VFD retrofit for drill press

[dlu]

The discussion of Rikon's VFD announcement (here) and the mention of combining a "generic" VFD with a used 3-phase motor got me thinking...

A quick search shows that VFD controllers appear to be fairly reasonably priced (at least if you are used to buying Festool) and I'm wondering how to get my head around the idea - is this a feasible idea? If so, what should I look for in a controller and motor? What should I watch out for?

Thanks!

 

[Cheese]

Just google VFD on drill press and you’ll get lots of hits.

I’ve seen conversions done on Saw Mill Creek, Garage Journal & Practical Machinist just to name a few.

 

[dlu]

Thanks! Did that, found this VFD for drill press? (among others), it's a good start.

 

[rvieceli]

There's a sticky thread over on garagejournal that has some good info:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=320064

Ron

 

[jaguar36]

A Bridgeport with a VFD makes a wonderful drill press if you've got the space for it.

 

[dlu]

A Bridgeport with a VFD makes a wonderful drill press if you've got the space for it.

Indeed, and no... Space in tight, a jointer would get the space first.

 

[DeformedTree]

A Bridgeport with a VFD makes a wonderful drill press if you've got the space for it.

Indeed, and no... Space in tight, a jointer would get the space first.

Well, you can use a bridgeport mill as a jointer too. A really good one at that, limited on length of piece, but able to do far more width than most.  Tight space is one thing, it's can your floors handle it.  I don't know everything, but I'm pretty sure there aren't any bridgeport mills in a 4th floor walk up apartment.

There aren't many things a 3 axis mill can't do.