[TheForge] VFD Motor Control (was Hydraulic Press)

[Ed Fasula]

I'm going hog wild here building a hydraulic press after getting a 6" x 24" 
cylinder and reservoir for peanuts.  I came across something today that I 
think is worth sending up the flagpole to see if anyone salutes...

I set out to use a variable speed drive shiv to step a 5 hp 1800 rpm motor 
to 3600 for running the cylinder fast - like to retract it for the 
day.  And also because I got a 5" x 32" cylinder I can use for a log 
splitter if I run the lines into the forge with quick connects...  $275 for 
a 220 5 hp motor plus about $130 for the shiv and jack shaft.

Well the local motor supply & repair shop says I can use a variable 
frequency drive  (VFD) to take 220 single phase and run a 3 hp 1800 rpm 
motor at 1800 or 3600 rpm  (or anywhere in-between) to get the same torque 
as a 5 hp 3600 rpm motor.  He wants $360 for the VFD which is cheaper than 
anyone else I have found, and he guarantees that it will work for my 
application.  And ya'll know 3-phase motors are scroungeable.


Thoughts?

Ed


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