Most controllers are also phase converters. Like the Powermatic and most other larger lathes, the motor takes 3 phase power. The controller converts most of our 220/240 single phase power to the 3 phase power the motor needs with the added benefit of allowing speed control and reverse and sometimes variable braking and accelerating capabilities. So, for a better answer we would need to know what kind of power you have and what you are trying to control. I have a 3 phase Powermatic model 90 lathe I'd like to add variable speed. It's currently running on a loud mechanical/rotary phase converter. So if what you are doing is similar to that type of upgrade, please give us a report of what you get, and how you hooked it up. thanks. If you do have 3 phase power in your shop, you have access to lots of big old iron machines that can be fairly inexpensive since most of us cannot run 3 phase equipment.
