forward/reverse switch from a forward only switch

Have an Alpine major 1982, would like to convert it from a forward only to a forward and reverse switch, can this be done

Mill? Lathe? Drill? Type of motor? Tell us more, post some photos.

Not all single phase electric motors have the wiring compatible with reversal. If its 3 phase, then a VFD would be the simplest solution.

Do a search on this site.

Lots of previous posts about reversing switches and motors

If single phase Check the connection box to check both windings are brought to the terminal connections before buying a suitable switch.

If it is 3 phase best to get a FWD/OFF/REV switch suitably rated for the motor current, best to only use the switch with the motor stopped.

Emgee

In what world is fitting a VFD simpler than a two pole changeover switch to swap two phases?

Robert G8RPI.

There are numerous switches that will do this, Dewhurst and santon, Etc Will work on single and 3Ph. If you know HOW to wire it ! Noel

Probably easiest if you can post a picture of the inside of the motor terminal box showing how the 'outside' connections meet the internal ones..

Very much in agreement with Robert, here. Old mart’s wording would have been better to say that a VFD, while (perhaps) a little more expensive might be a better solution.

A VFD would be my choice, simply for the added programmable features - such as soft start, easy remote operation additions, etc.

Until we know the motor type, we are all guessing.

does this help

Alpine Major, eh? That will be a Sunbeam Alpine with a Fordson Major engine, I guess?

Tim

That tells our age

Single phase ! Could be cap start , cap run. Is there a wiring diagram on the lid of the terminal block ? I can't make much out on the spec plate or from the jumble of wires in the junction box. IF there are 4 wires coming out of the rubber grommet then it should be easy once you identify the start and run windings. Are there any letters or numbers on the grommet beside the wires ?

Tim . the major engine will be toooo heavy on the front end, just buy a tiger and be done with it ! Noel.

No diagram on the inside of the lid, no letters or numbers on the grommet beside the wires, will be checking the number of wires from the motor to the terminal block

You would need 2 fuel tanks if the Fordson Major engine was used and be prepared for a reduction in power.

In reply to my expensive VFD suggestion, I was unaware of a cheap solution to reversing 3 phase motors, having seen the Smart & Brown wiring diagrams.

Diagrams of the connection box to help. and motor labal info

Interesting! The circuit diagram seems to show the two "PODs" in parallel. I assume that those are the silver tubular things at top and bottom of the junction box? That would imply that terminals 1 and 2 are the start (/run) winding (since the two caps are in parallel one of them doesn't seem to get switched out of circuit). So to reverse the motor you just swap over the wires to terms 1 and 2 which will reverse its phase relative to the main winding and so reverse the motor. You could do that with a two-pole double throw changeover switch as shown here making sure that you use a switch rated for mains voltage and current. Even better would be a proper motor changeover switch - like the one I flogged in eBay a few weeks ago!

open it up

try to wire and run it in reverse, use a RCD to do this

if it runs happily in reverse then you need a reversing switch, I might be a bit of a bodger boy but I would 100% recommend a proper one which are 20-50 quid

edit

Do you need a everse function on a mill?

Its very useful on a lathe