440v 3 phase in residential shop

[OutbackL130]

Just bought a scotchman ironworker. It is 3 phase 440v. How do I make this work in my residential shop? I also bought a pines bender which is 3 phase 220v which I plan to run off a rotary phase converter.

I plan on adding a 3 phase bridgeport, lathe and squaring shear down the road.

 

[bestbetwin]

Going to have to have 3 phase from your electric service to start with. Usually its 2 phase. See if you have three transformers on the pole.

 

[Loadstar]

I have a neighbor that auctions. He often has food processing equipment that is 3 phase and he cannot test it due to that. So he came to me. Knowing that he needs a phase converter that can be moved around to different equipment I think I will build a rotary phase converter in a roll around cabinet that is simple to operate. I will have to make it large enough for probably a 5hp motor. This will keep him from running wires allover and handle a few different sizes. Thought I might toss an idea like that to you incase it works for you. If you desire something more permanent might look at VFDs.

 

[LD1]

Can the ironworker be changed to 240v 3-phase? If so, it makes things lots simpler.

If not, it is probably still cheaper to get a dual voltage 3/phase motor for it and either run off a rotary convertor or vfd.

If it is 440 only, you will need a step up transformer after you make the three phase.

 

[Loadstar]

Whoops missed the 440. Hope it's dual voltage.

 

[DXN1EL]

what is the HP on the motor?

 

[Rock knocker]

. Usually its 2 phase. See if you have three transformers on the pole.

Two pole, single phase :laughing:

 

[Stimw]

I'm running this 35 ton Scotchman, a 50 ton Scotchman and a 15" X 54" Cincinnati Hydra-shift Lathe on a static phase converter that I built for $45. in parts.
With a static converter you lose 1/3 of the power so a 3 hp motor has only 2 hp. With a rotary converter I believe you get full hp but they are a lot more expensive.
I think if I power up one of my machines and just let it run it will act as a rotary converter for another.
If you google you can find instructions on building your own and it's a lot cheaper.
The Ironworker should have dual voltage, 220-440. Not sure what all you will have to change. Probably motor wires (should be a data tag on it) and relays might need different heaters.
My machines run very well on single phase converted. BUT I have been told that I am full of sheet! You can't get 3ph from 1 ph! I just laugh.
I have talked to Scotchman on the phone and they are very helpful with info. You might call or email them.

 

[AGRIMAN]

The big question is, if you have 3 phase nearby. If yes, you are in good shape. If you don't, then you can build your own power plant for what they want to run it.

I run a 35 hp rotary convertors in my shop and it works good. We are looking at putting in 3 center pivot irrigation systems and need 3 phase. It doesn't look like we are going to get it, so we will use convertors.

 

[City Farmer]

There's enough info in this forum to keep you busy for a long time.
Transformers, Phase Converters and VFD