Converting 460v Thunderbolt to 230

[Aeroweld]

Again being a Miller Tech and all, and having acess to the super secret Miller Tech only site, those parts are NOT available. And looking at the new version 230 transformer unit, you'd be looking at the $450 mark anyways.

So considering a used 230 T-bolt AC/DC running is around $200, even if you could buy the other transformer, which you can't, spending the extra $300 to net yourself a $200 machine isn't worth it., or is it.

Not worth it to me. When I discovered mine was a 460v model I looked at the parts manual considered the parts needed to convert it. I figured a conversion would be in the $250-300 range....at least. So then I would have used, AC output only, Thunderbolt with $300-350 invested in a machine I could buy new (at the time) for about $275.00. Hmmm....do the math. I might have been born during the day, but it wasn't yesterday.

[duaneb55]

Not worth it to me. When I discovered mine was a 460v model I looked at the parts manual considered the parts needed to convert it. I figured a conversion would be in the $250-300 range....at least. So then I would have used, AC output only, Thunderbolt with $300-350 invested in a machine I could buy new (at the time) for about $275.00. Hmmm....do the math. I might have been born during the day, but it wasn't yesterday.

OK - clarification time.

I never intended to imply it would be wise to spend $3-400 on a new transformer to 'save' a $200 machine. However, I am the kind of person that prefers to explore the options and if I had a $50 welder and I was lucky enough to find a NOS transformer coil for another $50 or so that was the only thing needed to address my desire/need, I wouldn't back down from the challenge or hesitate to spend a few hours to wind up with what I wanted. If it were a money making production based issue then by all means walk away and go get something that makes more sense.

If it's bolted together you can take it apart and fix it. If its welded you can cut it apart and modify it. It all boils down to whether or not it's worth it to the individual IMO.

[duaneb55]

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w..._384175_384175

Best bang for the buck- new, warranty and no worrying about iffin' it will work

Free shipping.

Yup. Looks like a good deal to me too.

[jallcorn]

230 or 460?

My shop only has 230 single and 3 phase. One of these days I will buy a step up transformer for 460. That makes LOTS of good used equipment usable and most of it is cheap cause most folks don't have that type of power. Plus, the amp draw at 460 is 1/2 that of 230.

A transformer is likely not practical for just 1 machine, but you can use them for multiple machines. Sort of like a phase converter to make 3 phase out of single phase can be used for more than one machine.

[MAC702]

...Plus, the amp draw at 460 is 1/2 that of 230. ...

True, but this is only going to affect the size of the wire from the transformer to the machine, which will usually be negligible at the distances in a small shop.

[jallcorn]

amp draw

I understand the wire sizing issue. How about the amp DRAW part? Say you are on a demand meter, at higher voltages is the amp draw less from the power company? I'm curious and realize there is a lot about electricity I don't know, esp. on the supply side.

[MAC702]

You're paying for POWER, not amps, and besides, you aren't transforming it to the lower amperage until after you've paid for it.