Last reviewed: May 2026 · MLC editorial team · UK trade workshop perspective
Photo by Jakob Schlothane on Pexels
A VFD turns a 3-phase motor into a variable-speed motor and lets you run it on single-phase mains. For workshops running a Colchester lathe or Bridgeport mill off a domestic supply, the VFD is the difference between a £200 fix and a £3,000 phase-converter installation. In UK workshops, reliable power solutions are critical for maintaining productivity without breaking the bank. This article focuses on variable frequency drives that cater to small-scale manufacturing needs, ranging from compact units like the Lenze SINAMICS V90 priced around £250 to more robust models such as the ABB ACS380 series at approximately £1,200. These devices offer precise speed control and energy savings for a wide array of machinery, ensuring that your workshop operates efficiently within budget constraints.
How we picked these
- Sizing: VFD output rating should match motor rated current with 10% headroom. Don't undersize.
- Input phase: 230V single-phase IN → 230V 3-phase OUT for sub-2.2kW motors. Above 2.2kW you need 400V 3-phase in.
- EMC rating: workshops need C2 filter minimum. Sub-£100 VFDs often have C3 (industrial-only, can interfere with radio/wifi).
- Brake resistor: required for spindles (lathes/mills) to dump regenerated energy on rapid decel.
- Control: keypad on-drive is OK for set-and-forget. Frequency potentiometer on the lathe is the trade choice.
Reviewed picks
Invertek Optidrive E3 (2.2kW)
Price: £190-£280 | Best for: Colchester / Boxford lathe or small mill on single phase
The Invertek Optidrive E3 (2.2kW) is a solid choice for UK workshops needing variable frequency control on single-phase power. Priced between £190 and £280, it's well-suited for machines like the Colchester or Boxford lathe. Its built-in C2 EMC filter meets stringent UK regulations. However, its 230V output limits motor selection options, and the small keypad can be a nuisance during daily use.
| Power | 2.2kW |
|---|
| Input | 230V 1-ph |
|---|
| Output | 230V 3-ph |
|---|
| EMC | C2 filter |
|---|
| Keypad | Built-in |
|---|
Pros
- UK-designed (Welshpool)
- C2 EMC built-in
- Sensible price
Cons
- 230V output only - limits motor choice
- Keypad small for daily use
Check Invertek Optidrive E3 (2.2kW) on Amazon UK →
Schneider Altivar Machine ATV320 (2.2kW)
Price: £420-£580 | Best for: workshop with Modbus / PLC integration
The Schneider Altivar ATV320 (2.2kW) is a reliable variable frequency drive for UK workshops needing Modbus/PLC integration. Priced between £420 and £580, it offers industrial-grade performance with UK-based service support. A standout feature is its Modbus RS485 capability, ideal for automation projects. However, at this price point, it's larger than some competitors like Invertek.
| Power | 2.2kW |
|---|
| Input | 230V/400V |
|---|
| Output | 3-ph |
|---|
| EMC | C2 |
|---|
| Modbus | Yes |
|---|
Pros
- Industrial brand with UK service
- Modbus RS485 for automation
- Wide voltage range
Cons
- Price
- Bigger than Invertek
Check Schneider Altivar Machine ATV320 (2.2kW) on Amazon UK →
Danfoss VLT FC51 Micro Drive (4kW)
Price: £480-£650 | Best for: larger lathe / mill with 3-phase available
The Danfoss VLT FC51 Micro Drive at 4kW is a solid choice for larger lathe or mill operations needing three-phase power. Priced between £480 and £650, it offers dependable performance with excellent torque at low speeds, ideal for precise control tasks. However, it requires an external brake resistor, limiting its use in setups without 3-phase input.
| Power | 4kW |
|---|
| Input | 400V 3-ph |
|---|
| Output | 3-ph |
|---|
| EMC | C2 |
|---|
| Brake | External |
|---|
Pros
- Danfoss-class reliability
- Excellent torque at low speed
- Long lifespan
Cons
- 3-phase IN only
- No on-board brake (external resistor needed)
Check Danfoss VLT FC51 Micro Drive (4kW) on Amazon UK →
ABB ACS150 (0.75kW)
Price: £170-£240 | Best for: small spindle motor, pump, or conveyor under 1kW
The ABB ACS150 at 0.75kW is a solid choice for small spindle motors or pumps under 1kW, priced between £170 and £240. Its compact size and reliability make it stand out, backed by ABB's UK service network. However, the keypad-only programming can be limiting, and its power output might not suffice for larger machinery like a decent lathe.
| Power | 0.75kW |
|---|
| Input | 230V 1-ph |
|---|
| Output | 230V 3-ph |
|---|
| EMC | C2 |
|---|
| Keypad | Built-in |
|---|
Pros
- ABB UK service network
- Compact
- Very reliable for the size
Cons
- 0.75kW is small for any decent lathe
- Keypad-only programming
Check ABB ACS150 (0.75kW) on Amazon UK →
Yaskawa V1000 (2.2kW)
Price: £550-£780 | Best for: trade workshop wanting high low-speed torque
The Yaskawa V1000 at 2.2kW is a robust variable frequency drive for UK trade workshops needing high low-speed torque. Priced between £550 and £780, it offers Japanese build quality with long-life capacitors. Its sensor vector control delivers superior performance at low rpms but the programming menu can be dense.
| Power | 2.2kW |
|---|
| Input | 230V/400V |
|---|
| Output | 3-ph |
|---|
| EMC | C2 |
|---|
| Sensor | Vector control |
|---|
Pros
- Vector control = better low-rpm torque
- Japanese build quality
- Long-life capacitors
Cons
- Price
- Programming menu is dense
Check Yaskawa V1000 (2.2kW) on Amazon UK →
WEG CFW100 (1.5kW)
Price: £140-£200 | Best for: budget conversion of single-phase to 3-phase motor
The WEG CFW100 (1.5kW) is a budget-friendly variable frequency drive for converting single-phase input to three-phase output at 230V. Priced between £140 and £200, it offers an affordable entry point with built-in keypad controls. However, its build quality sits below top-tier brands like Schneider and Danfoss, limiting its use to smaller motors due to the 1.5kW power limit.
| Power | 1.5kW |
|---|
| Input | 230V 1-ph |
|---|
| Output | 230V 3-ph |
|---|
| EMC | C2 |
|---|
| Keypad | Built-in |
|---|
Pros
- £140 entry price
- Brazilian industrial brand
- UK distribution
Cons
- 1.5kW only
- Build below Schneider / Danfoss tier
Check WEG CFW100 (1.5kW) on Amazon UK →
Recommendations at a glance
| Best overall (workshop lathe / mill) | Invertek Optidrive E3 2.2kW - UK-designed, C2 EMC, sensible price |
|---|
| Best premium (industrial) | Schneider Altivar ATV320 - Modbus + UK service |
|---|
| Best for low-speed torque | Yaskawa V1000 - sensorless vector control |
|---|
| Best small drive | ABB ACS150 - 0.75kW, compact, ABB reliability |
|---|
| Best budget | WEG CFW100 - £140 for 1.5kW single-to-3-phase |
|---|
Related reference on MLC
Frequently asked questions
Will a VFD let me run a 3-phase lathe on single-phase mains?
Yes - choose a VFD with 230V single-phase IN and 230V 3-phase OUT. Most workshop VFDs up to 2.2kW handle this. Above 2.2kW you'll need a 3-phase mains supply or a step-up arrangement.
What's the difference between C1, C2 and C3 EMC rating?
C1 = domestic environment (radio quiet). C2 = industrial light environment (some workshop interference). C3 = industrial heavy (will jam radios / wifi). Workshop VFDs should be C2 minimum.
Why does my motor lose torque at low rpm with a VFD?
Standard V/Hz control loses torque below 25% of rated speed. Vector control (Yaskawa V1000, Danfoss VLT) maintains torque down to ~5% speed. For lathes / mills, vector control is worth the extra cost.
Do I need a brake resistor?
Yes if you decelerate a spindle / fan rapidly. The regenerated energy has to go somewhere - without a resistor the DC bus over-volts and the drive trips. External resistor is £30-£60.
Single-phase IN to 3-phase OUT: any motor limit?
Most single-phase-in VFDs are limited to 2.2kW output. You also need to keep the motor de-rated by ~20% if running it at full speed continuously on a single-phase-in VFD. Plenty for hobby/light trade lathes.
As an Amazon Associate, MLC earns from qualifying purchases. The product links on this page support our work at no extra cost to you. Reviewer-style guidance is editorial; prices and stock change without notice.