How to run 110v 60hz machines on 220v 50hz
New to forums but not to finewoodworking, has been a fan for years. For past 2 years been living in China and finally this year brought my PC 690 and the new small makita 8 Amp plung router to use in my shop since I could not find a good router here who knew where they build them all can’t buy them.
My first idea was simple plug it into a transformer 220 becomes 110. But start reading and it seems since 220v systems have a 50 hz cycle once they are transformed the voltage changes not the hertz so heat is generated to the system. Suggestion is to reduce the voltage to 90v at 50 hz to avoid the overheating, is that true? If that is true then hocking a voltage reducer before the transformer should work, right?
In the case of Makita the router supports both 50/60hz but the PC is only 60hz, so does that means that even with the transformer it will not run?
Anyone done this or who can elaborate I would really be thankful, really I don’t understand electricity ?:)!?
Replies
I run quite a few American configured small power tools here in the UK. That is, they are designed to run on 110 V and 60 hertz. UK power supply is 220-240 v and 50 hertz, much the same as where you are. The tools are typical woodworking tools: routers, drills, jigsaws, etc. I run them all through a transformer that converts from 240 V to 110. They've all been running just fine for seven years now. The only tools that have given up the ghost are the ones that failed due to other factors, eg, dropped on the floor and smashed, or just worn out. Slainte.
I've run several American tools like you describe on 220V and 50Hz with no problem. Use a simple transformer to step down to 110-120V. You will have slightly less RPM than the tool is made for, but I've never found it to be an issue.
In the case of small motors, like yours, which have brushes, the motors are unaffected by the frequency of the power, they will run happily on straight DC if needed as long as the voltage is correct. These motors are commonly referred to as universal motors because the aren't affected by the frequency. However if the motor has electronics in it for speed control all bets are off and I would follow the ratings on the spec plate.
Larger machinery where the motors are separately mounted almost always have induction motors and they are sensitive to frequency. You can go up in frequency without problems except that the motor will spin 20 percent faster, but you can't go down, a motor designed for 60 cycle current will overheat quickly if run at 50 cycles. Reducing the voltage will burn up the motor in seconds so that isn't an option.
You can also buy an inexpensive frequency drive. They are configured just about any way you want (110 in 220 out). You can then dial the frequency to 50 hz or anywhere you like. Like John said, unless a motor is rated for inverter duty, its nameplate data concrete, especially a router that has infinate load capability.
Similar issue ... any advice?
I'm moving from US to Denmark soon. I've sold most of my big power tools due to limited space, but wanted to keep some smaller ones. My scroll saw is low wattage, so it's a pretty easy "fix" with a transformer, but I'm not so sure about about my Bosch 1617 variable speed router. Is my only solution to buy a 2,000+ watt 110v-220v transformer, or is there a better, simpler way?
As a side note, I'm curious if anyone has ever dealt with Euro-sized router bit shanks? Are they the same diameter as those sold in US, but just indicated in mm vs fractional inches? Or different and require new collet (hopefully, one that fits my router).
There are 8mm and 12mm router shanks in use, but you shouldn't have trouble getting 1/4" and 1/2" either. There are not the same and you shouldn't use a 12mm bit in a 1/2" collet even though it looks close. As far as I know the collets are completely interchangeable.
How about swapping tools?
Depending on from where and when you're moving, maybe we could do a swap. I'm hoping to move from Denmark to New England around August, and was wondering what to do with my hand tools, which is how I found this thread. But otherwise I'd say Craigslist 'em there, and pick them up here again on dba.dk (or ebay in Germany which can be a lot cheaper).
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled