Turning cyclone on and off a lot?

[Jamie Buxton]

We've often had cyclone owners on this board say that they don't like to turn the cyclone on and off a lot. They've heard that this will damage the motor. The motors in the typical small-shop cyclones are 3 hp 230 volt units. The motors in the typical cabinet saw are quite similar -- 3 hp and 230 volts. However, nobody has cautioned about turning them on and off a lot. What's the difference?

[Bob Wingard]

The impeller in a dust collector has a bit more mass to it than a typical saw blade, so it IS a bit harder to get going .. .. .. but I think you've answered your own question .. .. .. cycling a d.c. isn't much different than cycling a table saw/shaper/jointer/planer or anything else that has similar power requirements.

[Steve knight]

a dc takes a lot more juice to spin up. it takes several seconds to get going a table saw is about instant. baldor says no more then 6 times a hour.

[Greg Narozniak]

I usually try to leave my Oneida running when I am making multiple cuts or changing machines. The unit is designed to run for hours on end day after day so No harm will come to it as far as I can tell. I always try and stick to the no more than 6 start ups per hour.

I never understood the reason for the automatic blast gates that turn the collector on and off when each tool is used. Always seems like a recipe for disaster for the DC motor. maybe it's just me :)

[Eric Gustafson]

From McMaster-Carr, I ordered the following relay with a delay-on-break function. This will keep the unit on for 10 min after switching off. That will limit you to 6 times per hour, allow the starter windings to cool down after startup in-rush current, and help clean the air in the shop! :)

7457K38
(Same as 7457K63)Long-Life Relay with Timing Function Delay-on-Break, 120 VAC, 1 Amp, 30 Sec to 10 minIn stock at $24.54 Each

[Wayne Cannon]

Those are the guidelines Oneida publishes with their cyclones. They say it's to prevent overheating (consistent with the other responses).

[Bruce Wrenn]

My cyclone is controlled by a sensor in the panel box. Every time saw comes on, so does cyclone. It has been this way since day one- seven years ago. No problems yet, but my cyclone doesn't have a Baldor motor on it.

[Tom Veatch]

...
7457K38
(Same as 7457K63)Long-Life Relay with Timing Function Delay-on-Break, 120 VAC, 1 Amp, 30 Sec to 10 minIn stock at $24.54 Each

Isn't a 1 Amp contact rating a little light for the motor on a DC - or are you using it to switch the coil current of a higher rated contactor?

[Eric Gustafson]

are you using it to switch the coil current of a higher rated contactor?

Exactly. I use the delay relay to close the big 220v relay on the DC.