I recently bought what was advertised as a six inch jointer at an auction. It was out of town and I drove to pick it up and bring it back. I did not realize until after I unloaded it that it is actually an eight inch jointer. That normally wouldn't be a problem except  I am in an apartment and renting a garage that does not have 220v, and of course the motor is 220v. It is a 1 1/2 HP 1725 RPM motor. Can I switch it with a general purpose dual voltage motor (110/220v)? I would like to get this jointer working because it is 8", but is it worth it or should I just sell this and buy a 6" which their motors are usually 110v?

Jeff,

Can you post a photo of the motor tag?

If it is a single phase motor it should be able to be rewired for 110 volts.

If it is a three phase motor it could be ran off of a VFD that will allow you to use the three phase motor on single phase.

Here's a link to the manual for your jointer.

 http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=492

Larry

Old Woodworking Machinery Forum Host

Larry Buskirk said:

Jeff,

Can you post a photo of the motor tag?

If it is a single phase motor it should be able to be rewired for 110 volts.

If it is a three phase motor it could be ran off of a VFD that will allow you to use the three phase motor on single phase.

Here's a link to the manual for your jointer.

 http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=492

Larry

Old Woodworking Machinery Forum Host

Thanks Larry. It has 3 phase on the tag but I hooked it up to a regular 220v socket at work and the motor ran fine. It is a 3 wire motor if that means anything. I'm not much of an electrician when it comes to buildings.  Much more comfortable with automotive electrical. What is a VFD?

Jeff,

A VFD is a variable frequency drive. It will allow you to run a three phase motor on single phase,

along with giving you the abilty to change the motors speed thus the cutterhead speed also.

 

Jeff,

With three phase wiring all three leads are hot. If you go across any two leads you will measure 220 volts.

There is not a neutral lead as in single phase wiring. The neutral lead is normally tied to ground.

In single phase wiring if you go across the two hot leads you will measure 220 volts, if you go across a hot lead and neutral you will measure 110 volts.

Jeff,

According to Delta's 1961 catalog you can use the 3/4, 1, and 1.5 HP 1725 RPM motors  for the 8" jointer.

Thanks for all of the info. Question with the VFD, that will still have to be plugged into 220 right? The socket I had the motor running on had 2 legs 110 and a neutral. The motor seemed to run at speed.

 

I couldn't get a good pic of the tag it was blurry without flash and unreadable with flash. Model#87-120.  This number is below the model number but nothing to describe what it is: P66M4A10     H-59   1 1/2 HP   203-220/440v  1725/1425 RPM

60/50 cyc   4.6/2.3 - 5.2/2.6 amps   Frame 66 Type P That is all the info on the tag.

A 3ph motor will run on single phase but it is not recommended. As Larry said I would get a VFD, you can run the VFD on single phase and it will covert it to 3 phase. I have done it a number of times. Do not let the new jargon intimidate you, they are very easy to wire and install. If you can wire a light switch you can wire a VFD. Some of the smaller VFD's, usually 1hp and smaller will run on 110V. In your particular situation you will need 220V single phase.

Here is a link to a good VFD and the price is pretty good. I dont think you will find a new single phase 2 hp motor for that price

http://www.factorymation.com/Products/FM50_230V/FM50-202-C.html

If you decide to go that route I have a few wiring diagrams that will get you up and running with the same magnetic switch you have on the machine

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My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist

Jeff,

The 87-120 motor is the 1 1/2 HP three phase motor that could run on either 50 or 60 cycle power.

On 50 cycle power it develops 1425 RPM, 60 cycle 1725 RPM.

The motor will run on single phase power, but will not develop full HP due to not running on the proper phase.

I just saw that Ken responded with the VFD information, and checked the link.

I couldn't remember the HP rating for the 110 volt VFD but saw at the link it is for up to 1 HP.

Three phase motors can usually be picked up for cheaper than their single phase counterparts.

You may also be able to trade the 1 1/2 HP for a 3/4 or 1 HP motor if you care to try the VFD approach.

Three phase machines can usually be found for cheaper than the same machine with a single phase motor.