Making jointer freestanding

[jmoore65]

I've got a Delta-Homecraft 4" jointer that a previous owner modified to be Shopsmith compatible. It's a pain to mount, unmount and store this thing. The jointer has been mounted onto an extension table stand.

I ran across a used blower motor (GE 5kH3UHA0454) recently ($5) - 1/3 hp, 1725 rpm, 115VAC. I picked it up to power the jointer in a standalone configuration. So next steps are to build a stand, wire up the motor, get a pulley for the jointer and let 'er rip.

The wire coming out of the blower motor is 2 conductor. Do I need to worry about a ground (e.g. the chassis?) - or can I wire up a 2 prong plug?

Thanks,

Jim

[billmayo]

I've got a Delta-Homecraft 4" jointer that a previous owner modified to be Shopsmith compatible. It's a pain to mount, unmount and store this thing. The jointer has been mounted onto an extension table stand.

I ran across a used blower motor (GE 5kH3UHA0454) recently ($5) - 1/3 hp, 1725 rpm, 115VAC. I picked it up to power the jointer in a standalone configuration. So next steps are to build a stand, wire up the motor, get a pulley for the jointer and let 'er rip.

The wire coming out of the blower motor is 2 conductor. Do I need to worry about a ground (e.g. the chassis?) - or can I wire up a 2 prong plug?

Thanks,

Jim

Grounding the motor can prevent a shocking experience for someone. Only way to go. Since the Shopsmith joiner likes to operate around 8500 RPM, You will need a fairly large pulley on the motor and a very small one on the joiner. I use a link (Power-Twist) belt for this type of stand-alone operation. You may find that a 1/3 HP motor is a little on the weak side for the joiner. I use a minimum of 3/4 or 1 HP 3450 RPM motors for use on my stand-alone equipment.

[jmoore65]

Thanks Bill.

The Homecraft manual suggests a 1/3 hp motor. Of course, this was a few years ago - so a 1/3 hp motor was probably big stuff :-)

I was going to use a 6" pulley on the motor and a 2" pulley on the jointer.

Do I ground the frame to the ground lug in the plug?

Jim

[a1gutterman]

Thanks Bill.

The Homecraft manual suggests a 1/3 hp motor. Of course, this was a few years ago - so a 1/3 hp motor was probably big stuff :-)

I was going to use a 6" pulley on the motor and a 2" pulley on the jointer.

Do I ground the frame to the ground lug in the plug?

Jim

You should ground the frame to the motor and the motor housing to the ground terminal of a three point plug.

[easterngray]

If you are willing to take multiple, very light cuts, 1/3 hp would probably work, but it could get tiresome. 3/4 hp would get the job done in half the time. Alec

[jmoore65]

I will definitely keep my eyes open for a heftier motor. It'll have to be a good deal, cause I'm a bit budget challenged at the moment.

Then I can repurpose the 1/3 hp motor for a buffing station :-)

Thanks to all for the help!

Jim

[8iowa]

I agree. Find at 3/4 or 1 HP 3450 rpm motor. Blower motors are usually of the shaded pole type that produce little starting torque. This type of motor would not be suitable for any power tool duty.

[jmoore65]

So - where might I go looking for a better motor? Cost will need to be less than $50 for me to swing with SWMBO. :-)

Jim

[retcaptb]

Jim,
I would look on ebay and craigs list in the areas that you live or nearest city(s). Also look in your local papers and short ad papers. Also check the restore if you have a Habitat for Humanity store in your area. In our area, lots of used woodworking equipment donated for the cause. Thrift stores can carry some of this stuff. Good luck.
retcaptb
Jim B.
Grass Valley, Ca.

[heathicus]

Thanks Bill.

The Homecraft manual suggests a 1/3 hp motor. Of course, this was a few years ago - so a 1/3 hp motor was probably big stuff :-)

I was going to use a 6" pulley on the motor and a 2" pulley on the jointer.

Do I ground the frame to the ground lug in the plug?

Jim

I have the same size motor and pulley setup on my old Craftsman jointer. Works just fine for me. Just cant get in a big hurry.