So, I managed to score a working variable speed Powermatic 1150a drill press (dark green and SN starts with 78, so let's assume it's about 40 years old) for $250 from a woman who inherited it from her father.
When I went to check it out, I saw that it was wired for 120V and I tested that it worked - . Her basement was dark, so I didn't closely examine the motor plate.
When I got it home, I found that the Leeson motor plate lists the motor as 3 Phase, 230V (and 3HP! - my understanding was the these came standard with 3/4 HP motor). But, it works fine on single phase 120V. There's no VFD or phase converter attached as far as I can tell. One thing I did notice is that there's a cylindrical cover screwed the back of the motor housing that appears to guard a big capacitor.
So, my question for you all, is how is this thing running on 120V? Should I be concerned? I don't yet have 220V service in my shop, and I was only planning on adding it for my table saw and jointer.
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