Thread: To import or not?

Step down transformer. Make sure it's rated above the wattage of the tool.

The problem will be the frequency(60HzUSA) not (50Hz AUS).The transformer will adjust the voltage only.You may have to have it re-wound when it burns out.Will also run slower and hotter.Might last a while though!
HTH.

for a battery charger, you would get by with a 100 watt step down transformer.

for a electric tool, between 500-800 watts.
you will have to get a decent 1000 watt transformer.

dick smith sell these for $250, last time i looked.

consider the price of the 1000 watt transformer before purchasing electric tools from the u.s.

as the other bloke said.
make sure the transformer is rated above the wattage of the tool.

justin.

Originally Posted by mrdustmaster

The problem will be the frequency(60HzUSA) not (50Hz AUS).The transformer will adjust the voltage only.You may have to have it re-wound when it burns out.Will also run slower and hotter.Might last a while though!
HTH.

Frequency won't be a problem as it is a universal (brushed) motor. Frequency only becomes an issue with induction motors where speed is related to mains frequency. Transformer would need to be rated at 250VA or more for 1/4 horse motor.

Thanks. Another pipe dream I guess. This is what I'm looking at anyway. I'm not sure its 60 HZ actually. Does anyone know where to buy a mastercarver in OZ?


FOREDOM H Jewelry Flex Shaft Rotary Motor Tool 1/4 HP - eBay (item 270588735848 end time Jun-10-10 19:00:21 PDT)

The unit in your link is the one I found on ebay to confirm power requirements etc. As I said, mains frequency is not an issue for a brushed motor, they will run quite happily on DC and generally up to about 400Hz at least. The issue is getting a suitable transformer in the 250 -350VA range to handle the voltage.This one would be a bit overated, but the next one down in the range is 250VA and would be right on the borderline if you work the unit hard for longer periods.

that seems cheap. The auction progress makes it looks like its a seller's market for foredom.

I purchased one of these from this site, suitable for Australia, no transformer required, I got it for $99, just lucky they usually go for $125.

Is is a great unit very sturdy.

VARIABLE-SPEED FLEXIBLE SHAFT ROTARY POWER TOOL (NEW) - eBay Other Tools, Tools, Jewellery Boxes, Supplies, Jewellery. (end time 13-Jun-10 22:12:09 AEST)

Cheers.

I guess its Chinese. Is it very noisy.. I mean how does it sound? How strong is that handpiece? Thanks for the link.

One assumes that being1/4 hp that the handpiece would take 1/4 bits but it doesn't quite specify that.

It is Chinese made, very quite operation, key type chuck 0-MM, 36" flexible shaft, 500-22000RPM variable speed 1/4 hp, 1ph 50/60Hz with a foot pedal switch,
there is also a wood caring attachment as an option, but they are out of stock at the moment.
I use it with dremel size bits with great success.

hope that is a help

It says it is a 5/32"(4mm) keyed chuck.which means it won't take 1/4 bits. It also says its 10000 rpm only. Maybe you got a different model. I'll ask the seller questions, rather than bothering you. Thanks again.

As you said maybe a different model. there other accessory's Pieces as well you might want to ask about those as well.
Cheers

I won the bid at ebay for one for 82. I'm hoping there was a mistake in the rpm, but still I hope a good deal for the power.