Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Any sources for used AC motors?
CraigT
>Anyone know of a good source for used AC motors, online or otherwise? I checked local motor shops here in SoCal but no one has quite what I need. 3 hp, 220 volt, 1 phase, 1750 or so rpm. Best price I can find is new through Grizzly for about $300. It's to replace one on my Rockwell bandsaw.
Thanks
Craig
Re: Any sources for used AC motors?
Robert R Clough - Thorncraft
>I suggest going to a motor repair shop, large or small. If they have none, they often have used motors, probably they can refer you.
Re: Any sources for used AC motors? *LINK*
Gary Ratajczak
>Look below
http://www.surpluscenter.com
Single pahse 3 HP motors may be tough
Forrest Addy
>Single phase 3 HP motors may be tough to find. Not a common size for consumer level stuff.
You'll find lots of 3 HP three phase motors. They use them by the jillions in smaller commercial air handlers and HVAC. You might find them for free as take-outs or for the taking out at your nearest HVAC shop but they're very likely to be 1750 RPM which is good for bandsaws and air conpressors but bad for table saws where the 1:1 (about) belt drive requires a 3450 RPM motor. It pays to get the right RPM motor for the application. It might cost $60 to re-pulley and belt the drive if you find a bargain.
Think about this: given the current market for three phase motors and VFD's you might (if you're a good scrounger) be able to acquire a 3 HP three phase motor and VFD for less total cost than a new single phase motor. With the VFD you have controllable accelleration (soft start), electronic brakes, and infinitely variable speed; definitely a plus compared to starting a 3 HP single phase motor across the line in a shop with a marginal electrical service.
Shop carefully, the scenario I outlined is valid and one I've followed many times but a bad purchase may delay you or bust your budget. I have seven VFD/three phase motor drives on my shop equipment all running from a single phase service.