20-03-2011, 12:42 PM
Hi,
Your Chipmaster will run on full power Alan if you go ahead and convert the welding transformer to 3 phase 415V once you phase balance the Chipmaster to the transformer (easy to do). This is assuming the laminations are large enough.
It's certainly not a dumb question to ask why only two limbs are used from a three limbed 3 phase transformer; I believe the simple answer is availability of scrap 3 phase transformers of suitable size. I've seen a number of scrap 3 phase transformers at scrap yards but never seen a large single phase transformer but if a suitable single phase transformer is available this would simplify winding.
The measurements of my transformer are; Laminations 12.5" Wide x 11.25" High x 5.5" Deep. The maximum sizes over the coils is 15" W x 8.5" D. It is heavy taking a lot of effort just to lift one end.
My transformer is rather large for my needs because generally I only run one machine at a time and a transformer giving half the output would be adequate for a home workshop. On the DVD's Doug makes the point that a smaller transformer will give continuous power if submerged in an oil bath; I've run both my dust extractor and large bandsaw combined at 3HP many times to demonstrate how good this system is; with my 1.5HP bandsaw running I can also power up my 1.5HP dust extractor and the dust extractor bursts into life.
When I owned my expensive static converter I was forever adjusting the control to match each machine and my Colchester lathe would run OK on light cuts but if I wanted to take roughing cuts the converter used to rattle in annoyance. With the transformer switched on and each machine balanced to it the transformer works just like normal 3 phase.
When I bought my DVD's Doug informed me that he was also going to supply details via eBook and I've just checked his site; http://unique3phase.com/ to find that printed book; DVD's and eBook are now available.
Kind regards, Col.
Your Chipmaster will run on full power Alan if you go ahead and convert the welding transformer to 3 phase 415V once you phase balance the Chipmaster to the transformer (easy to do). This is assuming the laminations are large enough.
It's certainly not a dumb question to ask why only two limbs are used from a three limbed 3 phase transformer; I believe the simple answer is availability of scrap 3 phase transformers of suitable size. I've seen a number of scrap 3 phase transformers at scrap yards but never seen a large single phase transformer but if a suitable single phase transformer is available this would simplify winding.
The measurements of my transformer are; Laminations 12.5" Wide x 11.25" High x 5.5" Deep. The maximum sizes over the coils is 15" W x 8.5" D. It is heavy taking a lot of effort just to lift one end.
My transformer is rather large for my needs because generally I only run one machine at a time and a transformer giving half the output would be adequate for a home workshop. On the DVD's Doug makes the point that a smaller transformer will give continuous power if submerged in an oil bath; I've run both my dust extractor and large bandsaw combined at 3HP many times to demonstrate how good this system is; with my 1.5HP bandsaw running I can also power up my 1.5HP dust extractor and the dust extractor bursts into life.
When I owned my expensive static converter I was forever adjusting the control to match each machine and my Colchester lathe would run OK on light cuts but if I wanted to take roughing cuts the converter used to rattle in annoyance. With the transformer switched on and each machine balanced to it the transformer works just like normal 3 phase.
When I bought my DVD's Doug informed me that he was also going to supply details via eBook and I've just checked his site; http://unique3phase.com/ to find that printed book; DVD's and eBook are now available.
Kind regards, Col.
