Use a compressor motor to power 10" table saw?

A previous owner replaced the 1hp motor on my TS with a 2hp. I was cutting a 45 on a large panel when the panel slammed into the motor. Since it was physically bigger, it stuck up above the table surface when the blade was tilted. Needless to say, it ruined my day. I am glad for the 2hp motor, but wish I had noticed the problem before damaging the panel. Presumably your 3hp is bigger still; make sure it will actually fit.

The other problem is that a TS motor must be TEC. I don't think a compressor motor is.

TEC?

Totally Enclosed. The Delta motors are not though.

I was thinking TEFC but anyway a TEC motor is not required on a TS. I think every other one that I have seen is not, although it is a better idea to have one that is encloded.

Somebody asks:

Forget trying to operate a 3HP motor on a 120VAC power source.

You can't get there from here.

Lew

TEFC is typically the way this is designated--Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled. Which Delta motors are you referring to? All the Delta induction motors I've seen were TEFC... course I've never seen everything that Delta offers!

John

The one on the back of my contractors model saw. Small vents, but still not closed.

The motors on Delta's contractor saws are open, not TEFC. I don't know when or if they changed, but my 5 year old contractors saws motor is definitely open. I don't remember the model number of the saw, but it is the top of the line contractors saw, not a discount store model, the one that sells for $900 now. Greg

I have a delta contractor grade table saw and needing to replace it. It has a 1.5 hp motor 3450 rpm and looking to replace it with a air compressor motor of either 1.5 or 2 hp with either less rpm or more whichever I can find. Will it work by doing it this way?

You tell us.

Before you replace it check to insure the insides are clean. On capacitor start motors, there are breakers that can get dirt and the saw will not start. Open that up and blowing it out may correct your problem.

This is from experience. My table saw would not start, I check and found a person who would check it out free, and recommend replacing or fixing. He took it a part as I waited, showed me the problem for future referenced, and blew it out. The problem was a small wood chip in the breaker switch.

I believe on larger motors like those on table saws and larger it is common to have capacitor starts

It's unusual to 'need' to replace a motor; usually, in woodworking, the only problem is sawdust getting into the starter switch (disassemble and clean, worst case, or sometimes just poke through the vents with a bamboo skewer to dislodge the dirt).

You are unlikely to want a 2 hp motor with the table saw, unless you are doing furniture manufacture with lots of dadoes... a sharp blade cuts wood rather efficiently.

Maybe try this solution.

On Jul 17, 2023, Sonny wrote (in article snipped-for-privacy@googlegroups.com):

Hey, if it works, it was a good idea, and if it doesn’t work, it was still a good idea! 😜 Joe

That is my philosophy. If the machine is broken, try something. If it works you are ahead, if not you were considering a new machine anyway.