Awhile back I bought a 3 HP 3 Phase 220 VAC dust collector at the Delta recondition warehouse.  I didn’t know it was 3 phase when I bought it.  I would like to set it up in my shop, but only have 220 VAC single phase power.  My question to the forum is:

 

Can this thin run using a VFD?  Of course I don’t need variable speed but VFDs are inexpensive.

 

Would a static phase converter be a better option than a VFD?

 

Would a rotary phase converter be better that the VFD or static converter?  I don’t have any other 3 phase tools.

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

If you're are only run one machine (the dust collector) in your shop I'd go with a VFD. If you think you may want more 3 phase machines then go with a rotary phase converter (more money though.) I don't care much for the static converters because of the reported power loss to the machines.

 

I have several 3 phase machines in my shop and I've been very happy with my rotary phase converter.

I don't intend to have more 3 phase equipment.  Heck, I didn't intend for this one to be 3 phase.  It was still in the crate 2 bagger for $150.00.  Looks to be a $1,600.00 unit.  I thought about selling it but live in a fairly rural area.  I am sure I can get what I paid for it, but I would still be without dust collection.

Greg, I bought a rotary phase converter about 6 years ago. It is wonderful. I paid 50$ for a 5 hp , 3 phase motor and got the cabinet with all the stuff from an online company. Had an electrician wire everything up. Total cost was about 400$. I have purchased and run a mortiser, 20" disk sander,unisaw, stroke sander and some other machines over the past years. It works flawless. If you plan on running more 3 phase machines, its worth buying or making one.If you only will run this dust collector, it might be worth using a VFD. If you look on the owwm.org forum, look up vfd and you will find lots and lots and lots of info.  3hp is fine for a vfd. Lathes run great on vfd's as I am sure you know. A fellow named Richard on the owwm forum is real good with vfd's.  Good luck.

Nobody has said how much it'll cost to RUN the dust collector.

 

With 3 phase, the power draw is huge and that combined with the cost of wiring it can be prohibitive.

 

Especially when it's being turned on and off as most of the energy is used to start it.

 

I'd try to sell it and use the money to order a 220volt dust collector.

Mike, the power draw is no more then what it takes to run the convertor until it is under load. Even then, its no more and usually less then a standard single phase machine. Leaving the convertor idling uses very little juice. Using a machine drawers the same as my 5 hp tablesaw does. I have noticed the only increase in my usage is when the power company raises rates. You draw half the amps on 3 phase then you do on single phase. bob

Mike, after installing my 7.5 hp rotary converter I did not notice much difference in my electric bill.

Since I don't plan on any other 3 phase machines I am going to go with a VFD.  I can get a Teco for less than $200.00.  A rotary converter the same size is $300.00.  I have some experience installing a VFD on my lathe.  I feel comfortable making it work safely. 

Thanks for your input.

You will enjoy it  Greg. Good choice.