"Mark Wells" wrote in message
ink.net...
So I know I'm over-thinking, but this will give a chance for some of the
folks with electrical religion to let off some steam.

I have 3 machines that all need short (10 ft) extension cords:
* 1.5 HP dust collector
* 1 HP band saw
* 1 HP jointer
All run on 110 volts.

I've read everything from "don't ever use extension cords with woodworking
machines" to "14 gauge, 50 ft cord is fine."

The dust collector says that its max draw is 18 amps. I can't find any
extension cord, no matter what gauge, that says it is rated for more than
15
amps. That seems odd to me since an extension cord doesn't seem
fundamentally different than Romex to me.

Here's what I was thinking
* dust collector - 10 gauge, 10 foot extension cord
* band saw - 12 gauge, 10 foot extension cord
* jointer - 12 gauge, 10 foot extension cord

I was going to get 10 gauge for all of them, but the 10 is twice as much
as
the 12 and I'm not convinced I need the extra weight.

Any thoughts?

Mark



My thoughts are to remove the factory cords and add a 10-15 foot power cord.
A little more work, but no fussing with extension cords either. Buy 12 guage
extension cords, cut off the female plug and rewire to your machine.
12 guage cords are fine as long as the run is relatively short. 10 guage is
overkill for 10-15 feet.
Greg