Why are all disk sanders 3 phase???

[Andrew Levine]

albany.craigslist.org/tls/5486603524.html

I've always wanted a 20" or 24" disc sander. The above post is just 1 example. Why are they always 3 phase? Is it just because they are not all that popular in home woodworking shops? Nothing wrong with 3 phase, other than I don't have it.

A big disc sander seems SO useful - I wonder why anything other than the powermatic 20" is always 3 phase. I suppose the motor could always be replaced with a single phase.

[Chuck Saunders]

Simple really, 20-36" disc sanders are more likely commercially used. 3 phase is industrially common and the motors and controls are preferable over single phase when you have a choice. Kinda like why locomotives run on tracks, everyone that buys locomotives have tracks so it's not an issue.

[Dan Hintz]

albany.craigslist.org/tls/5486603524.html

I've always wanted a 20" or 24" disc sander. The above post is just 1 example. Why are they always 3 phase? Is it just because they are not all that popular in home woodworking shops? Nothing wrong with 3 phase, other than I don't have it.

A big disc sander seems SO useful - I wonder why anything other than the powermatic 20" is always 3 phase. I suppose the motor could always be replaced with a single phase.

Also, because a single-phase motor large enough to run a 24" sander would likely be pretty wasteful from a power standpoint.

[peter gagliardi]

A VFD to run that size machine is aweful cheap! Problem solved.

[Chris Fournier]

Simple really, 20-36" disc sanders are more likely commercially used. 3 phase is industrially common and the motors and controls are preferable over single phase when you have a choice. Kinda like why locomotives run on tracks, everyone that buys locomotives have tracks so it's not an issue.

This^ I have a 20" disc sander and it is invaluable in my shop, wood and steel. Peter's suggestion of a VFD is right on!

[Steven Wayne]

I picked up a 3 phase 2HP 20" disc sander for about $600 used. A single phase input, 3 phase output 2HP VFD was under $200. The big thing this gives is braking! The motor takes almost 45 minutes to coast to a stop without braking!

[Erik Loza]

Simple really, 20-36" disc sanders are more likely commercially used...

This ^^^^....

Ditto for edge sanders and stroke sanders.

Erik

[David Kumm]

Before vfd's were cheap, three phase with a drum switch allowed the disk to run both directions. Find a three phase and put a vfd on it. Kindt Collins are the pick of the litter. Dave

[Mike Heidrick]

VFD giving that sander VS would be very sweet.