Converting US tools to EU

oscark | Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on October 5, 2022 04:55pm

I will be relocating my shop to France and debating whether to convert my 110 & 220VAC/60Hz power-tool motors to 220VAC/50Hz. I have all Steel City tools (tablesaw, bandsaw, planer, drill press). I assume the motors are sourced from the same manufacturer as other common suppliers. Hopefully the motors are standard RPM and form factor so it would be a simple matter to swap them out. Has anyone done this? Or is it not economically feasible? I love my granite tops and would want to keep those. The other option is an AC converter but they are pretty expensive (>$2000 for 2 KW).

Replies

john_c2 | Oct 05, 2022 05:58pm | #1
I imagine the cost to move them to France would be greater than their value?

lordulrich | Oct 05, 2022 07:37pm | #2
I agree, If there were something real special perhaps but I'd guess you'd be money ahead selling and buying new in France.

pantalones868 | Oct 05, 2022 08:23pm | #3
I've worked overseas. At different times in New Zealand ,Australia,Europe and more recently S.E. Asia and have contemplated bringing powertools and machinery but opted to only ship essential hand tools and it's a big heavy box!
What you'll find over there is anything you have here they have there and actually they'll have things you never saw before. I had a Elu sliding miter saw, Swiss made, all metal construction 10 years before they were available in the US ....and better made than any made for the US market and that would include festool! They make good machinery in Europe!
The shipping on your equipment won't be cheap but it's not prohibitive. Your moving there right? Taking other stuff,like a containers worth? The down side you'll find is having a goofy set up with converters...and ou miss out on having cool new stuff!
elmaduro | Oct 05, 2022 09:07pm | #4
I'd sell here and re-buy there and avoid the possibilty of having some of your tools arrive damaged. Additionally, they will have zero resale value in France. Steel City also went under years ago. Bons voyage mons vieux !
rob_ss | Oct 06, 2022 04:31am | #5
When I moved from the UK to NZ, I took my tools, but the only change needed was the plug. At the time, I only had site portable gear anyway.
I would have been better off selling them and buying new when I needed them, but with the cost of the move, cut in income and all, migration put us back at least 3 years in terms of 'where we were' financially and there is almost no chance I would have been able to justify the expense.
Unless the tools are of massive sentimental value, or you would be sans l'argent, I would sell in the USA and buy in France.
oscark | Oct 06, 2022 06:49pm | #6
Merci everyone for the feedback. I will have a container, but you all are convincing me that it's not practical to ship the shop. I'll likely just buy there as projects come up.