Can I use One Controler for 2 motors?

D

Diamond G Knives

Well-Known Member
Just wondering as I am in the process of moving my shop, can I run 2 motors off of the same controler?

I have a Rob Frink 9" disc sander ( LOVE it!) and a KMG. I understand I might need to get a diffrent motor which I need anyway, but Im wondering if I can use the controler off the disc grinder to run the new KMG motor??

I am NOT en electrical person! Ill have it wired by a pro, just wondering if the principle is workable?

Thanks and God Bless
Mike
 
Hi, Mike,
I haven't tried it, but I don't see why not. I'm talking about DC controllers. If you're using 3 phase, someone else will need to chime in. You'll need a double pole, double throw switch that is rated above the amperage for the motors. It will need to be an ON/OFF/ON switch. One ON will be one motor. The center will be OFF, and the other ON will be the other motor. If either motor runs backward, reverse the wires coming out of the switch for that motor. If both run backward, reverse the wires going into the switch. There will not be an interlock doing it this way, so if you leave the controller powered up and switch to the other motor, it will start immediatley.

Dennie
 
dennie said:
Hi, Mike,
I haven't tried it, but I don't see why not. I'm talking about DC controllers. If you're using 3 phase, someone else will need to chime in. You'll need a double pole, double throw switch that is rated above the amperage for the motors. It will need to be an ON/OFF/ON switch. One ON will be one motor. The center will be OFF, and the other ON will be the other motor. If either motor runs backward, reverse the wires coming out of the switch for that motor. If both run backward, reverse the wires going into the switch. There will not be an interlock doing it this way, so if you leave the controller powered up and switch to the other motor, it will start immediatley.

Dennie
Click to expand...

I haven't done it but have researched it and this is exactly my understanding.
 
Many folks have mentioned using a plug and socket to hook up the motor and just unplug one and plug in the other. Not too slow and it's reliable/simple. Check the drive on the disc and make sure it's big enough to run your future grinder motor.

Good luck with it, Craig
 
Push button switch will work fine. Wire the VFC before the switch. I would wire the stop to stop the motor and controller. The Individual start button to start the controller and motor you are running at the same time.
 
I use 1 VFD to run both my grinders. I have it set up so that the 3 wires that supply power to the grinder from the VFD are switched and have a separate 10k pot that controls the VFDs freq control. I couldn't find a 2 position 3 pole switch so I mounted a 2 position 2 pole switch right beside a 2 position 1 pole switch and then took a piece of aluminum and drilled 2 holes in it that went over both switch levers. Then I cross drilled both holes and tapped them for 1/4 20 allen screws. Placed on switch levers and tightened allens. Now when I move the aluminum bar it moves both switches.
 
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