Since you all seem to be a resourceful bunch.

I am looking for a 230VAC 3ph 10hp electric motor. It is to build a rotary phase converter (I will just buy the panel). I am hoping to find it used or surplus, for a decent deal.

Anybody have suggestions on where I should start looking?

Hoping to find it semi locally to the Calgary area, as from what I understand they are close to 200lbs at this size.

 

This is really a risky one...I bought a 7 HP Baldor motor for my compressor at Graham Auction..for $80...I have seen those larger motors there, plus I seen them a the Michael Allen auction...Problem you don't know if they are good or not..But if you get it really cheap its worth taking the risk...I was lucky with my Baldor motor..$500 motor for $80...

 

Thanks I will check it out.

 

5 years I tried giving mine away. No one wanted it so I gave it up for the copper. That sucks, I would have been glad to unload it onto you.

We need a classified junk site.

 

Story of my life, a day late and a dollar short.

 

a variable frequency drive is the only way to go. it gives your motors the full hp out and the price is low

 

I am not sold on the VFD's, they seem to be a lot more complex to set up and get everything running right. Both vfd's and rpc's need to be over sized to get full capacity out of what you are trying to drive.

 

I have to agree with VFD's, much simpler and more reliable with todays technology. Regarding the motor, I have a used phase converter sitting in front of my shop. As far as I know the motor is fine, just the converter burnt up and was replaced by a VFD, was always gonna fix it but I'm sure I never will. I think it's a 10HP. I won't be home until Saturday but will check. I'm in Ponoka.

 

Please let me know, I would be happy to take it off your hands if it is.

Though now a few people (outside of here as well) have told me to look into VFD's. Are the ~$350 ones on ebay any good? Or do I need to go up to like a $900 one?

It is running a manual Mill, and possibly a Lathe in the future.

 

I think you could get a VFD for cheaper than $1k. Unfortunately, the guy I work with is away on vacation - I would have picked his brain for ya Brett.

 

I'm not in any real hurry, just trying to get my ducks in a row, for this winter.

 

Vfd's rock. Some styles of switches don't work with vfd's, apparently. Never run into that personally though.

 

Brett - this could possibly work for you -

http://edmonton.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-...AdIdZ308590265

 

Maybe? I honestly don't know enough about this stuff to know what works, and what doesn't.

 

My electronic years are far behind me...I can't remember either...

I think its the same soft start box I had to put on my 7 HP,220 compressor..Without it, on startup it would surge the line and blow the breaker...Thats all I know...