Three phase circular power

[bandmiller2]

Any electricians in the house?? I an looking at a diesel generator three phase 139 amps @250 v. That should run a 50 hp three phase motor if my figuring is correct. A 50 hp motor is roughly equal to a 65 to 75 hp combustion engine. This power is a little light, anyone had experience running a mill with a 50 hp motor?? thanks Frank

[red oaks lumber]

frank
i don't what the  amps conversion to volts are.when i first started with my planer it had a 60 kw generator for my total 75 hp. the biggest draw will be on startup. 50hp electric to run a circle mill? should work fairly well,maybe a thinner kerf would save hp.your always doing something new aren't you frank? love your spirit man!!

[Kirk Allen]

Harold might be able to help on this one but I suspect first questions are going to be what size circle mill?  How big are the logs you plan on cutting and what species.

I am going to guess 50hp is on the to small side of things for a circle mill. 

[furu]

 I think your generator sizing will work out fine for the 50 hp motor, but if you try to up the motor hp you will be pushing it.

Can't comment on circle mill motor sizing.

[HaroldCR - AKA Fla.-Deadheader]

 Like Kirk said, what type wood, mostly. A 50 HP 3 phase will require the sawyer to do the sawing, not just being a stick puller, like on some mills. White and Post Oak, along with Hickory will be the ones to watch.  Not familiar with them Mass. logs, especially them froze up ones. 

 Only electric mill I ever saw running, used a 75 HP and it just sailed through Red Oak.

 I'm sure Frank can handle things well with the 50 HP.

[bandmiller2]

You guys are right about different power requirements for different wood. A mill that will breeze through w. pine can be on its knees in a large oak log. When I set up my circular mill I put a four speed transmission to control the feed speed, small logs third gear, large soft second gear, tough old oak granny gear. The four cylinder Cummins diesel on the genny is rated at 66 hp @1800. Like so many things around the mill you just have to try it. Frank C.

[bandmiller2]

Hal, the Mass logs are pretty much the same as others except they are too damn liberal, they will hide metal just to spite the sawyer. I've never had much trouble with frozen logs, when its cold enough to freeze-em my old gray one is in the shop doing something else. Frank C.

[John B]

Hi Frank,
Are you thinking about replacing the 330 Dagenham?
The 330 is 100+ HP. Anything that you do with a gen set powered with a 66HP engine will be a downgrade.

[bandmiller2]

Your probably right John, but the ole Dags injection pump has seen better days. Six cylinder Simms pumps are not that common this side of the pond. I think its the same as the Fordson Major tractor just two more nipples. Frank C.