I'm looking at buying a used 20" bandsaw (Centauro CO 500) which is equipped
today with a 480V 60 Hz 2.1KVA three-phase motor. For domestic use, this is
too large a motor and being three-phase I'll have problems finding a way to
run it. So, if I'll replace the motor with a 240V 60 Hz single-phase motor,
what is the minimum KVA rating I can run that will handle most the type of
jobs an amateur would encounter? To give you and idea of the types of jobs
for which this machine would be used, I guess I do mostly sawing of
hardwoods of 4" thickness or less. I'd run a 1/2" or 3/4" blade in the
machine most of the time which would limit the tension on the drivetrain
(the static load the motor would have to overcome).. There might be the
occasionaly resawing task but it would only be rarely so I don't want to
size the motor for that task. I currently have a 125 amp panel but will get
an electrician to take a look at upping the panel to 150-200 amp and install
a pony panel in the workshop. Would a 1.4 KVA motor be large enough not to
stall?

Nope, 3 to 5hp (approx 2100 to 3500 watts) on a 20in bandsaw for home
use is NOT too much.

1.4kVa (approx 1.75 hp) is a bit on the light side. Look at the
Laguna and MiniMax 20in range bandsaws, none are less than 3hp (2250
watts) and often are closer to 5hp (approx 3700watts)

John



On Fri, 3 Dec 2004 18:48:22 -0500, "Robert MacKinnon"
wrote:

I'm looking at buying a used 20" bandsaw (Centauro CO 500) which is equipped
today with a 480V 60 Hz 2.1KVA three-phase motor. For domestic use, this is
too large a motor and being three-phase I'll have problems finding a way to
run it. So, if I'll replace the motor with a 240V 60 Hz single-phase motor,
what is the minimum KVA rating I can run that will handle most the type of
jobs an amateur would encounter? To give you and idea of the types of jobs
for which this machine would be used, I guess I do mostly sawing of
hardwoods of 4" thickness or less. I'd run a 1/2" or 3/4" blade in the
machine most of the time which would limit the tension on the drivetrain
(the static load the motor would have to overcome).. There might be the
occasionaly resawing task but it would only be rarely so I don't want to
size the motor for that task. I currently have a 125 amp panel but will get
an electrician to take a look at upping the panel to 150-200 amp and install
a pony panel in the workshop. Would a 1.4 KVA motor be large enough not to
stall?

"John" wrote in message
...
Nope, 3 to 5hp (approx 2100 to 3500 watts) on a 20in bandsaw for home
use is NOT too much.

1.4kVa (approx 1.75 hp) is a bit on the light side. Look at the
Laguna and MiniMax 20in range bandsaws, none are less than 3hp (2250
watts) and often are closer to 5hp (approx 3700watts)

John, those motors are that size because they are designed to carry the max
load that a 20" bandsaw could yield which is substantial resaw capacity. I
think the OP was indicating that his use would be substantially less than
the full capability of the saw, which should translate to lower horsepower
requirements. I bet he could do fine with 1.75 hp, if all he wants to do
is cut 4" hardwood. He just happens to have a 14" need with a 20" bandsaw.
We should be so lucky.


Bob

John wrote:

Nope, 3 to 5hp (approx 2100 to 3500 watts) on a 20in bandsaw for home
use is NOT too much.

1.4kVa (approx 1.75 hp) is a bit on the light side. Look at the
Laguna and MiniMax 20in range bandsaws, none are less than 3hp (2250
watts) and often are closer to 5hp (approx 3700watts)

John


I have a 20" Powermatic #81 with a 1.5hp motor. I resaw up to 12". I use
a 1/2" 3 tooth blade and the saw works great. If the motor ever goes
south, I'd replace it with a 2hp motor, but I've had good success with
the the setup I've got. I don't know what 3 to 5hp would be needed for.

The OP wants to resaw small stuff (4 or 5") That's hardly a strain on
the saw.

Rick

FWIW, I agree with Rick based on experience with a 20" and a 14" BS. More
importantly, I hope you are not changing out your electrical panel just
because of this bandsaw. I assume you are adding the remote distribution
panel in consideration
of additional loads in the future and this will make it convenient to wire
them- not because of any power consideration. If this is confusing, email me
at . Regards, Jim.


Rick Stein wrote in message
. com...


John wrote:

Nope, 3 to 5hp (approx 2100 to 3500 watts) on a 20in bandsaw for home
use is NOT too much.

1.4kVa (approx 1.75 hp) is a bit on the light side. Look at the
Laguna and MiniMax 20in range bandsaws, none are less than 3hp (2250
watts) and often are closer to 5hp (approx 3700watts)

John


I have a 20" Powermatic #81 with a 1.5hp motor. I resaw up to 12". I use
a 1/2" 3 tooth blade and the saw works great. If the motor ever goes
south, I'd replace it with a 2hp motor, but I've had good success with
the the setup I've got. I don't know what 3 to 5hp would be needed for.

The OP wants to resaw small stuff (4 or 5") That's hardly a strain on
the saw.

Rick