Bridgewood 12” Jointer BW-12JC

Well done nice score. Keep the 3ph motor I run a Rpc so that’s what I recommend.
Variable frequency drives are popular but I think they are only set up for one machine.
Good luck

-- Aj

Nice find! What are the motor specs on it? If it’s a common frame you can pickup a single phase motor inexpensively and swap it out. If it’s an oddball like a Unisaw motor Im not familiar personally with rotary converters but I have a couple AC drives in my shop which can be had for around $200 assuming it’s under 5hp

I’d go with a vfd if it’s under 17 full load amps. If it’s close to 12fla fuji makes a 12a 3hp vfd for well under $300 or Teco has a 10a 3hp model for around $230.

Im looking into this myself right now as I’m now up to three 3ph machines (1hp, 3hp & 5.5hp) and the vfd route is still less money than an American 10hp rpc that I’d need to start the 5.5hp shaper

Very very nice.

If you can get a rpc for cheap go that route. You can feed multiple machines out of one panel with it.

-- Shooting down the walls of heartache. Bang bang. I am. The warrior.

Thanks, guys.

Here’s a pic of the motor I just took.

Not familiar with a VFD – anyone able to provide a quick explanation and if possible comparison to RPC?

Thanks, guys.

Here’s a pic of the motor I just took.

Not familiar with a VFD – anyone able to provide a quick explanation and if possible comparison to RPC?

- Fiddy

Vector frequency drive. They are used one per motor. They convert single phase 120 or 240 into 3ph and do motor control (also typically done 3ph to 3ph for that reason)

It allows soft starts, breaking, instant direction change (think milling machine or metal lathe) and it allows frequency modulation. You can slow down or speed up by changing the output hertz. Running at 1/2 or double (30 to 120hz) isn’t that uncommon in certain applications.

The benefit in this application is its about 1/4 the cost of a rpc and offers 100% of the motor nameplate output

The downside to a vfd is they sometimes produce a very annoying high pitch whine. They also produce a square dc wave with a lot of electronics.
I’ve asked many different electricians on job sites that I work at and they all love them. They make good money replacing them and motors that vfds run.
If your just using the jointer for fun maybe a vfd won’t let you down.
Keep the 3ph motor it’s proper for that machine.

-- Aj

For what it’s worth. I been running an RPC in my shop for 19 years. Not one single problem with it or any of my 3 phase equipment.

-- Alaskan's for Global warming!

The good news is it’s a common frame (145t) but being 5hp you’re not going to save money dealing the motor, again I’m not sure on the rotary converters but I know on the vfd (aka AC drive – I use ABB drives bought from Wistex, Google them – best prices I’ve found) you get a soft start where it’ll ramp up to full speed. On the jointer I don’t think you’d want to slow down the cutterhead but the option is there as well if a need arises

Thanks for the input and feedback. I’ll do some reading up, but at least I have a better direction. Thanks, guys.

Thanks, Grant – appreciate the heads up.

I’m curious, I just looked at Wistex and to get a single phase 240v input 5hp 3phase output vfd I don’t know if you’ll get under about $650.
I remember finding that now and I ended up buying a single phase 5hp motor to use for my dust collector build and I’ll just add a soft start to it. Unless a rotary converter is considerably cheaper I’d consider replacing the motor (looks like the one on there is a TEFC though not ODP, so it’s going to be in the $500-600 range) then you could sell the 3ph motor to recoup some of the cost

Just noticed you are in Ohio. That machine is illegal there. I will drive up and swap it with my 8” Jet to save you the legal trouble. Keep your garage door open for me.

Your welcome.

-- A severed foot is the ultimate stocking stuffer.

I was curious about that as well, Grant – I tried looking quickly this morning and seems to be costly, at least as much as a 7.5hp rpc. Still not sure what I’ll do on replacing motor, or simply getting the rpc. Thanks again for the input.

Brian, appreciate you looking out – haha!

Have you checked the used market in your area ?Craigslist. I wouldn’t buy a used vfd but a used converter sure why not. It’s just a bigger 3ph motor, shaftless motors are very robust.

-- Aj