Which Colombo Replaces HSD 4HP Spindle?

[gerryv]

The previous owner of my Buddy 48alpha didn't use a proper warmup routine and so the bearings on the HSD 4HP are failing early and I need to replace it. He made me aware of that when I bought it so there's certainly no blame implied.

I'm thinking of switching to a Colombo and wondering which model would be a direct interchange with the standard VFD that came with my machine. Has anyone made this switch? Pro's /cons?

[knight_toolworks]

they use different vfds so you would have to replace both to get it to work.

[gerryv]

Ouch! (That would be my wallet moaning) :(

[gundog]

Contact Columbo direct and ask them that question they may have one that will work with your existing VFD they are usually programmable. I am not sure why it would not work unless you are going to a larger HP unit.

Mike

[Brady Watson]

There is no such thing as a 'standard VFD'. If you have a Delta-B you *may* be able to use it, but you'll need another cable.

I have two 5hp Colombos. I bought the 1st with my machine and the 2nd along with 50' cable, VFD, wrenches, collets, shipping et al for just under $3k a few years back, direct. The 2nd is still 'settin' on the shelf waiting for the original to die...which won't be any time soon.

Just a word to the wise...either be full in and buy the Colombo all hooked up and complete or get a cheap Chinese one. It is unrealistic to expect to keep your existing VFD and just 'plug in' a Colombo. Ain't happenin'. There are around 9 wires in the Colombo cord that have to be wired up inside the cover on the spindle and VFD. It doesn't just plug in like the HSD & is still tricky even if you have done it a few times before.

-B

[gerryv]

Thanks Steve, Mike and Brady,
Sure glad I asked. The strange thing is my HSD AT/MT1073-140 3kW spindle doesn't even show up on the HSD website, even when I use their search function. In fact, there are none with AT/MT.

[donclifton]

A spindle is just an 3ph electric motor that runs on 300hz or 400hz They are about as standard as anything can be. They come in single and 3ph input and all 4 of mine are 3ph running on single phase. I run a 2.2kw inverter on my bridgeport knee mill, a china inverter on a belt grinder (60hz motor running at 120hz) a Teco Westinghouse inverter running a china 4kw 5hp spindle on my 120 x 60 bot and a Yaskawa running a 3kw 4hp HSD spindle on my 120 x 60 mechanicmate bot. Yes you need to change the setting to fit the motor but that can be done very easily. I have run my 5hp 4kw china spindle on the Yaskawa VFD that I purchased from Shopbot without making any changes so I don't think a new VFD is needed. I hate to see people spend money on equipment they don't need.
Don

[gerryv]

Thanks much for the input Don. :)

[donclifton]

No problem, if your going to buy a china spindle their prices have doubled in the last week.
Don

[gerryv]

Poor timing on my part! But, part of me hopes they just keep right on going up on everything coming from that part of the world - might even bring some manufacturing back this way :-)

[donclifton]

the quality is not like the Italian or German spindle but now they are considered throw away spindle at least the HSD are. and as far as I know no one in the US makes one. I purchased a 4kw china spindle for $275 a month ago and now they want $600. you can buy a new HSD 3kw for $1500. Have you thought about putting new bearings in your? I'm still running a HSD I purchased on this forum that was said to have bad bearing and over heating a year ago.
Don