On Tue, 27 Oct 2015 18:31:05 -0500, Robert Nichols
wrote:

On 10/26/2015 09:40 PM, Bob La Londe wrote:
"Tom Gardner" wrote in message
...
I don't have the three phase power turned on, the tenant doesn't need it.
I could use all the three-phase machine tools a few hours a month but it's
just not worth the bill and deposit for power. I do have a VFD that's good
for three hp. Rather than hook up the VFD to each tool as I need it, could
I hook up all the building up to the output of the VFD and just use one
tool at a time? The lathe is 5hp but if I use it for light work, will it
be OK?

Because of the mass of the chuck and spindle the starting current of the
lathe could very well be too much for the VFD. ( likely? ) Polyspede makes
bigger single to 3 rated VFDs.

Not sure what you mean hook up all the building.

I've only read a few VFD manuals, but I seem to recall most said that the
motor should be within a certain distance of the VFD. How about a cart
option?

They also typically warn against putting any sort of switching between
the VFD and the motor.

Absolutely true. Ive had customers call asking me to come replace new
VFDs that they blew up by putting a switch between the VFD output and
the motor.

ALWAYS let the VFD do the work..never switch between it and the motor
Ever.

Gunner