[TheForge] three phase converters, etc.

[theforge@mailman.qth.net]

I sold my last fancy converter years ago and now just have a big 1940's 
vintage 5 hp motor that I have bolted casters to.   I start it by 
spinning the sheave on it with my foot.   I keep meaning to add a pony 
motor to it like you, but there is always something more important.  I 
even have a set of vintage ammeters I was going to install on it to 
monitor current with a bank of switchable capacitors.  Right now, I roll 
it next to the machine I need to run, spin it up and plug it in and 
start making chips.   Fact is, you could directly hook  your machine to 
single phase if you had a way to start it spinning and it would run, it 
just wouldn't develop the same power.  My intent on this list was not to 
complicate, but to educate.  



Fnanvil@aol.com wrote:

>I set up my three phase system over 15 years ago in my woodworking shop.  I 
>use a 10 hp motor for the converter, starting it with a 1/4 hp motor on a 
>hinged setup.  I start the small motor, then engage the big motor with a v-belt 
>drive.  Usually I let it spin for about a minute to warm up the bearings, then 
>power up the converter motor, and turn off the small motor and disengage the 
>belt.  I have run a 20 inch surfacer, with a 7 1/2 main motor and a 1 hp drive 
>roller motor.  I have about 10 three phase machines in the shop.  I have never 
>had the need to run more than one at a time, but I am sure I can.  No harm has 
>come to any of the machines after a decade of running this way.  I have never 
>tested the voltage.  All I care is that they turn on and run.  I run the three 
>phase current through an old three phase panel, acting as a distribution 
>network.
>
>Josh Kavett
>Fisher & Norris Factory Museum
>
>  
>