new member Union Graduate help required

[fred55]

Hi all
I've just received a union Graduate wood 3ph lathe with bed n leg and all the bits from school where I worked. Wood turning is a hobby I have just started; So ,
Q1 where the best place to buy 1ph to 3ph inducer, I will need to run from mains or change the motor !! any suggestions !
Q2 where the best place to get wood and what's the best wood to start off with,
Q3 may be daft question but BR sleepers look good like good wood !!! would be solid and deep for a bowl - or am I the only one who thought about using one
Q4 is there any club or people out there near Pontefract who brains I could pick.

 

[fred55]

Got the machine now need to get started

 

[CHJ]

.....Q3 may be daft question but BR sleepers look good like good wood !!! would be solid and deep for a bowl - or am I the only one who thought about using one
.....

Don't, the preservatives will be toxic, such that even when used for vegetable garden landscaping an impervious barrier should be placed between wood and soil; not to mention dependant upon sourced location a lifetimes regular treatment of carriage effluent.

 

[fred55]

Yep thanks for that - will scratch off BR sleepers from my list - the life time off carriage effluent struck home, thought there must be a reason why no one else used them.

 

[yorkshirepudding]

Hi Fred,

I have pm'd you details of the club I attend. Open 6 days a week with 17 lathes.
I don't think regs will permit me to post the details in a thread.

 

[nev]

Hi Fred,

I have pm'd you details of the club I attend. Open 6 days a week with 17 lathes.
I don't think regs will permit me to post the details in a thread.

No rules this end about telling others about when and where they can get turning, but I'd refrain from posting (personal) telephone numbers though

 

[chipmunk]

Hi Fred,
Try calling these people http://www.haydockconverters.co.uk/lathe_conversion_kits.htm. If you're lucky this would equip your Graduate with variable speed control from the word go.

The best wood to turn, if you're looking to make bowls, would be green wood. Get to know a local tree surgeon who'll be able to provide all you can use, usually for a liquid fee, and you'll probably be doing him a favour most of the time - saving wear and tear on his chipper! :wink:

HTH
Jon

 

[yorkshirepudding]

...No rules this end about telling others about when and where they can get turning, but I'd refrain from posting (personal) telephone numbers though

Thanks for that nev. I didn't want to contravene any rules so early in my membership. Now I'll feel free to sing the praises of Birstall Wood Turning Club. Usual club facilities + 17 lathes and other equipment. Open 6 days per week.
There! Plug over

 

[finneyb]

Also try these for variable speed mods http://www.woodturninglathes.co.uk/

Brian

 

[paul-c]

hi fred
i got my 3 phase motor and inverter for my graduate from
newton tessla.

http://www.newton-tesla.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=74_145

i have to say they were really helpful to me.

best of luck with your new lathe
you will find plenty of help on this forum.
cheers
paul-c

 

[deema]

To convert a 3ph motor to single phase, you will need to check that its a dual voltage motor if you want to use a simple and very inexpensive inverter. If you look on the motor casing it will under voltage say 415/240 or something similar. If it does then conversion is both simply and easy. I would purchase a well know brand of inverter, not a Chinese or other off shore unit that could be doubtful if it complies with UK legislation and will not catch fire / blow up your motor. Most providers offering a good quality product in the UK will also be able to offer you a simple variable resistor / switch panel that will enable you to both vary the speed and direction of rotation. You want an inverter with with soft start, and just buy a unit with the same power or higher power rating than the motor your looking to run.

There is a lot of queries about start up currents and inverters. With soft start, the motor current is limited and will not exceed the inverters capacitor usually 150% rated current for so many seconds.

In virtually all cases for your application the inverter program that is already loaded will be fine.

You simply attach the power to the required terminals, not going through the on off switch of the lathe.....this is important....connect the controller box and then connect the motor. About half a dozen wires, and your in business.

Inverters of the power you are after are much cheaper than replacing the motor and switches. The kits offered on ebay are very expensive and you can buy the bits you need for about £150.

 

[fred55]

thanks for the help and comments - the motor is 3ph and it looks a simple change over of terminals to get from star to delta / low to hig voltage. now I'm on ebay to find a 1ph/750kw 1ph to 3ph inverter (anybody got a spare!). would like addition information as regarding the lathes stop start button and the deadman micro switches on the top and side door (union graduate). thanks again.

 

[deema]

With regard to the micro switches, you wire them in series with the off button, I.e, any one switch will break the circuit. You can add foot activated off switches or any other emergency switches in the same way. Before you use the lathe in anger, check that each switch will turn the lathe off, and you cannot press the on button and start the lathe with any off / micro switch activated. It's a good back to basics way of checking that there are no billy do's in the wiring. It's better that it won't start than it won't stop!

 

[fred55]

Thanks for the information and reply Deema - its how I thought it would work but its comforting when someone confirms it. Its a long time since I worked in 3ph. Again thanks all for comments and helpful messaging. Now to source and Inverter.