On the home front The Collapse of the home market has caused cabinet shops to close

I spent the day at the local saw shop. I have never let them touch my saw blades or any of my tools they use a big grinder and hack your blades to death.however they were the biggest shop in Fresno they used to have 5 lines in the shop any tool a guy could want from the hot new dealers.. but today it is a different story today they are filled with huge professional shop tools, many of the items are for 3 phase electricity. Many are just huge like a 24 inch band saw I could not find a maker on it but it was made in America and had a 7 hp motor on it. the guy at the saw shop laughed and said it is underpowered. I could buy that saw for a grand now if only i can get 3 phase electricity in my home.

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Permalink Reply by sam calabro on May 5, 2012 at 2:42am

Thanks for the advice jarret, and also Ken, you are right about the price of soft starters, so I will chase down the

VFD lead.

Ciao Sam

J. Vibert said:

Hi Sam,

Yes, there are devices known as "soft starters" which will do exactly what you'd like. They're used in place of a standard starter (contactor) and will have an adjustable accel time, and some come with overload protection as well. They are wired in the exact same manner as the standard starter, so it's an easy swap. Sizing is critical though, so it would be best to take all the motor's name plate information to the retailer and get it sized appropriately.

The downside is, they aren't cheap. You may as well just go the route of the lower end VFDs and gain more control over your bandsaw's abilities.

I really don't know what is available in your neck of the planet as far as products, so googling "soft starter" would be your best bet on finding something local to you. There is of course always ebay, but I wouldn't touch a used unit, (they have a life span) so be careful on what you buy.

All the best,

Jarrett

sam calabro said:

My question ,; Is there a way of wiring some kind of soft start with a three phase motor ?

we are on 240 volts supply down under

Cheers Sam Calabro

sam c

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Permalink Reply by Lance The Dude Granum on May 6, 2012 at 4:42am

When I started this thread it was to point out the huge supply of big tools for sale because of the collapse, but the tide turned very positiver with the help of some bright guys who know how to modify tools to work on household current.This has me on the tool front there is an auction up by Frisco next week. Several cabinet shops are being foreclosed upon and they are selling off everything. i have a friend who is bonded to buy and he said he would take me to the auction and would let me bid on his account so i may get my wider than 12 inch jointer sooner that i had hoped

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Permalink Reply by dragon1 on May 6, 2012 at 11:08am

Yes you can get outlets and plugs for the 3 phase. Wired much the same as regular outlets but with a few differences (wire size, grounds, all have to be code) and if you've never done it before I highly recommend a qualified commercial Electrician.

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Site AdminPermalink Reply by John Morris on May 8, 2012 at 7:05am

That's awesome Lance!! I hope you get it too. A nice early Christmas present is a pleasant event

Lance The Dude Granum said:

When I started this thread it was to point out the huge supply of big tools for sale because of the collapse, but the tide turned very positiver with the help of some bright guys who know how to modify tools to work on household current.This has me on the tool front there is an auction up by Frisco next week. Several cabinet shops are being foreclosed upon and they are selling off everything. i have a friend who is bonded to buy and he said he would take me to the auction and would let me bid on his account so i may get my wider than 12 inch jointer sooner that i had hoped

John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops