Thread: 3 phase durden planer t360 switchgear

If it has the contactors in it, which most do, you should be able to pick up one for about $150 brand new. Any good electricians wholesale outlet should be able to help you, take the old one in to match.

Awesome machine great Australian made gear. I replaced the contractor switch in mine for $120.

There are several ways you can go. I recommend the third (below) as minimum.:
1 - A simple 3-phase switch will do the job - but is short on protection.
2 - A DOL starter will add protection. It uses an electromagnet to hold the contacts together. If the power is interrupted the magnet loses power and the contacts separate, so when the power comes back on the machine doesn't start until you switch it back on. This is a really good safety feature for your protection.
3 - DOL starters have a thermal cut out, usually adjustable over a limited range. Check the amp rating on your motor, and get a DOL starter that can be set for that amp rating. The thermal cutouts will heat up and switch off before the motor heats up and burns out. This protects your motor (as well as protecting you).

All my vintage 3-phase machines have DOL starters. Some have been replaced over the years with more modern starters, and it's surprising how often they are the wrong rating - offering no protection to the motor. So make sure the new starter they try to sell you is the correct rating.

There's a 4th option: get a VFD. This replaces the starter and gives options such as soft start, variable speed, and braking. Probably not something you need.

I hope this helps.

Cheers, Vann.

Edit: DOL starter = contactor.