More power or more tools.

**Chris82** · 27th May 2012, 10:46 PM

I am in the process of buying some new machines to set up a my workshop and i stumbled across this website a couple of weeks ago. I have searched through a lot of old threads but i could do with some input from other woodworkers. I picked up a used carbatec 381 thicknesser and next on the list is a table saw, but I can't decide wether or not to invest in 3 phase power beforehand. I had an electrician out to the house and we have a 3 phase line to the house but it has never been connected into the meter box. Estimated cost to connect and install 1 point is $1000, but I am not sure if I should do it or not ( do I really need a 5 hp table saw ?).
Options as I see them
1) install 3 phase and purchase 5hp hafco st-12d or mbs300. Cost $2600+
2) use 240v and buy 3hp carbatec tsce-10l. Cost $2600
3) use 240v for 3hp hafco st-12d or 2hp Gpw 10/12. Cost approx $1400 to $1600
( this would save me $1000 to put towards a band saw or jointer )

Would you spend the money on 3 phase power and buy a $1500 saw or buy a better quality 240v saw or should I go for one of the cheaper 240 v saws and put the extra towards another purchase.

**richmond68** · 28th May 2012, 01:04 AM

Having three phase opens up a whole lot more choices, but even with 240v gear it can be a benefit. Run a 3hp saw with a 2hp dust collector, you have already got your 5hp. A 2hp dust unit would be a minimum with the thicknesser, so again you have 5hp. Having 3 phase allows you to run 240v outlets on different phases to balance load, besides supporting 415v.
The other benefit is being able to pick up quality tools relatively cheaply. I spent the money on putting three phase to my shed, figuring it would repay itself by enabling the purchase of good used industrial tools instead of Chinese built hobby stuff of mixed quality. I don't regret it, now that I am setting up my shop.

**Irvs** · 29th May 2012, 07:25 PM

Mate your lucky you have 3 phase to your property already because to get 3 phase wired up from the pole can be expensive. By the time you get the truck crew out twice and a sparky has wired some points you rarely come out of it with much change from 4 grand.

And I agree with richmond, you will be able to snag yourself some great used tools at very reasonable prices basically because you aren't going to be competing with every tom dick and harry.

I'd get the 3 phase, you will find it will benefit your entire home with future appliance purchases . e.g Aircon, Hot Water Services. etc

**Astrodog** · 31st May 2012, 10:36 AM

Getting 3 phase isn't that much extra though if you need to upgrade your mains anyway - I did it two years ago, the overall cost of 3 phase (3x100A) mains installation, which included a new meter box, was about $500-600 extra on top of what a single phase mains would have been.....
The only real extra costs are 2 strands of cable and two more fuses really......

**gehills** · 13th June 2012, 10:25 PM

Iris I am wondering where to source the three phase tools. I am lucky enought to have 3 phase but apart from a 3hp 3 phase dusty I have not come across much. Any advice appreciated.

**Talorien** · 19th June 2012, 09:12 PM

Originally Posted by gehills

Iris I am wondering where to source the three phase tools. I am lucky enought to have 3 phase but apart from a 3hp 3 phase dusty I have not come across much. Any advice appreciated.

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