I went to the salvage place and we totally struck out on any better transformer than this. I was ready to tell my friend he would have to bite the bullet and order a new 208-480 one at $725 plus shipping---prob 150 bucks or more for a 150 lb. item like this. At least I did find one on the shelf and only 2 days out (instead of 2-3 weeks).
However,after talking with a guy at the local 3-phase motor sales/service shop a couple days ago and him telling me that most motors manufactured nowadays can take a 10 percent variance in voltage, I decided to try this transformer out, check some Amp readings and see how the saw performed thru some cutting.
He also said the nature of a table saw being intermittent duty (as opposed to, say, a gang rip saw)would probably mean they would never heat it up.
It idled at 1.4 Amps, drew 2-2.5 Amps on some easy cuts, and then with an old dull rip blade ripping a piece of hardwood topped out at 4-4.3 Amps. Nameplate says FLA is 5.8.
Looks good for now, we'll see how it does this week in its regular all day duty. I really am expecting no problems, though.
Appreciate all the input.
He dodged a $1500 bullet (minimum, if contractor rates and markups were applied) and paid $300 for my materials and my labor was donated. Hope it helps him thru these hard times!
I did note that a couple of you actually told me of the 10 percent deal as well.
Last edited by poorboy; 04/24/10 10:11 PM.
