Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
AC vs. DC
CJ
>I've been looking into different lathes for a possible upgrade in the next year and am curious about electronic variable speed. I see some lathes come with an AC variable speed system and some come with a DC variable speed system. What is the difference/benefit of one over the other? Does it really matter?
Thanks....
Re: AC vs. DC
John Lucas
>CJ
Generally speaking The variable frequency drives give you high torque at low speeds and the DC drives lose power at low speeds. The variable Frequency drives are AC. However I've heard that some of the latest DC drives have a feedback circuit or something like that and it has much higher torque at slow speeds. I haven't seen this in bigger motors so can't answer with any authority.
Hang on to your hat....
TDaniel
>the Variable Frequency drives are much better than DC but are about to get a lot better still. You'll be hearing a lot more shortly on this so stay turned.....
TD
Tease!
John Trant (Baltimore/DC area)
>You are quite the teaser. Are you willing to share any more info about the improvements for VF AC?
Re: Hang on to your hat....
CJ
>Thanks for the info John and Terry. It is appreciated.
CJ
Re: AC vs. DC *LINK*
Steve Mushinski
>Link for motors and controllers.
http://www.dealerselectric.com/index.htm