an aftermarket part. If available, you would have to fabricate your own mounting plate, and wiring harness. As said above, if you are not knowledgeable in these areas it can get very expensive.