Thread: Opinions Sought

If it was I, it would entirely depend upon your projected usage for a jointer. If you are to use it seriously, ie making an income, major project I'd keep the old one. If you just play in your shed (as do I) then sell it and get a new one.

Whilst I'm pretty ignorant on the subject of electrons, wouldn't it be easier and cheaper to get 3 phase brought to your shed, rather than convert the machine? The added advantage here would be you could then snap up all those 2nd hand, 3 phase professional machines that come up for auction following yet another joinery shop spinning down the gurgler. Seems to happen almost weekly - is this nornmal?

Maglite,

The 2 options I se if you prefer to keep the unit is
1st Option.
Replace the 3 phase motor with a Single Phase one. This will draw heaps of current.

2nd Option
purchase a Single to 3 phase VSD unit and keep the origional Motor :confused:

3rd Option [OK!! So I cannot Count]
Have 3 Phase power run to the house/shed. :eek:

thanks for the reply bodgy,

quote was in the vicinity of 5k to get 3 phase run to shed.

Machine will be mainly used for weekend warrior type stuff.

steve

What is the HP of the 3 phase motor?
You really need to tell us the condition of the unit. Are the beds in good condition, and flat lengthwise and across? Is the fence vertical to the beds and does it adjust easily? What is the fence adjustment mechanism and does it lock firmly into place? etc, etc.
Old machines were, generally, good machines and bringing one back to good working condition is a rewarding thing to do.
You may get some advice as to quality if you can identify the manufacturer and the model.
Rob

ooops, forgot to leave out the condition of the machine.

if you were to look at it you would be hard pressed to tell its age, hardly a a chip on the original paintwork, all threads have a healthy coat of grease and all turn easily with little effort.
only thing that gives its age away is that all measurements are imperial.
all fences, beds are in exceptional order and very square.
my post was not so much about "restoring" the machine but rather, wether it was worth converting to single phase or am i better off buying a single phase and selling the 3 phase job.

Steve

Is it $500 or $5000 to connect the shed to 3 phase.

I'll bite.

Convert it to single phase, assuming it can be done, which it sounds like it can. If you ever get 3 phase, you can convert back.


I have three phase running past the front of my house, there was a huge upgrade a few years ago.

Beauty I says, three phase for the shed, cheap 2nd hand stuff, serious motors. All looked good.

A quote of $10,000, yes thats thousands, ten of, to connect it to the shed. :mad: . Well maybe one day when I'm rich.

These are the things I would be considering.

Condition, you say it looks good, put a long straight edge on the bed and see if the ways are worn (bed sags)

How big is it? 6" 8" or even 12" If it is not too big it probably only needs a 2hp motor. 12" probably needs too much horsepower to run on single phase.
What hp is the three phase motor thats on it?


Can you do the mods yourself? Do you need someone to do it for you?

How about a picture and more details.

Greolt

Originally Posted by

Is it $500 or $5000 to connect the shed to 3 phase.

$5000.00

$500 to have a 6" converted or another $95 for a brand spanker, then when you sell the old one you will still be out of pocket less than $500. Thats what I would do anyway


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Main thing I can think of is to look at the cutter head. If it's round, fine and dandy. If it's square, give serious consideration to using it with that cutter head. Apparently, they be a little, err, risky...

As for the conversion, what kinda hp does it really need? A working machine, all the power you can give it, but for what you want it for, I would think you could get away with 1-1.5hp. A secondhand motor shouldn't cost too much, and a little work with some angle iron, flat bar and bolts (welder if you can too) should make that motor fit in there and work well. If you have to have it changed over, is it really worth it?

Then again, if it's a 12" wide jointer... Go right ahead.

Keep a look out on Ebay for motors, I just scored a new 2hp 1ph motor for under $200!
Just make sure you get one that has the same rpm's

Originally Posted by Harry72

Keep a look out on Ebay for motors, I just scored a new 2hp 1ph motor for under $200!
Just make sure you get one that has the same rpm's

Also rotating in the same direction or it is reversable.

yep reversable