There is a local auction with a couple 3 phase General cabinet saws on the block. I don’t have 3 phase power available at my house but I’m wondering what my other options might be with these saws.
The saws are listed as 3hp, 3phase, 440 volt. Do i have any converter options with these saws or is my only option to do a motor swap? Static converters appear pretty cheap ($100 or so) but i don;t know if they’ll work.
The electrical engineer at work said to look into VFDs. At the time i didn’t know it was a 440 volt saw. Would a VFD still work?
If i go the motor swap option to a single phase what would i be looking at for extra costs to the saw?
Just checking out my options. If i’m going to be into this thing for much more then 50%-60% of new cost i’d probably pass.
Thanks,
Mike
Replies
We have 3 general saws and I can highly recommend them. Just buy a Leeson or Baldor motor for it. One other point you might have to change the starter/nvr unit as well .The saw is worth $1500-1700 secondhand(assuming they are not General international but made in Canada) with a fence etc so that may help your decision though not answering your 3 phase questions
Thanks for the input. The model is the General 350 (not an international) and from the pictures at least one looks to be a fairly current model. The saws were in a lumber yard so i would guess they didn't see continuous use (like a cabinet shop) but lots of occasional use by different people. At any rate, if they are solid and not really abused I figure i can get them back to good working order.
There is an inspection period prior to the auction but the hours are when i am working at my bill-paying job. Also the pick-up time is only during regular business hours. Not very convienant but if it's a decent deal i can make it work.
Mike
2 of ours are 20 + years old and are worked to death not abused, dragged on site if the job is big enough and still accurate.General machinary is good, solid,heavy and reliable.Nothing earth shattering design wise but it works forever.You won't be sorry taking time off work!!!!!!
I bought a similar 3ph 3HP Delta Unisaw in 1992. I checked with several electrical shops around my town and arranged a swap for a New 3hp single ph. I had to pay some cash but I saved about 50%.
There should be one electrical shop around you that services some commercial shops that may be willing to swap.
Another thing,,,,lumber yards around here usually have their large equipment stored outside in a shed without very good protection from the elements. I was fortunate in that my saw was in a cabinet making shop. Used a lot, but set up and cared for properly. Make sure the one you are looking at hasn't got hidden problems. There are numerous reference books available that describe overhauling cabinet machines if that becomes necessary.
Ed
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