Three phase to single phase converter?

[supermotobloke]

Hi
Is it possible to convert single phase domestic to run a three phase Tig welder?

Is there some sort of unit? Reason i ask is i'm looking at Thermal Arc units and some of the three phase machines seem to offer a wider working range for not mega bucks more.
Regards

 

[bigbadbugga]

Try 'drives direct', they sell 3phase/1phase converters.

I have only ever looked into their equipment for use on motor drives (lathe), but I should think they would be able to advise you on the requirements for a welder.

http://www.drivesdirect.co.uk/

 

[piman]

Hello SMB,

the question is whether the welder is three phase or single phase? Just because it needs 415v volts doesn't mean that it is three phase. If the input connections are two terminal, then it is single phase despite requiring two of the three lines of a three phase supply.

If it is single phase 415 volts then a transformer will power it from 240 volts.
I don't think that the single phase to three phase inverter drives are suitable for welding machines should it require a three phase supply?

Alec

 

[Wozzaaah]

To convert single phase 240V into 3PH 415V in order to power a welder I gather you'd need a fairly big rotary converter....£££££
Add that to the cost of the machine and it really isn't viable.

 

[steve202]

I was pondering this very thing a while back for my 3 Phase machine. Then i realised that the converter would weigh 80kgs and cost over 700 quid to suitably power it.

Easier to get another welder (wooohoo) that runs on 240v.

 

[Wozzaaah]

If you're into electrickery, have a decent sized motor and can source the other parts I gather they're actually not too difficult or expensive to build.
You can also buy them in kit form.

 

[steve202]

Got any plans then Woz?

 

[Wozzaaah]

The company bigbadbugga linked to will sell you printed plans for a tenner and advise on the build.
A quick google doesn't find any free plans other than single phase 240V to 3PH 240V but I've only had a brief look.

 

[steve202]