125volt vs. 220 on Hybrid Table Saw

[Deadbolt]

Hi there. I've always used a 220v 2hp motor on my contractor's saw. Now I'm getting a hybrid. I wonder what the advantages are for 220v. The guy who taught me carpentry told me to use 220 so I did.

[old_guy]

There seems to be a lot of myths about this question. I remember reading an article in one of the woodworking magazines years ago where an electrical engineer said that the only advantage of 220 over 110 is that the motor will run a little bit cooler. BUT this is only an advantage for a commercial shop that is running their equipment many hours a day. He concluded that for the home shop, running on 220 isn't worth the effort.

[Don]

What old guy said is true. I believe there are some inherent differences in the coil winding that my offer a bit more starting and loading torque (don't hold me to that)

The bigger issue is mainly the supply, this size/rating of the motor, and the starting and running load. There are only so many amps that can be safely pulled on a 110 circuit. This is determined initially by the breaker/fuse and then by the wire size, providing the house service is sufficient anyway.

If 220 is an option, I always lean in that direction. The motors last longer, heat is the enemy here and will eventually break down the winding insulation. True, that modern motor's windings are able to handle the heat much better than motors of a few years back, but in this age of making a dollar, they are making the motors even smaller to take advantage of the increase tolerance. The net effect is not much, and you lose the torque advantage.

With 220 you are loading the individual lines half as much, another plus when the wiring is running inside walls. If you are outfitting the shop, there is simply no reason not to run 220 circuits. If you don't you will/my be limiting your choice of future machinery. Once you find yourself stepping out into the 3, 4, 5 or larger horsepower motors you will find they are "double phase" or 220 anyway. As you begin to go past that you will find three phase, 208, 220, 240. Then on up into 460.

Most of the stuff sold out of the box stores to "civilians" is 110, plug and play. Contractor saws and portable equipment needs to run on jobsite power, temporary poles, etc. 110 is usually your only option for this and that's why those type of portable tools are 110. A contractor saw on 200-300 feet of small extension cord is aggravating as many will attest.

If it's an option, I will agree with your carpentry guy. More is always better in woodworking.

dawjr

[bogydave]

Something I know a little about for a change.
P=IE
Power (watts) = Current x Voltage (a 100 w light bulb on 120 v uses almost 1 amp)
More voltage, ie 220 uses less amps, (less heat like everyone above said but mostly only during startup)
+ each leg of the wires has power so startup is a little quicker & easier on the motor if it's ON & OFF allot.
220 will be more efficient on your electric bill over time.
You can go deeper into it, end rush current & eddy current effects, skin effect,wire size(run at least #12 copper for power tools less than 20amps & stranded wire is better & #10 stranded copper if 20 to 30 amps).
The biggest killer of electric motors is Low voltage. Some homes have 120 V & 208 instead of 220). Better to use the 110V or 120 than the 208V in this case. So a 125 v motor runnnng on 110 or 120 v is low voltage & more heat will be generated in the motor & shorten it's life.Check yours some time. Iv'e replaced several burnt up motors that run on house 208V instead of the rated 220V or 230V.
I have 125 & 230 which is good for everythig except incandesant lightbulbs (brighter but less life).

220v is the way to go, (if you have 230V, thats even better) More efficient.
3 phase is by far the best, but unless your are commercial, not cost effective to get it run to your home.

[Deadbolt]

Thank you all. I have always robbed 220 off of customers' air conditioners, water heaters, or ranges. If I could just plug into my customers' wall, it would save me from always having to temporarily install a pigtail. I just received some great education here.

[dpmcreations]

All so far have been great... But if you have 220 available, Go for that.. I have also found that a 220 saw will run a cheaper power bill just in case that has anything to do with it..