240v to 415v

[mel]

I've been looking at buying a 3 phase machine , planer thicknesser .
Now from experience the 240v @ 4hp, motors are expensive to say the least .
Inverters are notoriously expensive , which is the best way to go ?
Inverter or new motor . Is it worth the money ?
Although it's a load of hassle I wouldn't be able to get a machine of the same quality .
Another question comes to mind .
The 240v 4hp motors are rated at 17amp , would this make my blue plug (commando socket) dedicated supply unusable?
Would like to hear from anyone who has done this .
In particular 9fingers . Who I seem to remember is somewhat educated in these matters .

[9fingers]

Ok one bit of info in this post and not in the PM sent to me is the 4hp.

A 4HP motor for a planer is going to have a huge starting current possibly well in excess of 50 amps as it is likely to be a 2 pole machine and have to accelerate not only itself up to 2850 rpm but also the cutter block up to 4000 or so rpm.

Sticking with the 3 phase motor and a voltage converting inverter (240 in, 415 out). This would be dedicated to the planer and programmed to give it a gentle start. Under these conditions, you should be Ok on a 16amp circuit (just) but I'd run it on a 32 amp. A type B MCB will be fine with the inverter.

PS if you are going to send PMs, then please set your account up so that you can accept replies!!!

Bob

[mel]

Thanks bob ,
I'll set my mail box accordingly.