Question
I'm right in the middle of manufacturing an entry/passage door package, and my shaper motor went out. There is no NEMA frame size on this motor, and according to the manufacturer (Grizzly - it's a 5hp 1ph 4 speed shaper), my only option is a direct replacement from them.
I need to know what kind of motor to be looking for, as I need more power. I'd need at least 7.5hp, but would prefer 10hp or more. Yes, I realize there will probably be some fabrication involved, and I know I'll need new controls for the larger 3ph motor.
I've searched high and low for a 3450 rpm reversing/reversible motor, but can't find anything! Please help, as I'm stuck with a counterclockwise rotation 5hp table saw motor until I can locate and retrofit the new motor, and as you can imagine, a non-reversing shaper is quite a pain to make doors with.
Forum Responses
(Architectural Woodworking Forum)
From contributor T:
In order to relieve the short term pressure, have you considered outsourcing this entryway until you can get your production equipment needs sorted out?
If you put your calipers on the shaft and measure the mounting hole locations, you may be able to find something close through Grainger or other industrial supply store, and field modify it to fit.
However, understand that that your motor probably died for a reason, and the fact you "need" to go to a 7.5 or 10 HP motor now makes me suspect that the shaper you have now is undersized or insufficient for your needs. If you just put a bigger motor on and keep trying to make cuts that the machine wasn't designed to do, you will destroy the bearings, or the shaft, which of course will happen while you are using it, resulting in a mess and a bunch of paperwork.
I think contributor T is right. If you're crushed for time, call in a favor or find someone to cover what you need right now while you take some time to research what shaper is really what you need. I'm sure you can find someone close to you through this site or your suppliers who can help you out.
I suspect the problem is more in an underpowered "5 hp" motor from Grizzly. Many Taiwan motors are notoriously bad... so much so that some of the better importers offer American motors as an option.
So, I'd suggest going to an American made (Baldor, or at least something out of Mexico) 5 hp motor. Use the Grainger catalog to match up a frame size that closely matches your existing motor.
When I replaced my SCMI motor, I came as close as possible with that method and made a few minor alterations (drilling new bolt holes) to make it fit. Don't forget to look at shaft diameter, length and position off the base.
By the way, I have the Grizzly 5912z, which is offered with a 7.5hp 3phase motor. I have found a 10hp motor which will be close enough to the original motor's dimensions, and since my quad pulley was badly damaged, I'll be replacing it with new ones anyway.
I like to cut my panels in one pass. That is with a right rotation and left rotation panel cutter stacked on the same spindle. 1.75" and 2.25" panels cut within .20" of full profile is a lot of material to hog off at 20 fpm, so I don't really think I'm out of line swapping in a 10hp motor.
Excellent point, contributor I. I now know why I couldn't find anything listed as a "reversible three-phase motor" since all 3-phase motors are reversible in the first place!