Member postings for Hollowpoint

The inverter arrived this morning! Need a little help. I've wired the motor in Delta as below. I now have motor terminals A, B, C but the motor output terminals on the inverter are marked U, V, W can someone tell me which motor to connect to each inverter terminal please?

Great thanks that's very helpful!

Just need to figure out the motor connections now and then I'm sorted. Hopefully.

This is a diagram of the wiring I found. So assuming my switch is similar to the above. I just connect:

No.1 to terminal 3

No.2 to terminal C

No.3 to terminal A

??????

I understand the reversing switch just wires into the low power controls. It's the actual switch itself that looks a bit confusing (search santon rotary switch) I guess if I play around with a multimeter on the contacts I should be able to work it out?

I think I have the motor delta wiring worked out, there is a diagram on the inside of the cover plate.

That leaves me with the 3 motor input connections (and earth). On my motor these are marked A, B, C, N and all the wires are white. I'm not sure which way these need to be wired into the inverter output? They are marked U, V, W. And ground.

Well I've been on a researching binge and it doesn't look at all difficult so I've gone ahead and ordered an inverter! I went with the invertek optidrive e3. Looks simple, lots of instructional videos on YouTube, fairly inexpensive and it's made in UK! I just hope I haven't overlooked anything?

Motor: Brook Crompton, star or delta wiring, 3/4hp, 50hz, 2.4a, 1425rpm

Inverter: Invertek Optidrive E3 0.75kW 230V 1ph to 3ph

The only parts that looks tricky is the reversing switch, and I seem to have 3 white wires going into the motor? Not sure how I'm gonna know which is which?

OK that all sounds promising I've seen a few ready made remote pods for sale, are they all wired up the same and would these typically work with all inverters?

At some point I intend to purchase an inverter for my Boxford Lathe. Which is currently wired up with some home brew 3 phase thing which just doesn't cut the mustard. The problem is that I know practically nothing about electronics. I've been doing a bit of reading but I still have many questions.

How difficult are the inverter's to wire up and program?

Should an inverter be the same specs as your motor or be a bit bigger? ie 1hp motor 2hp inverter?

Can most or all inverters control speed and reverse from a remote pod?

Is there any brands to look out for? And any to avoid? (Anyone used invertek?)

Find a freindly scrapyard! They often have waste coming in from engineering company's. You can pick out some of the marked or stamped pieces if you wanna know what grades you're turning. They usually charge little over scrap price.

Edited By Hollowpoint on 08/03/2016 21:04:09

I would agree with John, go for one of the Kurt clone vices as above. I have one I'm happy with and yes the base can be removed. I got the 4 inch version from Axminster tools.

My take on things is to buy second hand stuff made in the UK, Europe or US if possible. If the cost is still prohibitive then start to look at the China stuff.

If you're clever about things you can buy the less critical stuff made in China and spend more on the things that need to be good quality. For example I absolutly won't buy Chinese made cutting tools! On the other hand something simple like a set of parallels go for it.

Edited By Hollowpoint on 07/03/2016 20:16:29

Might be worth taking a look at the new wedge style from arc euro. Similar to the piston style but the holders are pulled in to the dovetail rather than pushed out. It's not much more expensive either. I was tempted by this type but couldn't find a supplier in the UK for the larger size. I went with a Dixon clone in the end.

Think you answered your own question, go with the steel one. For the reasons you mentioned it should be more rigid all round.

Well the toolposts arrived today. Can't say I'm overly impressed. First thing I noticed was just how sharp some of the edges are! Whoever made it certainly doesn't own a deburring tool! Second thing I noticed is the boring holder doesn't match. Took the cams and pistons out and the machining is almost as bad as Nick's. All that said it does seem to work fine. I think I'll keep it. But I will be letting Chronos know about the odd holder.

Edited By Hollowpoint on 04/03/2016 20:07:47

Essentially the castings on the mk2 were beefed up, probably to make it more stiff.

I've ordered one, I'll try to get some photos to compare the quality. Fingers crossed it's a good one!

Definitely seems like the one Chronos sell is the better one. I might order one and find out. I can return it if it's junk.

Thanks. I don't plan on making the same mistakes again that's for sure!

Interesting, Soba stuff usually comes in blue boxes and the HBM one comes in a wooden box! At least I know which one I won't be buying.

Edited By Hollowpoint on 29/02/2016 21:37:47

Edited By Hollowpoint on 29/02/2016 21:38:13

Blimey! That does look poor maybe it's a good thing I'm miles away! Save me the frustration you had. I have to say, you have put me off slightly with those pics. I wonder if the 250-200 piston type would fit? And if its any better?