I’ve been fortifying my shop the last few months with some new tools and upgrades.
One of the upgrades I’ve considered was rewiring my 1.5HP Jet Bandsaw for 220V. I know about motor ratings and Tawianese tools, so I realize the saw might not actually be 1.5HP.
However, wouldn’t 220 make the motor run more efficently, (i.e. less heat produced)? Does a more effcient motor translate to more power?
Changing the plug and moving a couple wires in the motor doesn’t seem like a big deal.
But, I’m also from the school of “if it ain’t broke”.
Any thoughts?
Patrick
Replies
First--I am assuming that the motor shows how to wire the motor for 220 V. If it doesn't, you of course can't change the operating voltage. I rewired my table saw and dust collector for 220 V.
Does the motor create less heat on 220V?
ANS: No. The same total current flows in the coils. At 110 V there are two coils connected in parallel. At 220 V the two coils are connected in series, so each has 110 V across it.
Is it more efficient?
ANS: Sort of. 220 V uses lower current, so the losses in the building wiring are lower.
And, as a result of the lower current, it'll generally start a little faster and not stall as easily.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
as a result of the lower current, it'll generally start a little faster
Slight clarification for lower priced motors -- it starts faster because the current in the start winding is HIGHER on 240 than on 120. Most low priced dual voltage motors provide only a SINGLE 240 V start winding, hence, the pathetically slow start at 120Vac, as only 1/2 voltage (hence 1/2 current and 1/4 the start winding power) is being applied to the start winding.
It would seem that with the exception of the stalling, I probably wouldn't be gaining that much in rewiring.
Would the motor last longer with the higher voltage and easier starts?
The advantage would be most noticeable if your shop were some distance from the service entrance, causing voltage drop to be significant. It would also be helpful for a device that was marginal on a standard 20A circuit.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
Dan,
Thanks for info! You've always been helpful with my various electrical questions.
After all of the info shared here, I think I'm going to leave well enough alone. The saw has it's own 20 amp circuit and I've not had any problems...
So, when I get my new 5hp SCM bandsaw, I'll be sure to post an ad for a lightly used 115V Jet 16" bandsawsaw on Breaktime. Based on my controller's (aka girlfriend) budget, it might be a little while. Personally, I think a new Italian bandsaw would make a great engagement present from me to her.
Thanks again for the info.
Patrick
Edited 8/14/2007 11:44 am ET by Corrib