I recently bought a used Sawstop Industrial model table saw. It has a 3 phase motor that I plan to change out with a single phase motor. There is a choice between a 3hp and 5hp replacement motor from Sawstop. The replacement cost is $300 for either motor. Which one is best suited to a home shop?
There are pros and cons to both motors. The 3hp motor will run with the same contactor with no rewiring, takes a smaller gauge wire for extension cords, smaller breaker (20 amp) and costs less to run. Sawstop tech support indicates there are fewer problems with the 3hp than the 5hp, primarily due to issues like greater surges to start a 5hp that results in start capacitors not lasting as long in a 5hp vs 3hp.
The 5hp replacement motors cost the same as the 3hp replacement motors yet the saw sells for $300 more with the 5hp compared to the 3hp. This is probably due in part to the larger wiring harness required for the 5 hp motor, larger contactor, etc.
I generally think that bigger is better....but that is not always the case.
Any thoughts from users regarding the purchase of a 5hp vs 3hp motor for the Sawstop cabinet saw for a home shop?