differences in motors.

[betacrash]

While trying to find a motor for a drum sander project, I have run across a couple of different types of motors and wanted to know what the difference between them was. So far I have seen Compressor Duty motors, Hobby motors, and Farm/Agricultural motors. What is the difference? Should they all work the same for a drum sander.

[LCHIEN]

While trying to find a motor for a drum sander project, I have run across a couple of different types of motors and wanted to know what the difference between them was. So far I have seen Compressor Duty motors, Hobby motors, and Farm/Agricultural motors. What is the difference? Should they all work the same for a drum sander.

i suspect hobby motors are for occasional use (like woodworking machines), compressor duty motors are for air conditioning and refrigeration where the motors may be on and off all day long, every day for 15-30 minutes at a time. And Farm motors are for like pumps which run continuously.

So its a duty cycle rating. Or maybe I'm just guessing wildly. Can't seem to find any web pages that explain it.

[JimD]

These names do not mean anything to me either. I suspect all are induction motors (as opposed to universal motors with brushes like portable power tools use and the BT3100 uses). Loring is right, there are different service ratings, they will be on a plate on the side of the motor. Most induction motors are made to operate a lot, however. Induction motors that do not have to start against full load do not have capacitors - they are bumps on the side of the motor. I do not know how much load your project represents and a motor without capacitor start would probably work but it would be safer to have a capacitor start. The other significant variable is bearings. Less expensive motors have bronze bushings that must be lubricated periodically. Ball bearings are pretty good but roller bearings will take more load. These are the things I look for, I do not pay much attention to the name.

Jim

[SplinterHead]

While trying to find a motor for a drum sander project, I have run across a couple of different types of motors and wanted to know what the difference between them was. So far I have seen Compressor Duty motors, Hobby motors, and Farm/Agricultural motors. What is the difference? Should they all work the same for a drum sander.

Another point besides the current duty is balance and vibration of the motor. A compressor duty motor is designed/built to operate in better balance and provides less vibration/noise. A farm motor is designed to work universally across different pieces of farm equipment, so I would think this unit may need better enviromentally sheilding etc. to withstand varying elements, but noise and vibration are secondary.

[betacrash]

well, what I have found out is that these motors have a lot more torque than compressor duty motors. I read one article that said 300% more starting torque. So I guess unlike compressor motors that gradually build up speed, these are just instantly on.

[bigsteel15]

well, what I have found out is that these motors have a lot more torque than compressor duty motors. I read one article that said 300% more starting torque. So I guess unlike compressor motors that gradually build up speed, these are just instantly on.

I assume you're referring to Farm Duty.
Loring has it right regarding the usual duty cycles.
My suggestion would be the farm duty cost a little more but will take more abuse.
That said the compressor duty will likely be cheaper and work just fine for this application. It will probably also be TEFC.
I would try for a TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled) due to dust if you can get one reasonbly priced.
Farm duty probably will be ODP (Open Drip Proof).
The hobby motor though might be totally sealed exactly for that reason.

I guess at the end of the day, they all have advantages.

[gjat]

You need very little 'start-up' torque for a drum sander. A farm duty motor is set up for heavy torque starting and running. The other critera is the enclosure, etc.