Worthwhile to "upgrade" from contractor saw to 1.5hp cabinet saw?

[Grant Aldridge]

Thanks Philip, it's single phase wired for 220, no question on that.

[Derek Cohen]

Grant, take this from an Aussie working with hard West Australian timber - 1.5 hp would be a serious waste of time in my shop. I used 2 hp for 20 years, barely coping, and then upgraded to 3 hp. More recently I purchased a 4 hp Hammer K3, and the difference is night and day.

I get it that the contractor saw is a vintage with a great reputation and an emotional connection. However, as a tool, it would be inadequate for me, and I look at it as a sideways step ... especially considering the amount of work you will need to do to bring it back from the dead. As a restoration project it has appeal (I have restored cars for fun). As a replacement saw, per se, it has limited value. If you do go ahead, factor in the cost of a replacement 3 hp motor.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Bruce Wrenn]

Look at the motor name plate. It most likely will be 1.5 HP on 120, and 2.0 HP on 240. Delta down rated motor on 120 to allow the use of a 15 amp plug. This meant it could be used anywhere, as 15 recp. are common in home situations. They did the same on contractor's saws. Often you see someone post that their motor is more powerful on 240, which is BULL.

[Grant Aldridge]

It's single phase, you can see a capacitor cover in the picture.

Look at the motor name plate. It most likely will be 1.5 HP on 120, and 2.0 HP on 240. Delta down rated motor on 120 to allow the use of a 15 amp plug. This meant it could be used anywhere, as 15 recp. are common in home situations. They did the same on contractor's saws. Often you see someone post that their motor is more powerful on 240, which is BULL.

Here's the plate, since it shows 19.2a @115 I doubt that's true, maybe on the older ones?
6923_EEBB_9_D6_E_440_E_AAD0_D70_EEBEFA4_C6.jpg

[Grant Aldridge]

Would I likely find a buyer for the 1.5 motor if I did decide to upgrade? Just wondering

[Alan Schwabacher]

Often you see someone post that their motor is more powerful on 240, which is BULL.

It can be true, but indicates voltage drop due to inadequate wiring for the 120V line, not a difference in the motor itself.

[Mike Chalmers]

Here's the plate, since it shows 19.2a @115 I doubt that's true, maybe on the older ones?

Looks like a pretty strong 1.5hp to me. More like a 2hp.

[Curt Harms]

If dust collection is important, don't forget to factor in a motor cover and some means to attach a hose to the cabinet.

[Bruce Wrenn]

Here's the plate, since it shows 19.2a @115 I doubt that's true, maybe on the older ones?
6923_EEBB_9_D6_E_440_E_AAD0_D70_EEBEFA4_C6.jpg

19.2 amps X 115 Volts, divided by 746, equills 2.95 HP if motor was perfect in electric consumption. They aren't, so most likely it's a 2.0 HP motor.

[David L Morse]

19.2 amps X 115 Volts, divided by 746, equills 2.95 HP if motor was perfect in electric consumption. They aren't, so most likely it's a 2.0 HP motor.

You need to include efficiency and power factor in that calculation. From the nameplate efficiency is 72% and power factor 71.8%.

19.2A x 115V x .72 x .718 divided by 746 = 1.53HP

[John McClanahan]

My vote is it's a 2 hp motor. If run on 120 volts, it would trip a 20 amp breaker on startup and would need to be wired for 30 amps. I once ran a 2 hp air compressor on 120 volts, 30 amps with no problems.

[Phillip Gregory]

The motor is rated at 1 1/2 HP by the manufacturer, so it should develop at least 1 1/2 HP but less than 2 HP. There is no reason Delta would intentionally under-rate the motor as horsepower is a big selling point for equipment. The 19.2/9.6 amp rating is closer to that of a newer 2 HP motor but the few 2 HP motors I have seen that can run on 120 volts are 20 amps or more on 120 volts. Most 2 HP motors I have seen are 240 volt only for that reason. However, most 1 1/2 HP motors are dual voltage and the OP's 1 1/2 HP saw being dual voltage makes sense.

[Grant Aldridge]

Well $325 and a half hour of disassembly later it's in the truck!

[Curt Harms]

Well $325 and a half hour of disassembly later it's in the truck!

Good deal! Please remember that pics of the restoration process are welcome.

[Rod Sheridan]

Looks like a pretty strong 1.5hp to me. More like a 2hp.

Mike, motor current doesn't translate into HP in a meaningful way.

The nameplate shows that both efficiency and power factor are .72

115V X 19.2A X .72 X .72 /746 = 1.53 HP.

It's a 19.2 ampere motor with poor efficiency and power factor, so it really is only 1.5HP

regards, Rod.