I just came into possession of a used 1.5 hp 1750 rpm motor which I’d like to install onto my 14″ bandsaw. I know, I know, the stock motor should be OK, but this one is really crappy and overheats easily.
Anyway, I’ve got a nice quality motor which I’d like to use. There are two problems. One is that it is a 220 motor. I could use it that way, but I would have to wire a new switch, etc for the saw. I would prefer to rewire the 220 motor to 110. There is no diagram under the wiring cover indicating that this can be done though. Can anyone suggest a source for determinating how to do this? Are there some 220 motors which can’t be converted to 110?
The second problem is bigger, I think. This motor turns clockwise, whereas the stock motor turns counter-clockwise. I think I’ve heard that motors can run either way. Is this true or do I have a useless motor?
Thanks in advance
david b
Replies
Yet another guy wanting a haircut over the phone. How about a little inf o? Make, model #, information off the motor plate?
"There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters."
-- Daniel Webster
Sorry, I wasn't sure how much info would be useful. I'll get the specs when I'm at in the shop tomorrow.Thanks for the help,
david b
All that info should be on the ouside of the motor. Some motors are made for a specific application and cannot be changed by you. However a motor repair shop can possibly tap into the widings and change voltage and direction providing the windings aren't too fragile and old. Other wise find another motor.
If it's operable at 120V, the nameplate will say so (something like "120/240V"). You're right that any induction motor can be made to run in either direction, but it's possible that it will only work properly in one direction (for example, the motor's internal cooling fan may be designed to move air only when turning one way).
-Steve
If the motor only turns one way (the wrong way) and you really want to use it, rotate it 180 degrees. Have a look at my quick illustration for clarification (perhaps). The " represents the belt and [ ]- represents the motor and shaft. Comprendez?
" "
" "
" "
[ ]- -[ ]
Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
That doesn't work very well for a bandsaw--the motor would have to be hanging way out in space.
-Steve
Thanks for the advice guys. I scraped crud off the spec plate and there was a tiny diagram with the words "to reverse direction, swith green and yellow wires". I did so and viola, it spins counter-clockwise.
The plate only specifies the motor as 210-240 volts. Since the existing switch is rated at 6A and this motor specifies 7A, I'll need to wire in a new switch anyway. So I might as well just run it at 220 and not worry about trying to convert to 110. I'll really only be out the cost of a switch and a new plug.
This is a really nice motor, by the way. It is a soft serve ice cream machine motor that a guy is selling on ebay for $35. Very heavy duty and US made. I imagine he removes them from dead machines. I didn't want to blow more cash than that on a Taiwan clone bandsaw. Gotta save for a big one.
david b
>> The plate only specifies the motor as 210-240 volts.Therefore, it's not a dual voltage motor. It can only run 220 volts.Howie.........
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