Holy moley Brian! I moved to a new place away from the hub-bub about a year ago. It has an 1100 sq ft concrete block shop, but the owner built it for his fancy bass boat and only put 15 amp 110 in it. I've been working toward fixing that, but it's complicated due to the main breaker being full, the attic space being too small for an older guy and the expense of buying all that big wire for such a large space and such a long run. Long story short, I've had to run my Gen 4 grinder off the generator, which is less than ideal, making me less inclined to use it. I wish I'd seen this video when it was released, but RUclips is a fickle mistress and didn't promote your video to me. Today I decided to tuck in and check your video catalogue to catch up on the ribbon burner story and saw this one. What a gem!!! You need to make more RUclips videos my friend. You have the humility and personality to reach millions on this platform if you would post consistently. Get the frequency right, and the production quality will come because you are who you are. God bless you brother, and thank you, thank you, thank you for this video.
I appreciate the review! Let me tell you, I bought an Ameribrade mastery package with just about every bell, whistle, and option available. They can’t get 3HP VFD’s get now, so I purchased a 3HP Leeson and the KBDA-29 (digital version) on my own. I’ve back and forth with KB tech support for a week now trying to get it to work, only to determine that because the KBDA line won’t run high efficiency motors because it hasn’t been upgraded to their 3G platform yet (because of the pandemic they say). Now I’ve had to send the KBDA back and I’m waiting on hold for a KBAC to ship (maybe a few weeks). Anyway, I have a $100 Chinese VFD that’s about the size of a 2 gang electrical box and I figured I’d try it in the meantime. Pure Chinese magic! It just works. I wanted desperately to take the buy once cry once all American made approach, and it’s kicking my butt. I’ll use the KBAC when I finally get it, but it’s a sad state of affairs when a $100 foreign VFD can work circles around it’s $500 American counterpart.
Man this is such good timing for me. Thanks a million for putting these together, sir! Just ordered one for a disc grinder set up I'm working on. And dude... great idea on the lathe conversion!
@@HouseMadeUS This topic can be pretty confusing for sure. I'm thankful you're putting out educational content on hooking all this stuff up. It's funny how knifemaking has be come an avenue for me to learn about stuff like this (wiring HT ovens, VFDs/Motors, calculating hydraulics, etc). It's not just about making sharp things! lol - I wish I would of came to blade with yall... one of these years I'll have to try and make it. Cheers
@@RedBeardOps It's funny to see someone whose grinder I built chatting with someone whose heat treat oven I'm building! You guys are both treasures to us beginning smiths.
Thanks Brian always fantastic information!!! And always inspiring! Someday I will send you photos and videos of what you and Jim from the tradesman channel have inspired me to build ! Thanks again!!!
Thanks for doing this video with the 120v vfd I was going to get the k back but it was out of my price range for what I do. great design love the knowledge and detail you give in your videos keep up the great work
I use what looks like the same VFD on the belt grinder I built. One complaint I have is that it makes a high pitched squealing noise when I run the grinder. If I change the speed, the noise goes away. Some VFD's have an internal frequency that the device runs its electronics that can be adjusted. That is supposed to be the way to get rid of this squeal. However, my VFD doesn't have this listed in its programmable code. Also, the VFD can generate heat itself. The ammo box looks a little restrictive and has no place for the heat to be dissipated. You probably should consider a computer style fan mounted in the side of the box to change the air. I mounted my VFD with the cooling fins exposed in the back of the box. I think the instructions specifically say that the unit should be mounted VERTICALLY so that convection can cool the fins on the back. At least mine did. The Ammo box is fastened horizontally. The installation looks great and I like my VFD even though it makes noise! I really like the video and thanks for making it!
I had this one for a bit,... yet for some reason it wouldn't work, I thought at first it was the potentiometer, I thought I smoked it when soldering it, maybe you remember talking about it, maybe not, it's been a few years since then, LOL. Anywho great video brother!
Good video. One other thing to consider is that if you get a 1.5hp motor instead of the 2hp motor you can run it at more than 60hz without faulting out the drive. The extra speeds will give you higher performance that then you will get from an under powered 2hp motor. Most of these digital drives can be overclocked. (not sure about the cheaper ones so take this with a grain of salt) You end up with a 1.5hp motor at 66hz / 3850 rpm / 7055 SFM, or a 2hp motor running only 1.5hp at 3500 rpm / 6414 SFM. Also if you're under powering the 2hp motor there is a good chance you may struggle to actually get 3500 rpm due to rotor slip caused by the reduced current.
I know this is an older video but I ordered your 2x72 grinder kit and want to order this vid but I can’t find your file to 3d print the remote holder. How can I download that file? Thanks for the awesome videos. So helpful!
Great video. Thank you. There are floating quite a lot of different cheap Chinese versions of vfds around. If I am correct even you showed different models in your videos. You also see people posting different experiences with those in forumsand social media. Hence my question: is this white one in the video a vfd you have long term experience with so you can recommand it? Thanks for your comment and to everyone else that might share their experiences in advance.
It's been running now for a couple of years. There is one big caveat...you must enclose them to protect from dust. They will pop and destroy themselves if not.
Hey Brian, I just received the same VFD as this from Amazon and it has a really short controller cable. Where did you get the longer cable seen in this video. Also, what would you charge to 3D print a controller holder? Chad Moore Tuttle, Oklahoma
Just found your channel subscribe after first video now running down a rabbit hole… trying to learn to weld with a hobby flux core welder. Splatter is crazy for me I run high or low seems to splatter like crazy… it’s a harbor freight special but just seems to struggle. Not sure what I’m doing wrong
I understand, this is Totally Off Topic!....from a 2x72... (but U brought it up!....lol) I also have an old Logan/Wards lathe....wondering if U can elaborate a bit on the process/parts used to Retro the lathe into a Variable speed...?.....as Step pulleys are not as helpful as what a VFD can provide.....thnx
A 3d printer is another tool that once you have it you wonder why you didn't get one sooner! BTW, a roll of TPU (flexible urethane) filament makes awesome gaskets, seals, O-rings, vibration isolators, etc.
I've got a solution for the short cable. Go to a source for hobby lipo batteries. Get a 4S balance lead. I found one that is 24 inches long or 600mm. Unplug the connector from the back of the control pad plug the balance lead to the cable and the back of the control pad. They don't have the latch but they are a tight fit. Tape the two cable connectors together for extra security. They aren't too expensive.
Thanks For the videos! I'm hoping someone might be able to shed some light. I see VFD's with L N input and R S T inputs. I just received a unit with L N ports and intended on running 1 Phase 220V. So 2 hot legs (Not hot and Neutral 110V). Was expecting R S T and use the R and T terminals. According to the VFD diagram L N just get a hot leg each. This seem right?
Has anyone used an air filter screen to help the vfd? Wouldn't putting something like that with cooler fans cause a shorter lift because it being sealed off in a can?
Where did you get that long wire for the VFD controller? Maybe Amazon? I just got that VFD, and the wire is super short, like it can only be mounted on the VFD, not outside the ammo can.
Brian what do you think of this VFD for the mill/drill? I thought it might be the solution until the very end where you mention low HZ output and torque sacrifice. I'm still planning to upgrade my mill/drill to vfd when I can figure this out.
Great video! OK, maybe someone can finally tell me why you would want your grinder run backwards? What do you grind when going backwards??? I would assume that the tracking would need to be re-adjusted before you can do that ....
Couple reasons, when turning the matching horizontal I like the sparks to travel away from me and I use reverse to sharpen things. Much easier. Cheers! 🤙🏻
Hey there Brian, question about the dust glands. I know it takes the 1/2” npt glands, how did you get it to seal to the ribbon cord from the VFD controller?
Wowsers that definitely a very interestin and useful video for the future. Thanks so much. Hopefully you get great use out of it my friend for many years to come my friend. Can't wait to see more videos soon. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Forge On. Fab On. Weld On. Keep printing. Design On. Keep Making. God bless.
Be careful using sjoow cable for the motor side conection to the vfd as it may produce 220v 3 phase it also pushes over 300v of dc for the dc injection braking, which is more voltage than sjoow wire can handle, I would recommend just using soow cable as it's not that much more expensive
Sooo let me start by saying I'm a newbie and used that vfd and with a motor I bought from eBay but got smoke! After not stopping and paying attention I tried 3 times and smoke appeared come to find out somehow T5 (motor wire) switched it's self with T9😔🤔. I quickly switched the to but Im not sure if it's too late Help?
@@HouseMadeUS I ordered several in China, and one lasted 3 hours and broke down, I had to send it back .personally I always use push buttons, and a potentiometer if I need to vary the speed
I have had my chinese 220/220 vfd two years now on the revolution grinder v3 when Brian would not recommend it at that time, and I have it thrown in a cardboard box with a slit for the wire to come out of, no fans, no cooling, no problems. The remote I have laying on the table next to the grinder and I have made many many knives, I grind everything I can think of on that thing. I make all kinds of shit. I use the grinder most every day and haven't had any problems with the buttons. I can't thank Brian enough for all the input and the mind grinding he does to afford me to do what I do. In the meen time your problem doesn't seem to be common around the community. I know there have been hundreds of people use this Chinese vfd and I would think there would have been a lot of negative comments on that. Anytime you have a connection from a unit to the 200 pound gorilla, really, that is always the first part to fail. If and when mine ever fails I'll order another $95 unit and I'll still be money ahead. I can't really comment on why your unit failed so soon, it is a chinese made pos, it could happen, I guess. Just my thoughts from a guy in Tucson, good luck and hard work
Holy moley Brian! I moved to a new place away from the hub-bub about a year ago. It has an 1100 sq ft concrete block shop, but the owner built it for his fancy bass boat and only put 15 amp 110 in it. I've been working toward fixing that, but it's complicated due to the main breaker being full, the attic space being too small for an older guy and the expense of buying all that big wire for such a large space and such a long run.
Long story short, I've had to run my Gen 4 grinder off the generator, which is less than ideal, making me less inclined to use it. I wish I'd seen this video when it was released, but RUclips is a fickle mistress and didn't promote your video to me. Today I decided to tuck in and check your video catalogue to catch up on the ribbon burner story and saw this one. What a gem!!!
You need to make more RUclips videos my friend. You have the humility and personality to reach millions on this platform if you would post consistently. Get the frequency right, and the production quality will come because you are who you are. God bless you brother, and thank you, thank you, thank you for this video.
I bet that I've watched this video 6 or 7 times...and I enjoy it more and more!!!
Awesome Brett! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Brian House doing the hard work so everyone else doesn't have to! Thank you for all you do!!
Always brotha! 😁
I appreciate the review! Let me tell you, I bought an Ameribrade mastery package with just about every bell, whistle, and option available. They can’t get 3HP VFD’s get now, so I purchased a 3HP Leeson and the KBDA-29 (digital version) on my own. I’ve back and forth with KB tech support for a week now trying to get it to work, only to determine that because the KBDA line won’t run high efficiency motors because it hasn’t been upgraded to their 3G platform yet (because of the pandemic they say). Now I’ve had to send the KBDA back and I’m waiting on hold for a KBAC to ship (maybe a few weeks). Anyway, I have a $100 Chinese VFD that’s about the size of a 2 gang electrical box and I figured I’d try it in the meantime. Pure Chinese magic! It just works. I wanted desperately to take the buy once cry once all American made approach, and it’s kicking my butt. I’ll use the KBAC when I finally get it, but it’s a sad state of affairs when a $100 foreign VFD can work circles around it’s $500 American counterpart.
Always like how your helping people have a more economical version, with also showing the best stuff too.
So stoked got it built 100% now onto the kiln conversion, thx bro for all you do in the makers community
Thanks!
Welcome! - Thank you! 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
Man this is such good timing for me. Thanks a million for putting these together, sir! Just ordered one for a disc grinder set up I'm working on. And dude... great idea on the lathe conversion!
Thanks James! Motors are everywhere, glad we can control them cheaply and easily.
@@HouseMadeUS This topic can be pretty confusing for sure. I'm thankful you're putting out educational content on hooking all this stuff up. It's funny how knifemaking has be come an avenue for me to learn about stuff like this (wiring HT ovens, VFDs/Motors, calculating hydraulics, etc). It's not just about making sharp things! lol - I wish I would of came to blade with yall... one of these years I'll have to try and make it. Cheers
@@RedBeardOps It's funny to see someone whose grinder I built chatting with someone whose heat treat oven I'm building! You guys are both treasures to us beginning smiths.
@@Immolate62 Lol, very cool Tom! Good luck with your build!
Thanks Brian always fantastic information!!! And always inspiring! Someday I will send you photos and videos of what you and Jim from the tradesman channel have inspired me to build ! Thanks again!!!
Awesome Mike, looking forward to it!
Thanks for doing this video with the 120v vfd I was going to get the k back but it was out of my price range for what I do. great design love the knowledge and detail you give in your videos keep up the great work
I use what looks like the same VFD on the belt grinder I built. One complaint I have is that it makes a high pitched squealing noise when I run the grinder. If I change the speed, the noise goes away. Some VFD's have an internal frequency that the device runs its electronics that can be adjusted. That is supposed to be the way to get rid of this squeal. However, my VFD doesn't have this listed in its programmable code.
Also, the VFD can generate heat itself. The ammo box looks a little restrictive and has no place for the heat to be dissipated. You probably should consider a computer style fan mounted in the side of the box to change the air. I mounted my VFD with the cooling fins exposed in the back of the box. I think the instructions specifically say that the unit should be mounted VERTICALLY so that convection can cool the fins on the back. At least mine did. The Ammo box is fastened horizontally.
The installation looks great and I like my VFD even though it makes noise! I really like the video and thanks for making it!
Another great video Brian! I wish I had this option before I upgraded to my VFD!
Huge money saver for sure. Thanks for watching Bryan! 🤙🏻
Killer job!!! I wish i saw this before I bought my kbac. Woo hoo.
Thanks Ben!
Brian Great work, could you tell me where you got the extension cable for the remote VFD control panel
Sure we have a link to it on our resources page: housemade.us/pages/2x72-resources
Hi Brian, Thanks for sharing. I really appreciate your work! I am wondering if the controller gets warm in the unvented ammo can?
You are the man Brian thanks for the wonderful content
Thanks brother, appreciate the support! 👊🏻⚡️
I had this one for a bit,... yet for some reason it wouldn't work, I thought at first it was the potentiometer, I thought I smoked it when soldering it, maybe you remember talking about it, maybe not, it's been a few years since then, LOL. Anywho great video brother!
Thank you Shawn!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
T 4 ,5 , n 6 are left over what do I do with them
Twist them together, add a cap and tuck them in for the duration.
Got it thx
Good video. One other thing to consider is that if you get a 1.5hp motor instead of the 2hp motor you can run it at more than 60hz without faulting out the drive. The extra speeds will give you higher performance that then you will get from an under powered 2hp motor. Most of these digital drives can be overclocked. (not sure about the cheaper ones so take this with a grain of salt)
You end up with a 1.5hp motor at 66hz / 3850 rpm / 7055 SFM, or a 2hp motor running only 1.5hp at 3500 rpm / 6414 SFM. Also if you're under powering the 2hp motor there is a good chance you may struggle to actually get 3500 rpm due to rotor slip caused by the reduced current.
I wonder if there is some way to measure this? Like a timing notch!? Good info Richard! Thanks!!
.50 cal fat/wide ammo can. I had to double check the VFD dimensions against the ammo can yesterday at my local military surplus store.
Yeah man.
@@HouseMadeUS snagged it in perfect condition for $16
Hi again, do you know where I can purchase the longer 5 wire ribbon that goes from the VFD to the remote control unit?
BTW, I finished the Gen 5 2x72 and it turned out awesome thanks to your high quality kit and awesome videos!
Yes there is a link to it on our resources page: housemade.us/pages/2x72-resources
Thanks again! 🙏🏼
Awesome!@@HouseMadeUS Thanks again!
Awesome info as usual. Ordered mine and will be using in a drill press shortly
Where did you get the vfd and what is the model number
I have that same type vfd it came with my grinder and it works great in October it will be one year old.
I know this is an older video but I ordered your 2x72 grinder kit and want to order this vid but I can’t find your file to 3d print the remote holder.
How can I download that file?
Thanks for the awesome videos. So helpful!
Wow, 110v to 220v 1ph to 3ph. Electrical wizardry. Cool :)
Is there a concern of the vfd overheating in the sealed ammo can? I was going to mount mine in an adjacent room on the other side of the wall.
I've got one in a ammo can that's been there for a couple years. Totally sealed up and has not failed. We use it every day.
Great video. Thank you. There are floating quite a lot of different cheap Chinese versions of vfds around. If I am correct even you showed different models in your videos. You also see people posting different experiences with those in forumsand social media. Hence my question: is this white one in the video a vfd you have long term experience with so you can recommand it? Thanks for your comment and to everyone else that might share their experiences in advance.
It's been running now for a couple of years. There is one big caveat...you must enclose them to protect from dust. They will pop and destroy themselves if not.
Hey, how is it holding up? Thank you!
Very well. I have this on my machine almost all the time. Running it daily without issue.
Absolutely invaluable information...I am VERY appreciative of you sharing your knowledge, expertise and wisdom...#TeamRevolution
Looks like all the KBAC units have Forward reverse. What am I missing?
The KBAC units do not have the switch installed, you must buy that separately and install it yourself to get reverse.
Thanks!
Hey Brian, I just received the same VFD as this from Amazon and it has a really short controller cable. Where did you get the longer cable seen in this video. Also, what would you charge to 3D print a controller holder?
Chad Moore
Tuttle, Oklahoma
Was just wondering the same thing. I haven't ordered VFD yet, so would like to know what kind of cable I need to order with it.
If you shop around you'll find some vfd's that come with an extension cable.
We have a link to it on our resources page: housemade.us/pages/2x72-resources
Awesome! Thank you Brian!
Just found your channel subscribe after first video now running down a rabbit hole… trying to learn to weld with a hobby flux core welder. Splatter is crazy for me I run high or low seems to splatter like crazy… it’s a harbor freight special but just seems to struggle. Not sure what I’m doing wrong
Check your polarity on the welder. Reverse it and see if the splatter goes away.
I understand, this is Totally Off Topic!....from a 2x72... (but U brought it up!....lol)
I also have an old Logan/Wards lathe....wondering if U can elaborate a bit on the process/parts used to Retro the lathe into a Variable speed...?.....as Step pulleys are not as helpful as what a VFD can provide.....thnx
Have you had any trouble with the VFD overheating in the ammo can?
No not at all. I have multiple versions of this and not had any failures
Thanks! I ordered the kit with rollers and am excited to start building.
That's great thank you so much. 🙏🏼
Does the 220 vfd still cause you to lose 1/2 hp?
A 3d printer is another tool that once you have it you wonder why you didn't get one sooner! BTW, a roll of TPU (flexible urethane) filament makes awesome gaskets, seals, O-rings, vibration isolators, etc.
I got a couple of those VFDs, where is the long extension ribbon connector for the control unit? I only have 5 inches of slack ribbon cable
I got mine from another VFD. It's a straight through 5 pin ribbon cable.
Unfortunately, those are hard to find
I might have to buy a 12” female to female and put a male end on
I've got a solution for the short cable. Go to a source for hobby lipo batteries. Get a 4S balance lead. I found one that is 24 inches long or 600mm. Unplug the connector from the back of the control pad plug the balance lead to the cable and the back of the control pad. They don't have the latch but they are a tight fit. Tape the two cable connectors together for extra security. They aren't too expensive.
Thanks for that!
nice find and thanks for sharing. When you hooked it up to 110v, was it by chance on a gfci? Just wondering if this will trip them like the Kbac.
Thanks For the videos! I'm hoping someone might be able to shed some light. I see VFD's with L N input and R S T inputs. I just received a unit with L N ports and intended on running 1 Phase 220V. So 2 hot legs (Not hot and Neutral 110V). Was expecting R S T and use the R and T terminals. According to the VFD diagram L N just get a hot leg each. This seem right?
Yes that is correct.
Has anyone used an air filter screen to help the vfd? Wouldn't putting something like that with cooler fans cause a shorter lift because it being sealed off in a can?
Where did you get that long wire for the VFD controller? Maybe Amazon? I just got that VFD, and the wire is super short, like it can only be mounted on the VFD, not outside the ammo can.
Brian what do you think of this VFD for the mill/drill? I thought it might be the solution until the very end where you mention low HZ output and torque sacrifice. I'm still planning to upgrade my mill/drill to vfd when I can figure this out.
I have a question... do you get any overheating in that ammo can? Any need for a fan?
I have not had any issues with overheating. I've had good luck there
Great video! OK, maybe someone can finally tell me why you would want your grinder run backwards? What do you grind when going backwards???
I would assume that the tracking would need to be re-adjusted before you can do that ....
Couple reasons, when turning the matching horizontal I like the sparks to travel away from me and I use reverse to sharpen things. Much easier. Cheers! 🤙🏻
Hey there Brian, question about the dust glands. I know it takes the 1/2” npt glands, how did you get it to seal to the ribbon cord from the VFD controller?
It's a bit loose but it works okay. I put a bit of hot glue in there to seal it and I am confident it will be fine. So far so good anyhow. 😂
Thanks buddy! I just wasn’t sure if it would pull steel dust in more since it’s not sealed like the 14-4. I will proceed!!
@thebeardedbeerman
How does the VSD handle not having airflow ?
I have not had any issues with heat build up.
Are you going to blade show?
Yeah I'm here now. Wandering around.
@@HouseMadeUS great I'm leaving Charlotte now and I want to see you for a grinder
Thank you and 👏 bravo
And yet another awesome video. One question, what is the cost of a 14 inch wheel with serrated teeth? Thanks again Brian!
I think I paid $178 shipped.
Great video.
Thank you Stephen!
Wowsers that definitely a very interestin and useful video for the future. Thanks so much. Hopefully you get great use out of it my friend for many years to come my friend. Can't wait to see more videos soon. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Forge On. Fab On. Weld On. Keep printing. Design On. Keep Making. God bless.
Be careful using sjoow cable for the motor side conection to the vfd as it may produce 220v 3 phase it also pushes over 300v of dc for the dc injection braking, which is more voltage than sjoow wire can handle, I would recommend just using soow cable as it's not that much more expensive
Sooo let me start by saying I'm a newbie and used that vfd and with a motor I bought from eBay but got smoke! After not stopping and paying attention I tried 3 times and smoke appeared come to find out somehow T5 (motor wire) switched it's self with T9😔🤔. I quickly switched the to but Im not sure if it's too late Help?
Wire it up correctly and see if it works. Smoke isn't good, it will most likely need to be replaced.
@@HouseMadeUS ok I did it and it works but I'm not sure of the how much damage took place but I run a little rough.
I’m getting an over current fault on mine. Err 1 . If anyone knows anything about the settings on this thing, i could use the help. Thanks
Did you follow the wiring diagram on my resources page?
@@HouseMadeUS yes.
Good stuff!
it's a bad idea, the control panel of Chinese drives do not last long with these buttons.
it is better to put push buttons with a 10 kΩ potentiometer
I've had good luck with them, for many years.
@@HouseMadeUS I ordered several in China, and one lasted 3 hours and broke down, I had to send it back .personally I always use push buttons, and a potentiometer if I need to vary the speed
I have had my chinese 220/220 vfd two years now on the revolution grinder v3 when Brian would not recommend it at that time, and I have it thrown in a cardboard box with a slit for the wire to come out of, no fans, no cooling, no problems. The remote I have laying on the table next to the grinder and I have made many many knives, I grind everything I can think of on that thing. I make all kinds of shit. I use the grinder most every day and haven't had any problems with the buttons. I can't thank Brian enough for all the input and the mind grinding he does to afford me to do what I do. In the meen time your problem doesn't seem to be common around the community. I know there have been hundreds of people use this Chinese vfd and I would think there would have been a lot of negative comments on that. Anytime you have a connection from a unit to the 200 pound gorilla, really, that is always the first part to fail. If and when mine ever fails I'll order another $95 unit and I'll still be money ahead. I can't really comment on why your unit failed so soon, it is a chinese made pos, it could happen, I guess. Just my thoughts from a guy in Tucson, good luck and hard work
Ukraine and USA flag 😉 thanks for your support. I didn’t expect this.
Hoping for peace soon. 💪🏻
@@HouseMadeUS with your last support (m777, himars) we will win.
I never forget help of your country.
We are with you brother. 🇺🇦🇺🇸
I truly appreciate the Ukraine pin on the apron, Brian. Thank you.