3 Phase drill on 240V

[JimM]

I've just picked up a 3 Phase Startrite Mercury pillar drill for £27 off Ebay. As I've only got a single phase supply my initial intention was to swap the motor out but the label on the current motor describes it as 1/2hp, 230/250 - 380/440v

Does this mean that the motor can be wired to run off single phase ?

Also does anyone know what chuck Startrite drill take ?

Thanks

Jim

 

[piman]

Hello Jim,

no it can't. the reason for the voltage variation is the former is wired in Delta and the latter in Star, both of which are three phase.

You have two choices, change the motor or get a single to three phase convertor. There are lots on E-Bay you just need to select the correct size (i\2 hp is about 375 watts).

Expect to pay more for a new motor or a converter than you paid for the drill.

Is the chuck on a Morse taper?, if so any standard chuck will fit, you need to know the taper size, probably a MT 2 or MT3.

Alec

 

[JimM]

Thanks Alec, I suspected as much but thought it was worth asking the question anyway.

Now on the lookout for a new motor, did consider the converter route but can't justify the expense.

Cheers

Jim

 

[Highway_Star]

You could get it to run on single phase using some capacitors and switchgear, won't be silky smooth, but it should go.

Get hold of a copy of 'Electric Motors' by Jim Cox, published by Nexus Special Interests, ISBN 0-85242-914-2

Or try these guys. http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Drives-Direct-Inverters-LTD_W0QQ_trksidZp1638.m118.l1247

Used them a lot for driving lathes, mills etc.

 

[piman]

Hello Jim,

just had a lok at the link above, 1\2 h.p. converter for less than £30 which I think is very good. You are lucky that the motor is dual voltage as lots of converters are at the lower voltage.

Alec

 

[Weldingartisan]

I've an old 1HP 3 phase motor that I use for buffing/polishing run off 240 single phase. My old Dad did a wiring diagram for me using a single capacitor. Very little starting torque and occasionally needs a whiz (not too risky with a buffing wheel!) to get going, but will run for hours polishing without overheating. W/A

 

[JimM]

Quick update on this guys

I've sourced and installed a 240v motor, however when I switch it on the motor doesn't start by itself, I have to spin the chuck to get things going. Once running it seems to have plenty of torque and drills fine. I can also spin the chuck in either direction and the motor will continue to run in that direction.

Is this hand starting just because it's an old motor or is it likely to be a wiring issue. Also I'm not sure which way the motor should run normally, am I doing any damage if I'm running it backwards ?

Thanks

Jim

 

[snowcat]

Quick update on this guys

I've sourced and installed a 240v motor, however when I switch it on the motor doesn't start by itself, I have to spin the chuck to get things going. Once running it seems to have plenty of torque and drills fine. I can also spin the chuck in either direction and the motor will continue to run in that direction.

Is this hand starting just because it's an old motor or is it likely to be a wiring issue. Also I'm not sure which way the motor should run normally, am I doing any damage if I'm running it backwards ?

Thanks

Jim

It sounds like the cap.s F***ed jim 1ph motors use a shunt winding or z1 and z2 as there labeled to start them, once runing they idle between the gaps left in the phases on 240v.....

No you will not hurt the motor by starting it backwards, most can be switched on the start windings anyway, but you will destroy the edges off all your drill bits!!!!!!.

A new set of cap.s will be only a couple of quid to renew..

 

[piman]

Hello Jim,

Snowcat is right but it is possible, particularly if it is an old motor, that the centrifugal switch may be stuck open. This is an internal switch designed to open circuit the start winding once the motor started. They don't seem to use this system on more modern motors.

Alec

 

[Weldingartisan]

JimM
I had the same problem with a bench drill a few years ago. It was the the centrifugal switch sticking. Took the end cap off cleaned it up and it's been fine ever since. W/A

 

[JimM]

Thanks for the reponses guys, I may have a poke around at the motor when I have more time but if I'm not doing any harm then I'm content with hand starting it.

Actually got to use the drill a bit today and the improvement over my cheapy Clarke model is night and day. This thing is rock solid and it's going to take a hell of a lot to make it stall. Didn't realise when I bought it that it's got some sort of gearing in the quill (at least I think that's what it is) and I can switch between high and low speed at the flick of a switch.

Well chuffed with it, especially at the price (Startrite Mercury floor standing drill - £27, 1/2hp 240v motor - £15 + postage)

Cheers

Jim

 

[steve238]

Hi Jim,i have just purchased an old Viceroy floor standing pillar drill which is 2 morse taper.
I got the drill from G and M tools for £50 and it was a 3 phase machine so i also got a single phase motor from them (16mm shaft to match original pulleys)for £20 and the jobs a goodun.
G and M have lots of old motors,pulleys etc,etc incase you ever need anythihg like that.
Jim i also live in Chessington so if ever you need anything drop me a pm and i will see if i can help.

 

[JimM]

Hi Steve

Good to see someone else on here local, although you may regret the offer of help

Saying that, the offer does go both ways, not got much experience but if you need a tool or an extra pair of hands feel free to ask.

Cheers

Jim