Trivia Question We Didn't Ask

[DocStram]

Here's a trivia question that we didn't ask:

A woodturner is looking for a lathe that will run on a 220 line. He finds the perfect lathe PLUS the motor can be converted from 110 to 220. He's really excited about his find. When he gets home with the lathe his wife becomes concerned. "Won't it use more electricity if it's a 220 rather than a 110 line? Our electric bill is already sky high!"

What do you think?

 

[karlkuehn]

If I remember correctly, at some point, doesn't 220 use like half the amperage/HP than 110?

 

[GoodTurns]

but if you run it on 220, you can go like 2x as fast and it will only take half the time to turn a pen! Electric bill should stay the same![)][)][)] If you want to save money, you hook up your shop to your neighbor's panel!

an advance thanks to all you electrical engineer types, but I understand the basics!

 

[Chasper]

The 220 will cost less to operate, but the financial question will be whether or not it will save enough in operating cost to pay for changing out the motor. That is assuming he already has a 220 in place, if the 220 line needs to be installed that will offset the usage savings as well.

 

[rherrell]

The only advantage to using 220 is you can use smaller wire, half the amperage of 110. Your bill will be the same.

 

[Proud_Poppa_of_2]

I think he shouldn't have told his wife in the first place.

 

[DocStram]

Originally posted by Chasper

The 220 will cost less to operate, but the financial question will be whether or not it will save enough in operating cost to pay for changing out the motor. That is assuming he already has a 220 in place, if the 220 line needs to be installed that will offset the usage savings as well.

He won't need to change the motor. It can be converted.

 

[DocStram]

Originally posted by Proud_Poppa_of_2

I think he shouldn't have told his wife in the first place.

So much for "Pork Chop Mike's" answer. []

 

[great12b4ever]

Well, I guess I am fortunate. I have 220/440 3 phase for my shop, and that makes it nice! I can get some tools that others pass on because of the 3-phase set-up. I primarily work only on week-ends, holidays, sick-days, and some during the week during the summer-time. My shop has its own separate meter and bill and I aberage about $15 - $21.00 electricity bill each month [^]

 

[DocStram]

Originally posted by great12b4ever

Well, I guess I am fortunate. I have 220/440 3 phase for my shop, and that makes it nice! I can get some tools that others pass on because of the 3-phase set-up. I primarily work only on week-ends, holidays, sick-days, and some during the week during the summer-time. My shop has its own separate meter and bill and I aberage about $15 - $21.00 electricity bill each month [^]

Thanks for the info, Rob .... are you saying that you save money on electricity every month because of the 220 line? [?]

 

[Woodlvr]

I agree with Mike though- He should not have shown his wife. DAMHIKT[)]

Mike

 

[maxwell_smart007]

Same amount of current - but the neutral carries a load instead of 'overages' - so no savings in electricity (actually might cost more, as you have to buy special 220v sockets!)

 

[btboone]

220, 221 ... whatever it takes.

 

[ed4copies]

The 220 line is no problem.

Simply eliminate the breaker for the electric oven, since your wife is "ordering out" every night anyhow, you really don't need cooking facilities. Just DON'T remove the microwave (but it's 110- so no problem). She needs to be able to make tea and the only way to boil water is with the "nuker"!

Problem solved.

 

[Scott]

I think this is a trick question, because this woodturner does not exist.

The description of the lathe matches the Oneway 1224 lathe, which is essentially a 220 machine, but has a voltage doubler so it can run off of 110. The woodturner in question doesn't exist because if he did, and he came to his Wife wanting one of these, she would kill him, and there would be no question of whether it would use more power!

Sheesh, that was simple!

Scott.

 

[Proud_Poppa_of_2]

Originally posted by Scott

I think this is a trick question, because this woodturner does not exist.

The description of the lathe matches the Oneway 1224 lathe, which is essentially a 220 machine, but has a voltage doubler so it can run off of 110. The woodturner in question doesn't exist because if he did, and he came to his Wife wanting one of these, she would kill him, and there would be no question of whether it would use more power!

Sheesh, that was simple!

Scott.

Didn't I see Marisa Tomei's character do this on the witness stand in "My Cousin Vinnie"?

 

[winpooh498]

Originally posted by Scott

The woodturner in question doesn't exist because if he did, and he came to his Wife wanting one of these, she would kill him, and there would be no question of whether it would use more power!

Sheesh, that was simple!

Scott.

Hey wait a minute!!! I wouldn't kill Shane if he came and asked to buy one. I have been begging for at least 2 new big lathes!!

 

[Daniel]

power is power it will cost the same. just not draw as many amps.

 

[Randy_]

I think Al is wanting to buy a new lathe and is looking for arguments to justify it to his better half!!

In Their Memory