Worthwhile upgrade for a Delta 20" bandsaw? (LVC box)

[Don Buck]

I have a Delta 33-893 12" 3 ph (208V) RAS that I'm going to retire, part out or junk as it is taking up room in my shop and I need the space. The RAS saw has the Delta LVC box (it came from a retired high school shop). I have a Delta 28-641 20" band saw, also 3 ph. (230v). My band saw doesn't have a LVC box but is tapped for one on the column. I am wondering if it would be worthwhile to upgrade my band saw with the LVC box? I realize that I would have to replace the heaters in the LVC to match the band saw but am wondering what other parts will have to be switched. I'm thinking that besides replacing the heaters I will need to replace or modify the current switch/contactor assembly with a simple on/off switch like the one below:


http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/n-yp39j5/f79mb9y/products/8176/images/10510/438-01-017-0101R__57986.1471560439.120.120.jpg?c=2 (http://www.renovoparts.com/438-01-017-0101r-remote-on-off-switch-for-magnetic-starters-replaces-438-01-017-0101/)
438-01-017-0101R - Remote On/Off Switch for Magnetic Starters Replaces 438-01-017-0101 (http://www.renovoparts.com/438-01-017-0101r-remote-on-off-switch-for-magnetic-starters-replaces-438-01-017-0101/)

Perhaps the current switch can be wired (remove the contactor?). The LVC box has the contactor. The LVC box is the same part number for both saws.

Any suggestions or comments are appreciated.

[Matt Day]

I don't know much about electrical bits but I have that saw in the single phase setup. Nice saw. Don't trash it please! At least offer it as free here or your local CL.

[Gary Radice]

What horsepower is your bandsaw motor, and what kind of switch/motor starter does it have now?

[Bill Orbine]

I'm not sure why you want to upgrade your bandsaw to LVC box. As much as I figure, you probably already have motor controls (albeit not low voltage) because you have three phase bandsaw. Maybe I figured wrong, but you tell me.

[Rollie Meyers]

The Rockwell LVC controls have multi-tapped control transformers, so they can be used at a number of voltages (commonly 120/208/240/480V), the maximum HP is listed inside the cover, & the overload relay were either made by Furnas Electric, or GE, so should not be hard to find when repurposing it, only thing I don't like is they used DP, Definite Purpose contactors, some say DP stands for Don't Purchase. :D DP contactors are throwaway products, no repair parts, replacement coils, commonly used in HVAC, & food service equipment.

[Don Buck]

The band saw is 3 hp. Currently it has the factory contactor/magnetic switch.

[Don Buck]

Follow up post that might benefit another who might have a similar problem. My Delta 20" bandsaw worked one day this week and the next it kept popping the breaker in the conductor which is mounted behind the start switch in the column. With such sporadic behavior I didn't think it was the motor (2004 model, low hours of useage) and I double checked every wire for condition and tightness. All 3 legs (2 hp 3 phase) were showing 227v so I didn't think it was the power source. After several resets, the conductor plunger refused to spring back on a reset so I figured it was time to scrap the conductor. A replacement conductor is expensive if I could find one (out of stock @ Delta) so I removed the LVC from my retired Delta RAS which luckily has the same loaded amp on the motor (5.3 amp) as the bandsaw so I figured I could make the swap without the expense of replacing the heaters. I drilled a couple of holes in the backside of the column and in an hour I had rewired the LVC to the bandsaw. I removed the conductor from the start switch. The bandsaw started up and has run flawlessly for 3 sessions! I only had to purchase 4 bolt assemblies and 2 feet of wire to connect the start switch to the LVC unit. Probably not a normal repair opportunity for most Delta owners but perhaps my experience can help someone else with similar problems. I will be listing the retired 12" RAS under for sale on SMC in case someone could use it for parts.

[Brent McDonald]

I purchased an old Delta model with a 3 phase motor and replaced the motor and then added a magnetic switch (Brand Big Horn part # 18825 for $103 on Amazon) on the front as you can see in the photo.

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