What I meant was all of BC - not just Victoria.
There seems to be a lot of confusion as to what "inverter duty really means". It seems that it does not actually mean it is VFD ready in many cases.
Inverter duty is under my "special circumstances" - through there are not that many differences from regular motor - it seems the main aspect is taking the heat at low RPM - whatever the method used to do so - usually heavy insulation.
For true VFD duty it should also have special bearings as well as provision for spikes in voltage as well as some other harmonics protections - depending on whom you ask.
There is also a torque curve difference.
I have few motors marked inverter duty - including my idler for RPC which also happens to be explosion proof. Not that I need it but that is what I got.
I guess the cheap skate in my would simply use over sized motor instead of inverter duty one and if I have to I would add a fan to keep it cool.... but now it is technically "inverter duty" & low efficiency motor
Another fun "duty" is compressor duty motor - this is a regular low efficiency motor - but since its illegal to sell these nowdays they are called "compressor duty". I have one that is rated continous duty & compressor duty that has efficiency of just .67 - I think 1950s are calling and want their motor back
Wow a 10k Hardinge? That sucker better be restored - then it actually would be cheap. I passed on one for 2k that sold few months ago - it was one of their first ones made. Price was OK but I didn't really need one plus after like 65 years it probably was in need of a $10000 refit - I briefly considered it for a CNC machine conversion.... but kits are so... expensive. These machines can be had cheap when they are in need of a restore - once restored they are expensive... you pay for precision that most of us don't need.