Revisiting Phase Converters: Rotary Or VFD?

I am revisiting the phase converter topic about which to choose to run machines in the shop, rotary or VFD? I am by no means an expert on this subject and these are my opinions only so you will have to make your own decisions and take all safety precaution. I have been asked about this topic and decided to publish this video after I had a part on my rotary converter fail which could have had very bad results. Fortunatly in this instance it only turned out to be a major inconvenience. Hopefully you can find the information usefull.



Below are links to a few of the items I use in the shop, any links which are not directly to our website such as Amazon links provide us with a small commision which helps support the channel:

Below are products which we build and offer thru our website.

Please bear in mind that these are my opinions and the techniques I have chosen to use in my shop for my projects. You are responsible for your own choices and I take no responsibility for how you might use any information presented here.

[pweimer]

I haven’t had the need for such equipment, glad it didn’t cause any damage. Thanks for sharing.

[aguycalledlucas]

If you ever have to build another VFD box I would love to know the details + components. I really wish I could build one just like yours.

[jagboy]

Home guy with just a couple of machines?? A VFD is cheap and perfect. If I had a shop full of machines and more than one running at the same time, I'd be more likely to look at a Rotary. Example, I've got a 2hp bridgeport, a 3hp 13x38 lathe and now a 1hp surface grinder. All three have a cheapy 90buck Amazon VFD each stuck on them. I don't trust them so I always shut the vfds off and throw the breaker when leaving the garage. I've seen some real goofy shit on YT with guys and insane switching with VFD's. I don't get it. My main goal is to keep legacy switches functional, it just takes a bit of brain power with a VFD.
Nice crispy critter ya got there! Be safe!