My old Belsaw planer dumped its 5 hp motor on me! It grinds slowly and then quit. It started not turning at all. Any suggestions on what the problem is? Also, I have a 2 hp motor I can easily put on it. Do you think it will be powerful enough? Thanks!!

How big is the planer? At one time Delta had a 2 HP motor on it's 15", and I don't think I've heard anyone say it was puny. Still, they did upsize it to a 3 HP somewhere along the way...but that may have been to keep up with the competition.

Does the motor have a start/run capacitor on it? If it does, check the capacitor. If it is not the capacitor, then the winding in the the motor may be bad. Check around your area, there is probably an electric motor rebuild shop somewhere close. It may be a fairly cheap fix. If it can't be repaired then I would suggest a replacement that is equivalent. Like all things, (small gas engines, outboard motors, et. al.) they change the way that they rate the power outputs over a period of time. Your 5 hp may be equivalent to a three or four horsepower at today's ratings.