PM 30 Belt/Disc sander motor question

[David Tiell]

I recently bought an old PM 30 that needs a bit of TLC. It came with a 1725 RPM 1HP 3 Phase motor. I intend to swap it out for a single phase motor. I currently have a Baldor 1725 RPM 1/2 HP 1PH motor. Would the 1/2 HP be sufficiently powerful until I find a 1HP somewhere cheap (CHEAP being a key factor here)?

Thanks,

Dave

[Matt Meiser]

I think mine only has a 3/4HP motor and that's the original.

[Kirk Poore]

I recently bought an old PM 30 that needs a bit of TLC. It came with a 1725 RPM 1HP 3 Phase motor. I intend to swap it out for a single phase motor. I currently have a Baldor 1725 RPM 1/2 HP 1PH motor. Would the 1/2 HP be sufficiently powerful until I find a 1HP somewhere cheap (CHEAP being a key factor here)?

Thanks,

Dave

Very early on (like, first generation/late 1950's), PM 30's seem to have had 1/2 hp motors. By the early 1960's the 1/2hp had been dropped for 3/4hp and 1 hp options. I put a 1 hp on mine when I rehabbed it, and I can certainly slow it down by pressing hard. I'd go with 1 hp or more if you have a choice. By the way, a 1 hp VFD is only about $120 if you want to keep the 3ph motor.

Kirk

[Bob Aquino]

Hmmmmm, I have a 30a and it has a 1.5 hp baldor in it, and I just sold a Delta version that had a 1.5 hp Marathon in it. I imagine it will spin up ok with that motor, but it may bog down some under load. Your alternative would be to get a VFD and run it off that, it may be as cost effective as a new motor. Or you could look for a basket case table saw as a motor donor, many of the 70's and 80's vintage contractor saws came with decent motors that could be retrofitted into your sander.

[Bruce Page]

My Delta has 1½ hp which I think is just about right for this type of machine. I think you could get by with ½ hp if you exercise patience.