Guru
Joined: 07/11/2023
Location: United KingdomPosts: 1939
| Posted: 09:06am 16 Apr 2026 |
Yeah that backlash needs fixed. No fun busting a grinding wheel
Those VFDs are fun, fun, fun
I fitted one to an old Bridgeport knee mill and it runs beautifully. The original fwd/rev selector failed and it was £70 for a replacement. This was a good opportunity to try eliminating it altogether. The VFD + remote pendant was < £50.
No need to mess with the belt/pulleys to change speeds now.
Mine also has the serial interface but I prefer the external 0 to 10V analogue and fwd/rev-select option.
It seems that most of these units have the option of VFD/Vector (FOC) modes. The Vector mode runs quieter.
Pretty sure I could close the loop on this thing with encoder feedback to the PicoMite. It would be a bit of a dog compared to a true servo, due to the high rotor inertia and for continuous operation, I would need inverter-rated windings but there are many applications that are not so demanding.
On two occasions over the past year, I have been called-out to a dead production line due to a failed motor starter. One was DOL and the other was star/delta. I didn't have time to order VFDs but I could've installed TWO (one as a spare) for similar cost.