In article WfaSh.297$ok6.207@trnddc07,
says...
Charley wrote:
A 3 hp single phase 220 volt saw motor will draw about 17 amps full
load, which is already more than 14 ga wire is rated for, but the
starting current of that motor can be 150% or more of the full load
current, so a 14 ga wire is WAY TOO SMALL. You should be looking for
wire that will carry more than 25 amps. A 10 ga wire is the right
choice for a relatively short cable, but you should go to an 8 ga
wire if the full length of the wire from the breaker panel to the saw
will be longer than about 100 feet.

You are completely neglecting that the total current, on a 220 line, is
split between the conductors,

No, it's not.

A 240V circuit looks like this:

(L1)---------+
|
(load)
|
(L2)---------+

This is a series circuit. Current is the same at all points in a series
circuit; thus, it's the same in L1 as it is in L2.

meaning you're all wet here.

Bzzzt! Thanks for playing, though.

Jeez, a little
knowledge is a dangerous thing.

Only if it is mistaken for a great deal...