Replies

1. 
   Elcoholic | Dec 18, 2002 12:46am | #1

   Try a local electrical wholesale supply house.   Unless you have a severe voltage drop problem there's not much to be gained with 220 for 3/4 hp.  Another option would be to use a 4 pole plug and a 4 wire cord and bring a neutral for the light.

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

1. 
   jeffn7 | Dec 18, 2002 01:09am | #2

   providing the receptacle is wired 4 pole... all of my 230v circuits are 2 hots and a ground (thought about pulling a neutral but decided not to bother with it at the last minute).

   you could also buy one of those magnetic base shop lamps for $10 and just not use the internal light.... I don't know what 220v bulbs cost, but it seems like it would be easier and cheaper just to stick with 110v for stuff like that.

1. 
   cutter | Dec 18, 2002 05:00am | #3

   I agree with both of you.  It was a thought, since I am about to install a 230 V circuit nearby, but not really worth the trouble.  I will use 115 V.

   Thanks for the input.

1. 
   mitch | Dec 19, 2002 02:24am | #4

   unless you plan to use your drill press for a lot of really big holes or maybe drum sanding large pieces, you won't ever notice the difference.  220v is great for handling increased loads better (ie- tablesaw, big sanders or air compressor) but not worth the bother usually on eqpt like drill presses or dust collectors.

   m

1. 
   SPOONBIT | Dec 20, 2002 07:31am | #5

   Mitch, I thought the big difference between 110v and 220v is that 220v uses 1/2 the amperage. When you get your electric bill, it will cost you half as much to run that machine.  Large machines have large motors, with 220v it just costs less to run them.

2. 
   jeffn7 | Dec 20, 2002 09:12am | #6

   perhaps if your electricity bill was measured in amps... but usage is a measure of wattage (kilowatts to be exact).

   watts = voltage * amps

   so even though you are using 1/2 the amperage of 110v at 220v, the watts you are consuming is the same. Running machines at 220v costs *exactly* the same as 110v (small nuances apply, such as the effects heat... but it's essentially the same).