Uinsaw ID

[Scoly2803]

Where on an older uni do I find whether it is single or 2 phase?
Thanks
Steve

[LCHIEN]

of course you know there is no 2-phase. Motors are either 1- or 3-phase.
Should be listed on the motor ID plate. Since you can easily change out motors on a saw the best place to look would be the motor. You might not be able to trust it even if it were listed on the saw body since someone could have changed motors.

[Scoly2803]

Lchien
Thanks!
Yeah just hit the two in my excitement. Have a chance to buy a uni for $300.00. Its around 15 yrs old but not a lot of use. Have to be sure it is only single phase and even then there are possible problems with the power in the garage but may just have to overcome them.
Thanks again.
Steve

[cabinetman]

You could also check the power cord (if there is one). Single phase has 3 wires and 3 phase 4. If the cord/plug has been changed, its possible they could be incorrect. Like Loring said the motor plate should be the best check. The motor could be a 110V/220V option if single phase. The plate should give the amps/volts, and phase. If you could post a picture of the motor and plate that would help.
.

[Rich P]

You should ask the seller to at least run the saw before you pull the trigger and watch where he plugs it in. If it won't run then it does not matter about phase or voltage. As for vintage, check the serial against the OWWM database and if it is only 15 years old it and has been used in a residential setting is likely single phase. (I think the 2 phase stuff was left to the shape-shifters on Star Trek.) Good luck with it.

[Pappy]

If it does turn out to be a 3 phase motor, check the cost of changing the motor before laying out the cash. I was told that the motors mounts are propretary and a replacement motor could run up to $700.

[Scoly2803]

Sorry to be getting back so late.
Thanks for all the suggestions. Will try to get by to check the saw this afternoon if he still has it and will get back. Hoping it has a 110/220 motor. That would solve a lot of problems but it is doubtfull. He states 220 but may just not know.
Saw has the original fence with round rails. Is it a fairly good fence or one that will have to be changed immediately?
Thanks again.
Steve

[cabinetman]

Saw has the original fence with round rails. Is it a fairly good fence or one that will have to be changed immediately?
Thanks again.
Steve

I changed mine to a Biesemeyer as soon as I could afford it when they first came out. With the round rails, there is a constant adjusting (bumping) and measuring the fence into submission. If you have a chance to try out a "T" square type fence, you'll see the difference. I see them new and used advertised on CL, eBay, and Amazon.
.

[Tom Slick]

If the motor has one or two "bumps" about 1" tall on it then it's a 1 phase. If it is smooth then it's more then likely 3 phase.

[Rich P]

FYI, my single phase 3 hp is smooth (although start/run capacitors are a hint). Go by the plate on the motor or tell the seller to plug it in. If the saw is in his garage odds are it it single phase. If it is in a shop in an industrial area then you need to look further.

[Scoly2803]

Finally got in touch with the seller and he had already sold the saw. It was single phase and ran just fine. It's a shame. Would have liked the saw but would have meant some rewiring and buying a good T square fence. Really not a good time for me and I think he ended up getting a better price than what I could have bought it for. One part of me is happy for him.
Thanks for all the assistance. I really do appreciate it.
Steve