Can I run a 60Hz SawStop PCS at 50Hz?

thomisab

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Hi all. My first time posting in here.

I originally think of importing a TKS80 from Europe, only to find out that with just a little bit more, I can buy a SawStop PCS. I asked my local dealer as well, but due to their asking price ($6000 US) I decided to import one from the United States with a freight forwarder, even I know that will void the warranty.

However, I can only get the PCS with a 60Hz TEFC motor in it, while my country runs at 50Hz. Is it possible to run this machine here without breaking it?

I read about the 16% speed drop and possible overheat issue. But 3hp is more than enough for things I do even with the power drop, while I don’t see myself running the machine for more than a few minutes.

I appreciated any kind of help.

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consider importing from auzzie.

they run at 230 50hz

carbatech do them.

i know of at least one person in europe that has imported a sawstop, laura kampf, she has a youtube chanel, (and is sponsored by festool)
 
notenoughcash said:
consider importing from auzzie.

they run at 230 50hz

carbatech do them.

i know of at least one person in europe that has imported a sawstop, laura kampf, she has a youtube chanel, (and is sponsored by festool)
Thanks for your contribution. Last time I checked on their website it says it’s out of stock. Let me email them directly.

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I'd check the parts fiche for the 60Hz versus 50Hz and see what the differences are (parts numbers etc.).  Would also give you a bearing on whether a simple parts swap could get you up and running.

Edit: Looks like the motor (part 1), contactor box (56), and pulley (4) are the relevant parts. I'd give them a call.

Parts Fiche
 
have someone look at the plate on the motor.  The motor may be a 200-250VAC 50/60hz motor as is.  Yes you can have speed changes, but items are often rated for both even if they will never sell in one of the markets.  As example 230VAC festool CTs are 50/60hz listed and they don't sell them in 60hz countries.

 
Mine is a 1.75HP PCS. For what it's worth: it says 60 Hz on the motor.

The answer directly from SawStop should help.
 

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ChuckS said:
Mine is a 1.75HP PCS. For what it's worth: it says 60 Hz on the motor.

The answer directly from SawStop should help.
Thanks ChuckS.

I emailed SawStop but I got the typical play-safe reply:

“You may want to consult your electrician with your question about 60Hz vs 50Hz motors to get a more accurate answer, but my understanding is running a 60Hz on 50Hz could damage the motor over time.”

So are you in a 50Hz zone? Do you feel any abnormalities when using the saw?

Much appreciated.

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you arnt going to go get an reply out of sawstop if their motors are duel hertz, it just isnt realistic.

ive looked up importting a sawstop myself, and found that from aus is the best bet, they dont have as high import tax from what ive seen.  and they definatly run at the same v and htz and the UK
 
notenoughcash said:
you arnt going to go get an reply out of sawstop if their motors are duel hertz, it just isnt realistic.

ive looked up importting a sawstop myself, and found that from aus is the best bet, they dont have as high import tax from what ive seen.  and they definatly run at the same v and htz and the UK
I’ve just contacted Carbatec in the mentioned in the post above. They say they still have stock (PCS) in their Sydney store but I couldn’t find a way to set the store on their website to show the stock. Maybe it’s my geographic location but I tried VPN but still to no avail. Even then I may have problem buying it online with my card’s billing address not in AU.

From their reply they are strictly forbidden to sell SawStops to people overseas too.

Let me know if you have any luck in this. Greatly appreciated.

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notenoughcash said:
have you got good freinds/relitaves over there?

you know, like a monther in law [wink]
I wish lol. If it still doesn’t work I may have to go to the Hammer K3 route, though substantial more costly…

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there is that, and just out of intrest how much different in size are they? and i may be mistaken, but are they the ones with felder/hammers version of sawstop?
 
notenoughcash said:
there is that, and just out of intrest how much different in size are they? and i may be mistaken, but are they the ones with felder/hammers version of sawstop?
It depends on the configuration, because you may choose a slider from 1.4 meter to 2 meter (not sure about the actual length yet) but I’d say it takes up quite more space than a SawStop.

Their new saw-stopping technology comes in their higher end models I think, not K3.

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notenoughcash said:
ok.  i may go back to my orgianal idea of a tks80 [smile]
The TKS is on my radar for a very long time too. Everything’s good except the fence that doesn’t justify the price tag for long term use… that’s also why I consider a cabinet saw

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You don't need SS technology on a slider, used properly fingers are not close to the blade. One other thing as well and that is ripping using the sliding table eliminates kick back entirely and SS like all other cabinet saws kick back if not used properly. Apparently there are more kick back injuries than blade injuries from cabinet saws.
 
Mini Me said:
You don't need SS technology on a slider, used properly fingers are not close to the blade. One other thing as well and that is ripping using the sliding table eliminates kick back entirely and SS like all other cabinet saws kick back if not used properly. Apparently there are more kick back injuries than blade injuries from cabinet saws.

Of course you do not until you do. If one were to use a blade guard on their table saw finger injury is no more likely than using a slider.
Felder is adding similar technology to on their slider models so they must see some value in it. They say it is a supplement to existing safety devices built into the saw, but I'd say it is primary considering it can save fingers should one deviate from accepted practices.
 
I stand corrected on this. This job site is the only universal motor.

I'll look my PCS this evening, which according to the SawStop website is a universal motor. Universal motors are not frequency dependent meaning they can operate at 110V/50Hz at 120V/60Hz. I have purchased a few European models of tools to use in the US and I have not had any performance issues using them in the US. I even have a European and US version of the same tool and can see no difference between the two. The contractor saw uses an induction motor and it is not advisable to run a 60Hz induction motor at 50Hz.

I will take a look at my PCS tonight though there is a chance the manufacturer might not label the motor as a 5Hz0/60Hz motor.
 
The main concern would be the other direction 60hz->50hz is harder since you loose cooling going that way. 

Still, I doubt anyone anymore designs motors that can't run at both and don't have some margin. The economics of having 2 versions verses just thermally designing it for 50hz would make very little sense. Fan for 50hz, bearings for 60hz.
 
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