Replies

1. 
   Jellyrug | Jun 15, 2005 10:59pm | #1

   If you don't know much about electrical circuits, your suggestion to get an electrician is the best suggestion. Make sure it's someone with a contractors licence.

   Depending on your house there are many options and a good contractor will be able to offer best advice.

   You need to consider whether this will be the only 220v machine you will use, meaning a single circuit around 20 Amps will do, with a breaker in the main board. If you intend growing more 220v machines, you may need a sub board, the type of grounding depends on whether your shop is attached to the house, or not. Then there are receptacles, wire sizes etc.

1. 
   jdclarey | Jun 16, 2005 11:17am | #2

   Thanks for the input... I think I need to contact an electrician. 

   Edited 6/16/2005 12:04 pm ET by jdclarey

2. 
   WillGeorge | Jun 18, 2005 11:10pm | #3

   I think I need an electrician because the main box is a mess.

   If it is a mess you NEED one even without the new tool!  FIRE is a BUMMER!

3. 
   Glaucon | Jun 19, 2005 06:33am | #4

   If your main service panel is a mess, then get a licensed electrician to rewire you.  You likely have 230V already, most homes are wired for 230 for dryers, ranges and sometimes A/C.

   If you don't have any spare breakers or bus slots, the best thing would be to have your panel upgraded to a 200 Amp service.  While this will run you some coin, it won't be much more than your jointer.  If you try to jury rig something, you'll definitely have safety issues.  Even if you could get something done within code on the cheap, you will face the same hassle every time you buy a tool that will need another 230V (TS, dust collector, etc).  While you could try limiting all your future purchases to 120V, there will be some significant tradeoffs in tool selection.

   Best bet: pony up now and sleep at night, keeping your options open when you need new power tools.

   Glaucon

   If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...

1. 
   jdclarey | Jun 19, 2005 06:43am | #5

   Thanks for the info everyone... I will definitely consider your advice.  I have no problem to spend money on a electrician but we are probably moving in a year.  Oh welll, another spoke in the wheel.

    

    

4. 
   Ricks503 | Jun 20, 2005 12:34am | #6

   If you are moving, you may just be able to limp along by having just 1 220v outlet installed.  Talk to the electrician, I have been told that sometimes an outlet that has 2 110 outlets in it can be converted to a single 220v outlet.

    

   when you do have your shop wired, I suggest that you make sure they use 12gauge or maybe even 10 gauge wire.

   1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1