How to Add a 3 Phase Motor and VFD to a 10x22 Lathe

[henryarnold]

(05-20-2012, 11:55 AM)EdAK Wrote:

(05-19-2012, 08:48 PM)henryarnold Wrote: Ed,
I used a plastic electrical junction box from Home Depot. They come in 3 sizes 6x6x4, 8x8x4, and 12x12x6. The one I used on my lathe is the 12x12x6 but I cut it down to 12x12x5 so that the VFD just pokes out the front panel. This box costs about $32. They are quite easy to modify and have some mounting ears that make it easy to mount. I noticed that Home Depot also carries a sprinkler timer enclosure which has a hinged door. This might make a good VFD enclosure.

Henry Arnold

Henry,

I got one of the 12x12x6 boxes from Menards yesterday and I was wondering what you used to cut the box down to 5"? It seems like you would lose your corner screw holes for the cover if you cut an inch off of the box.

Thanks,
Ed

Ed,
The box from Home Depot had ribs with holes running the full depth. The sides were not tapered by much allowing me to trim off 1" on my table saw. I could have also done it with a hand held Sabre saw. If your box doesn't have the ribs all the way through, create your own mounting brackets for the lid. I did not post a Home Depot link because I couldn't find the box on their website.
Henry