Thread: To upgrade or not

Originally Posted by les88

My TSC10HB saw came with a 10amp plug molded on the cord, the salesman at CT Sydney said the saws were rated for 10 amps the motor is supposed to be 3 hp, I have it connected to the GPO with a 15 amp caravan extension lead. Yes it dims the lights on startup but I am 75 feet from the switchboard. Now if the figures are correct and 750 watts = 1 HP then 3 HP = 2250 watts 10 amps = 240 vac * 10 = 2400 watts so the saw is drawing less than 10 amps.I have a clamp meter that reads the amps being drawn thru the lead, tomorrow I will test the current being drawn. In my case I only use one machine at a time so I am not worried.
les

Bought mine from carbatec and it also came with a 10 amp plug, run it from a 10 amp point and a 3 hp dusty as well never had a problem. The 15" thicknesser draws a lot more on startup than the TS, it not only dims the lights in the shed but also in the house.

Originally Posted by journeyman Mick

Ha, I can rip out to 1500 with my saw.
Mick

It's a big beastie as well, to put it in my shed I would have to move everything out and have the shed just for the saw only.

Thats an idea if I buy a saw like Micks, I'd have to build another shed. mmmmm...............

Originally Posted by les88

My TSC10HB saw came with a 10amp plug molded on the cord, the salesman at CT Sydney said the saws were rated for 10 amps the motor is supposed to be 3 hp, I have it connected to the GPO with a 15 amp caravan extension lead. Yes it dims the lights on startup but I am 75 feet from the switchboard. Now if the figures are correct and 750 watts = 1 HP then 3 HP = 2250 watts 10 amps = 240 vac * 10 = 2400 watts so the saw is drawing less than 10 amps.I have a clamp meter that reads the amps being drawn thru the lead, tomorrow I will test the current being drawn. In my case I only use one machine at a time so I am not worried.
les

So based on this, If I was to buy the TSC10HB, and it came with a 15 amp plug, would it be safe to have the plug changed to 10 amps?

Geoff, in my professional opinion yes.

As an electrician,electrical engineer and a very lazy person - I've yet to get around to installing a sub board in my shed (well there is this trench to dig you see...) I have a 3 HP saw that has a 15 amp plug....rather than change the saws plug and potentialy raise eyebrows if I had a service or warranty what I would recommend is.....buy a 15 amp extension lead from bunnies (about $20 I think - though that may be with trade discount?) and change the mail plug on it to a 10 amp plug. Plug this into your standard powerpoint and all should be ok...It is legal for you to do non fixed wiring of this nature....

As an indication on the 20 amp circuit I can run my 2 HP dusty, my 3 HP saw, lights and a number of other devices with no problems - lights dim on saw start as it spikes at about 9.3 amps (from memory)

Spartan, thanks for that.

This may just be the advice that rounds out my decision on what table saw to buy.

Not having to come up with the extra $400-500 to have 15 amp wired into my garage will almost pay for the bandsaw.