I am considering purchasing a Shopfox 2HP Shaper-cutter that is pre-wired for 220. I need to convert it to 110. Is this a difficult or expensive process? Will it have any effect on the tools capabilities or performance? Could I do this or do I need an electrician? Thanks for any help with this question.

If the machine is sold as being able to run on either 110 or 220, but is "pre-wired" for 220, then its instruction manual should tell you what to do to convert it to 110 volt operation. It shouldn't be too difficult, but depending on your "comfort level" dealing with things electrical, you may want to consider having a professional do the change-over.

If the tool is designed for 220 volt operation only, then you should have a 220 line installed in your workshop so you can provide the tool the power it needs.

If the machine is sold as being able to run on either 110 or 220, but is "pre-wired" for 220, then its instruction manual should tell you what to do to convert it to 110 volt operation. It shouldn't be too difficult, but depending on your "comfort level" dealing with things electrical, you may want to consider having a professional do the change-over.

If the tool is designed for 220 volt operation only, then you should have a 220 line installed in your workshop so you can provide the tool the power it needs.

Yes Sir, the manufacturer states that it can run on 220 or 110. Would the change over consist of merely replacing the cord on the machine or something more involved? I would be comfortable with that and perhaps a little more. But if it were to require replacing circuits, using meters and other electrical "stuff", I'm not to sure. Thank you.

This is the best advice you could receive:



If the machine is sold as being able to run on either 110 or 220, but is "pre-wired" for 220, then its instruction manual should tell you what to do to convert it to 110 volt operation. It shouldn't be too difficult, but depending on your "comfort level" dealing with things electrical, you may want to consider having a professional do the change-over.

With basic information, I think I found the manual for the unit you considering.

http://www.woodstockint.com/images/manuals/W1674_m.pdf

See Pages 36 for 110 volt connections, and Page 37 for 220 volt connection.

Note, this will only convert the input voltage for the unit.

You will need to use a different plug and receptacle for either voltage.

At 220 volts it draws 12 amps, see Page 9 for this info.

What they don't tell you is it should draw 24 amps at 110 volts, which will need a minimum of a 30 amp circuit with #10 wire.

So if you think you will run it at 110 volts and just plug into any old outlet you have, you are mistaken.

There is a paragraph on I found on Page 9 that mentions this, and that a qualified electrician will be needed to install the proper circuit for a 110 volt circuit.

This post describes the other stuff you need to know:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electrical-lighting/run-220-line-electrical-panal-outlet-176849.html#post848812

Performance won't be affected. Wiring costs would be because more copper is used. Since it's designed for 120/240, then your OK.

Look here: Reversing and Repair of Electric Motors (http://www.metalwebnews.com/howto/elec-mtr/elec-mtr.html) for a hint as to what is involved in the section changing from 110 to 220.
More complex wiring is also possible but unlikely in this case.

For simple conversions:
The power cord may have to be changed to 15 (14 AWG) or 20A (12 AWG) with the right plug. Moulded cords are available.

Usually the motor junction box is opened and the wiring instructions are on the label. The wires are marked on the wires, so don't get upset if they are all black.

Incidentally, in the US the service is 120/240 and don't get upset about the 220 d.esignation

The answer to your question is yes you can do this. I have bought several shop machines that run on 240 or 120 and they were all very simple to switch over. My latest was a radial arm saw, you just move a wire in a junction box on the machine. The instructions are written for a home owner and not an electrician.