U.K. Tormak in the USA

[slpa1]

Hello all I'm new to the forum and look forward to SHARPENING (sorry) my knowledge on everything TORMEK, I've  recently moved to the US and have a T7 I purchased in Britain, tried to use it here with a cheep plug adapter, it works with your finger pressed on the ON switch but as soon as you release it the machine stops, obviously not enough power, so my question is do I need a converter or a transformer, and what would be a good inexpensive model.
The only tech info I can find is
230v, 1- 50Hz
200 W, 90r/min
Continuous duty S1
Many thanks slpa1

[Ken S]

Welcome to the forum, Sipa1.

I am not an electrical engineer, so you need a more expert suggestion than mine.

I know that at least one US dealer sells basic Tormeks without the accessories. In 2010, my first T7 was stolen. Advanced Machinery (advmachinery.com) sold me a new, stripped down T7. In your case, you would only need the Tormek (now the T8) itself. I think it would be worth contacting them. They are also the major US parts dealer for Tormek, and could give you a price for a new 120volt, 60 Hz motor. You could sell your present T7 or just your present motor.

I am not saying that either of these would be your best option. You should check out converter options, especially if you have other tools which need the 240v 50Hz power. Just be aware that you have choices.

Keep us posted.

Ken

[jeffs55]

A couple of things to consider and or try to make your Tormek work. First you might have a 240 volt outlet installed and then you could power other devices of this type. Depending on where your breaker box is this might run $150-$200. That is way cheaper than new Tormek. In the meantime you might be able to power it from your clothes dryer outlet if you have the proper electrical cord.

[Ken S]

Jeff,

I think the problem is the difference between the European 50 Hertz (cycles per second) and the North American 60 Hertz. Tapping into a 240 volt home outlet will still be 60 Hertz.

The plug configuration would also be different.

Ken

[slpa1]

Thank you all for replying, yes I did think about swapping the uk plug for a us one but as Ken mentioned the Hertz differ also I have a hangar saw and proxxon tools all using 240v 50Hz  and so I'm trying to find a solution for them all.
Moving country is expensive so trying to keep cost to a minimum, I had thought about bypassing the power switch for a foot pedal, but wasn't sure if it would damage the motor  in the long term.
Will keep you informed and ideas always welcome.

Steve

[Ken S]

Steve,
I found this searching for "converting 120 Volt 60 Hertz power to 240 Volt 50 Hertz:

http://www.gohz.com/convert-us-120v-60hz-to-240v-50hz-power-supply

While there are probably less expensive converters available (I recommend continuing the search), swapping basic Tormeks or motors might end up being much much more cost effective. Actually, I suspect the price of a replacement motor and cord may by as much as a new stripped down T8. That seems crazy to me, however, that is how the entire replacement parts industries works. 

https://advanced-machinery.myshopify.com/products/11-motor

https://advanced-machinery.myshopify.com/products/21-cord-set

POSSIBLY THIS, TOO:

https://advanced-machinery.myshopify.com/products/24-electronic-switch

OR THIS:

https://advanced-machinery.myshopify.com/products/24-rocker-switch

I would think long and hard before going the replacement motor and definitely know the cost of a basic new T8 (or T4).


Ken