Electric motor Torque

[drs3317]

Is the torque of given electric motor any stronger when wired using 230 volts vs 115 volts? My questioning is because I have a 1.5 hp table saw motor which can be wired either 230 or 115. Currently it is wired for 115 volts. I do have 230 volt available in the workshop so that is no issue. I would like to have a little more power without getting another motor but if changing to 220 will not have that benefit then it may make no sense changing it over.

 

[Dagny]

I don't think you will notice the difference. Maybe if it is on a long cord.

 

[metlmunchr]

I've got a belt drive table saw with 1.5hp motor. I reconnected the motor for 240V and the thing I noticed is that the blade comes up to speed much faster than it did before. If the saw showed more power in an actual cut then that would indicate the original wiring and/or extension cord was too small.

A narrow kerf blade will make a definite difference in the apparent power of the saw as compared to standard kerf blades. Cutting wood is just another machining operation the same as machining metals. The same sort of limitations apply. A given material will require X horsepower to remove Y cubic inches of material per minute. The narrow kerf blade uses less power simply because its removing less material for the same depth of cut.

I put a .090" kerf blade on my saw and the difference in hardwoods is significant as compared to a standard .125" kerf blade. .062" kerf blades are available, and those blades should require even less power but I've never bought one as the .090 works for the stuff I cut, and the really thin blades are very sensitive to heat.

 

[sberry]

I like the thinner blades in my abrasive metal saw too. Just a little less load and it works better.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Is the torque of given electric motor any stronger when wired using 230 volts vs 115 volts?

No.


Volts x Amps = power. If the voltage is doubled, the current is halved, so you get the same power either way.

 

[Milton Shaw]

At half the amps on 240 the voltage drop would not be as great so there could be a difference in starting torque. Check the temp of the cord while doing some heavy cutting to see if the wiring is too small.

 

[Dingleburry]

No
^ what he said. "Therotically"
I believe you can use a VFD to give a bit more torque, but prob shorten life of motor.
Only other options i can think of. is lower RPM motor, or higher HP motor.

 

[drs3317]

Thanks guys for your thoughts and input. I am already using a thin kerf blade and a short extension of 12 ga wire. I guess the only option for more power will be more horsepower.

 

[DenisG]

Higher voltage and lower current gets you better electrical efficiency and longer motor life.
https://www.efficientplantmag.com/2015/08/cool-advice-on-hot-motors/
Theoretically if the stator windings stay cooler that should translate to better torque, but I haven't found any citations except in benefits for DC motors.