Replies

1. 
   WayneL5 | Feb 17, 2004 04:53am | #1

   A three phase motor is physically smaller.  I can't think of an advantage for a home shop.

2. 
   peters | Feb 18, 2004 09:51am | #2

   My experience with both kinds of motors implies that three phase motors are less bothered by dust, which can be a constant problem in some woodworking machines. The build-up of dust in the starter capacitor housing can cause the capacitors to burn out, necessitating a possibly costly repair. Three phase motors are immune to this problem, having no capacitors. This is, of course, more of a problem for commercial shops, which run their machines harder and more often.

3. 
   Dreamcatcher | Feb 23, 2004 09:54am | #3

   Matt,

   Here a shortened version...

   Single phase produces two large current pulses of power in 1/60 second. Three phase motors produce six pulses of power in 1/60 second. The motor will run smoother and more powerfully yet each pulse carries less current making it more efficient.

   The smoother operation will allow the motor to last longer.

   That is the fact.

   gk

1. 
   cudavid | Mar 08, 2004 08:05pm | #4

   $$ issue, 1 phase easier to resell big!! issue

1. 
   cedy1 | Mar 19, 2004 07:16pm | #5

   the one thing I didn't notice on this thread was that nobody mentioned the fact that nobody has 3 phase in their homes. If dude bought that saw he couldn't power it.

2. 
   domermatt | Mar 21, 2004 06:35am | #6

   Three phase power delivers constant power, leading to smoother running.  Three phases motors have less parts to break than a single phase motor, thus they last longer.  Three phase motors also tend to be more of the industrial type.  Many of the single phase motors, including power tool motors, are not that well made.

   Both single and three phases motors are AC powered. The current is synusoidal, not pulsed.

   When people 100 years from now see my work, they'll know I cared. --Matt Mulka