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Adding a VFD to a PDM-30 mill

Brian H

Brian H

Super User
SO, while I'm waiting for parts (not a good thing to sit idle, I come up with bizarre ideas) to put my mill back together I was pondering the advantages/disadvantages of adding a VFD for speed and forward/reverse control on my mill.

It is a PMD-30 with a 220v single phase motor. I am "electrically challenged" and know just enough to get myself in trouble...

Is this even possible? I like the idea of having a bit more speed control without constantly changing the belts, but, I'm not sure if this is even reasonable to consider. Having the ability to have forward/reverse would be awesome. (I did wire this into my mini-mill but am a bit daunted by the mass of electronics on the big mill).

Have any of you guys done this? What are the pros/cons? Any suggestions are welcome.
 
@David_R8 and I converted our RF30s to VFD. Love it, haven't changed a belt since. You're going to have to replace the single phase motor with a three phase motor. My upgrade didn't cost all that much. $50 for a used 2 HP 3 PH motor and $100 for an Amazon VFD.
 
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I think I'll put this on the back burner for a bit. I'm just not prepared to pull off a brand new motor and replace it right now...
 
YYCHM said:
@David_R8 and I converted our RF30s to VFD. Love it, haven't changed a belt since. You're going to have to replace the single phase motor with a three phase motor. My upgrade didn't cost all that much. $50 for a used 2 HP 3 PH motor and $100 for an Amazon VFD.
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I'm curious what rpm range do you have with one belt setting? I've flipped on my belt settings a couple of times but usually have about 1300 rom as max speed with out changing belt configuration.
 
DPittman said:
I've flipped on my belt settings a couple of times but usually have about 1300 rom as max speed with out changing belt configuration.
Click to expand...

About the same, 1250 RPM with the VFD limited to 90 hz max and the belts set mid range (700 RPM at 60 hz).
 
DPittman said:
I'll have to check on that, I could be wrong. I've switched my belts around recently and maybe I'm confused o_O
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Ya I was wrong (what's new?) The typical belt arrangement I've been using gives me a 254-1527 rpm range from 20hz tob120 hz. At 60 hz it is running about 765. That range seems to cover alot of what I do (so far).
 
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