Tools and Tool Buying

[tomsteve1967]

OYE VEY!

[Randy@Yorktown]

go to 220 to get the max h.p. out of the motor and tool. well, does this apply to routers??

Sorry, I think we (certainly I) may have become sidetracked by the 120 vs. 240 / hp discussion and lost track of your OP.  As Howard Acheson pointed out in the first response to your query, a router really doesn't belong in this discussion at all.  It does not apply to universal motors such as those used in routers.  Just think 120, or 110 if you prefer, and forget the 240 vs. 120 volt / horsepower argument.  I would look more at the reputation of the router manufacturer and/or the amperage rating to help make the decision.

If I missed the point of your question again, please let me know.  I tend to get lost in these discussions sometimes. 

[It was Al B]

It seems that I've been thru part of this discussion in the past. As stated, router motors don't apply to the 110/220 effeciency situation. In fact, from what I've read, the minimal savings you get from 220 with your saw or other power tools,is that with the 110, your motor will heat up more rapidly than if it is hooked up to 220. A 1HP motor produces 1HP either way.

[amateur60]

If you have an proper 120 volt circuit for the amperage listed on a motor, then switching that motor to 240 will not change the performance of the motor.  It won't make it run cooler or draw less power from the power company or last longer.  As KnotScott mentions there might be some very momentary start up differences that you might measure with test equipment.  

Of course if you need to run a 1.75 hp. motor on a circuit that also has some lighting on it too, then you might want to do the change over.  The only real message that ought to come out of all of this is that it is a really good idea to have adequate wiring in your shop.  That means things like dedicated circuits and plenty of them. 

[tomsteve1967]

     thank you for keepin it simple. since your response was as simple as it gets, i get an impression you get a lot done in your shop.