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Are Harbor Freight Motors Induction or Universal?

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Norcal

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HF motors are ChiCom garbage, try Surplus Center, eBay, or other online vendors.
 

jumbojak

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Those look like two big capacitors so I'm gessing it's an induction motor. Might want to look for a continuous duty cycle for a saw though.
 

jumbojak

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One is rated to run a certain percentage of an hour and the other is rated to run continuously.
 
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ianmgull

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Surplus center is the place to get a motor. Recently got a 1.5hp for my table saw through them.

Do you mean in terms of quality or price (I couldn't find a better price there)?

I'm sure the quality of the HF isn't top of the line by a long shot, but I imagine I'll only be using the saw in short bursts so I doubt I'll need something rated for hour long operation.
 
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The Cobbler

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Bretny

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Do you mean in terms of quality or price (I couldn't find a better price there)?

I'm sure the quality of the HF isn't top of the line by a long shot, but I imagine I'll only be using the saw in short bursts so I doubt I'll need something rated for hour long operation.
I mean both. You can find quality lesson brand motors and cheaper ones. I got the $130 1.5hp for my table saw and it works quite well, i rip lumber with it. 2hp is prety big for a band saw. Also any noise of the motor will most likely be quieter than the sound of you cutting wood/metal.
 

donpauli2

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That is an induction motor with capacitors for start and run. It will handle a bandsaw easily


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phiftyseven

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Can anyone explain the difference between compressor duty and farm duty?

Compressor duty motors are capacitor start, for starting up under load. Usually have one or two capacitors on top.
Farm duty are also capacitor start, but are TEFC (Totally Enclosed, Fan Cooled) due to the harsh environment they are used in (dusty hay barns, wash-down areas, outdoor exposure to rain, snow, etc.).
No reason a farm duty motor can't be used on a compressor, it's just overkill, unless you find one at a price you can't refuse.
 
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James-W

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I have a 3hp motor from Harbor Freight on my table saw. I was using my saw on a project and was about half done with the project when the motor I had on the saw took dive. Since it was Sunday afternoon I went to Harbor Freight and bought a motor. Took it home and wired it up and mounted it to my saw. That was 2 years ago and I have had no problems with it. I am sure it isn't the greatest motor available, but it works OK and I was able to complete the project that same day. If I were to use the table all day every day I would get a better brand of motor. But for the limited amount of use my table saw gets these days, this motor works just fine.
 

bjcouche

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There are two things that state to me it's an induction motor: capacitor start, capacitor run. A compressor duty motor is usually cheaper because it's designed for very short run times between cool down times. Compressors only run for a few minutes before stopping, so the comprssor motors are "over rated" and might trip the thermal overload if operated for an hour or more continuous. I wouldn't recommend using a compressor duty rated motor for anything other than a compressor. I also hate using ODP (open drip proof) motros that **** all the sawdust and dirt through the motor, covering the windings and bearings with dirt and crud. For woodworking applications I prefer enclosed motors, maybe I'm just **** that way.
Anyhow, a HF motor is better than no motor, but the surplus center was suggested because they offer a good cost / quality ratio.

Brian
 

wyliesdiesels

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I have a 3hp motor from Harbor Freight on my table saw. I was using my saw on a project and was about half done with the project when the motor I had on the saw took dive. Since it was Sunday afternoon I went to Harbor Freight and bought a motor. Took it home and wired it up and mounted it to my saw. That was 2 years ago and I have had no problems with it. I am sure it isn't the greatest motor available, but it works OK and I was able to complete the project that same day. If I were to use the table all day every day I would get a better brand of motor. But for the limited amount of use my table saw gets these days, this motor works just fine.

Did you test the caps to see if they went bad?
 

bubinga

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