I have lurked here for years but this is my first post.
I have an opportunity to get a Rockwell 8" jointer model 37-315. The information I have is from an internet posting & a phone call to the owner. It has been in use in a furniture shop but was decommissioned recently for an upgrade. It has a 66" bed "in good condition", a 2 HP motor, weighs about
750 lbs. and "was used in production until the shop was moved and it was replaced by a larger unit".I plan to look for flat tables with a straight edge and flash light. Checking for play in the knife head probably is not going to tell me much about bearings and the shaft unless they are completely shot.
I would like any recommendations on how to check it out.Also how available are parts for a 37-315.
Now about the motor. It is a 240 volt 3 phase/single phase 2 hp. I was told "It has the wiring diagrams to do this and has been wired and in use as a single phase 240 volt since I got it". I am aware of motor generators to produce 3 phase and electronic converters that fool the 3rd winding to get it started and then run the motor on two windings but not a dual phase motor. Please commitment on this and if it exists what would be the loss in HP and increase in amperage. Like I said I am along time lurker here, and I look forward to input from both Lew and Doug, but play nice guys.
I'm trying to build a shop for my retirement and a jointer was not the next tool I had in mind, but the price is $325. From what I have seen online this could either be a gloat or an expensive project. A gloat would be nice right now but I've got enough projects to last past retirement.
John