I just picked up a new (to me) Powermatic 66 table saw at an auction. It is going in the shop as soon as we are done with the construction. My problem is that the motor is a good 5 hp Baldor 220V 3ph.
Is there any way to convert this to single phase other than replacing the motor? Or do I just resort to using a phase converter?
Thanks for any guidance you can give me.
Replies
I've just gotten my first two pieces of three phase equipment (an older 2 hp Unisaw and a Powermatic 180 planer) and have the same dilemma - do I run a phase converter or get single phase motors?
I THINK, in the case of a 66, the motor is a standard frame and mounting, so it shouldn't be too hard to find a 3 hp single phase motor for it. A static phase converter will only give you about 2/3 the horsepower, which for a 5 hp motor isn't too shabby. A rotary phase converter can be bought or built, and would be good to have if you ever got more three-phase equipment.
I've been doing the research and asking a lot of questions on other forums, and have decided to build a rotary converter. I know I'll run into good machines in the future, with three phase motors, and I don't feel like spending the money on single phase motors for all of them. It gets expensive. Plus, some machines are direct drive and converting them to single phase may be impossible.
In your case, you could probably find a good 2 hp or 3 hp/220v/1 phase motor, OR get a decent static converter, for less than $200.
...either buy the conveter or the 1 phase motor....
no way to re-connect the 5 hp for single phase
http://www.metalwebnews.com/howto/ph-conv/ph-conv.html
We've got a 3hp 3ph jointer in our 1phase shop. Fine Woodworking has a book out that shows how to make a converter out of another, larger, 3ph motor and washing machine motor. Used 10hp 3phase cost 50 bucks (stripped off commercial HVAC units & nobody knows what to with 'em). It's a bit clunky, but it's been cranking for 15 years<G> Hey, pocket doors can't come off the track if they're nailed open
Good link Joe, one of the better sumaries.
Anybody wants to build RPC in Seattle area I have an extra 25 HP 3 phase you can have for just coming and picking it up (note: it is a flange mount motor, splined shaft) , e-mail if interested.
Thank you all! As usual, great responses and good information.Frank