Woodworking & Power Tools Forum - Festool Owners Group > GENERAL DISCUSSIONS > Other Tools & Accessories > extension cords do make a difference
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HowardH

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Location: Plano, Tx
Member Since: Jan 2007
Posts: 704
« on: April 28, 2012, 05:26 PM »
I have often lamented about how under powered my Dewalt 735 planer is, or at least appeared to be.  I never thought the weak link could be the extension cord I used to connect it.  I had been using a 14/3 thinking it was enough.  It wasn't.  In addition, I had the extension cord plugged into one of those 5 into one pigtails with it's own breaker built in.  The 735 was plugged into that.   It was constantly tripping under any kind of load.  It's probably a 16 gauge at best.   I purchased a 12/3 cord and plugged it in directly into the outlet.  It made a noticeable difference.  It sounded different and didn't bog down near as much as previously.  It's a good thing to know and maybe pass along and will suffice until I can afford a A3-31 Hammer.   Ya learn something new everyday. 
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Howard H
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duburban

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Location: Vermont
Member Since: Sep 2011
Posts: 376
« Reply #1 on: April 28, 2012, 06:23 PM »
i'm fairly religious when using more expensive tools, they always get a 12g cable.
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Steve R

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Location: Twin Cities, MN, USA
Member Since: Oct 2010
Posts: 915
« Reply #2 on: April 29, 2012, 10:34 AM »
Quote from: HowardH on April 28, 2012, 05:26 PM
... I purchased a 12/3 cord and plugged it in directly into the outlet.  It made a noticeable difference.  It sounded different and didn't bog down near as much as previously.  ...

You bring up a very good point.  Too many times people will spend the money on the big item...then limit it ability by putting on the wrong accessories.

When you see 14 or a 16g extinction made for a table lamp with power tools connected.... Blink   or Thousands of Dollars spent on AV home setup and then they find HDMI cord too expensive and use a cheaper connection....  Ya just want to ask...so That Harvard Sweatshirt... is powered by a elementary eduction only?  (no offense to Harvard, sweatshirts, elementary schools, or nuns with rules)

Even with 12/3 how far is the run. Then check how many circuits at what amps are you plugged into.   I'm sure all of us have had the circuit trip and just about the whole site goes down... 

Cheers,
Steve

 
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HowardH

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Location: Plano, Tx
Member Since: Jan 2007
Posts: 704
« Reply #3 on: April 29, 2012, 09:31 PM »
the shortest 12/3 cord I could find is 25'.  It's plugged into a dedicated one-plug circuit.  Seems to working out pretty well. 
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Howard H
The Plano Texas Festool Fanatic!

Shelby Metcalf, basketball coach at Texas A&M, recounting what he told a player who received four F's and one D: "Son, looks to me like you're spending too much time on one subject."

mft1080, T15, RO150FEQ, TS55, RTS400, ETS 150/3, OF1400, CT22, CT33, MFS 400 & 700, Boom Arm, 800, 1080, 1400, 1900 rails CSX drill Qwas dogs
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