Possible dumb question which is why i am asking first….
I have a Ridgid Contractors saw with a 1.5 hp motor. I upgraded the fence a while back to a Biesemeyer which was a great improvement. I’ve been using the saw for about 10 years and the motor seems to be getting “weaker”. Blades are clean and sharp, using rip blades for ripping, etc.
I would like to upgrade to a cabinet saw in the future but alas, the war department has put the brakes on new big purchases for a while. The saw is servicable with the fence i have but i would just like a little more power.
Is it possible to swap out the 1.5hp motor for a larger motor? Putting in a 220 circuit is not a problem but i am concerned the rest of the saw wouldn’t be able to handle the extra power.
If i do upgrade, how many hp could I go to?
Maybe it’s a dumb idea, if so, please don’t hold back. 🙂
Mike
Replies
I don't have any experience with the Rigid saws. I do have an older Rockwell contractor's saw. I rewired the 1 1/2 hp from 110 to 220. On this particular motor, I gained a significant amount of power. Many motors in this size can be wired either way. I don't know if they all would show an increase in power. There is usually a wiring schematic under the cover on the wire box. I would try this first.
3hp is plenty for all but the largest and heaviest work. You shouldn't have any trouble upgrading. You just need to find a motor with the correct mounting bracket and shaft to fit your saw. Grainger's, for one, carries replacement motors for contractor saws. A 3 hp Leeson costs around $350.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Eight years ago I upgraded a 1hp 120v motor on a 30-year old craftsman TS to a 2hp 220/120v motor. It was still going strong when I sold it 4 years later. As previously mentioned, just make sure the mounting brackets fit. You may also want to consider a link belt as an option over the standard v-belt. Better power transfer.
Doug
I wouldn't go more than 2hp. The carriage and pulley systems aren't design for the weight and torque of true 3hp motor. You might also consider upgrading the belt and/or pulleys to optimize your power transfer efficiency.
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