Shopsmith Forums

Just as I got me an overpriced speed changer, I sourced a 3 phase 3/4 HP motor... It is a Magnetek model 151350-3. I was surprised at the smaller footprint of the motor.

I see Amazon has quite a number of VFD converters. Is there any particular budget-friendly one that is recommended for this application? I don't think I would ever go higher than 1hp on the Shopsmith, so as long as it can handle that i size t would be fine.

I haven't tried a VFD converter or any variable speed motor control on any of my 24 Model 10E and 10ER restorations I have done so far so I cannot comment on how they work.

As for motor horsepower, one of the Model 10E's I restored came with a "newer" 1 HP motor. Before it was completely restored and sold, I used it working on other Shopsmith restorations and other projects including metal cutting. My son used it to cut flooring to size when he replaced all the flooring in his three-bedroom home. That extra horsepower was great and not a problem even with a Speed Changer. It easily cut through that engineered "wood" flooring. For the Model 10E and 10ER the more important motor aspect is the 1725 RPM so you get the correct speeds. That is not the case if using some kind of variable speed motor setup.

It is a 1725rpm but as you say it is a moot point. Heck through the VFD you can even run them at higher speeds by bumping the frequency, even on a straight pulley setup I could match the higher speeds of the analog speed changer.

No experience here, but I question the assumption that a 3 phase induction motor is tolerant of a wide frequency range. Or the 3 phase converter as well.