There are many types of woodworking equipment, and chances are that your projects often involve using multiple pieces of machinery simultaneously—all of which have different load requirements. Having power you can depend on for the entirety of your project is essential. Chances are, your utility electricity supply isn’t powerful enough to power all your woodworking equipment reliably from start to finish. You likely need three-phase power to get the job done.

The best way to secure reliable three-phase power for your woodturning projects is to invest in a quality phase converter. Keep reading to learn about the different types of woodworking equipment and the benefits of phase converters for power.

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Common Types of Woodworking Machinery

Many types of woodworking machines and tools are high-voltage, including the following:

Table Saw

A table saw is a key piece of equipment in any woodworking shop. It comes in various sizes and prices and is available in both permanent and portable models. The table saw contains a steel tabletop with an arbor, which is a spinning shaft that extends from the motor that’s mounted under the tabletop. The arbor features a circular saw blade for cutting. The user can adjust the motor and the blade to cut a board of wood.

The saw is also equipped with a miter gauge, which is an attachment that cuts across the board. A table saw can make two types of cuts: ripping—which is lengthwise cutting—and crosscutting—which is cutting in a narrow direction.

man using woodworking machinery

Air Compressor

The average air compressor is a round tank that contains compressed air, along with regulators. One of the regulators regulates the pressure of the air inside the tank while the other one regulates the pressure of the air exiting the tank. The air compressor also contains a motorized pump and a power switch inside the metal frame.

Thickness Planer

Once a piece of wood is flattened from its original form, the planer refines its thickness and smooths the surface on both sides. This machine features a cylindrical cutting head made with straight knives. This cutting head adjusts the thickness of the wood as it’s fed through the planer.

Jointer

The jointer works in unison with the thickness planer to flatten and smooth wood pieces that arrive warped or twisted. The jointer also straightens uneven edges before the table saw adjusts their width.

Sanders

A woodworking sander features two different types of sanders: the disc sander and the belt sander. The disc sander is positioned vertically and uses various-sized discs. The belt sander is positioned horizontally and uses sandpaper of various lengths, widths, and grit. An electric motor and round drums sit between them, one of which runs the motor and the other of which maintains the belt sander’s tension.

man using a belt sander for woodworking

Why Power Supply Matters for Commercial Woodworking Equipment

Having the right power supply for your industrial woodworking equipment is important for four main reasons.

1. Safety

Having an insufficient power supply can cause unexpected glitches, which can not only damage your equipment but also be hazardous to you. Since three-phase power provides a steady stream of power, the risk of glitches is significantly reduced.

2. Cost

Running your machines on insufficient single-phase power causes the machines to strain and power to be lost. Three-phase power can save you money by increasing operational efficiency, which reduces electricity costs.

3. Efficiency

The goal of any professional woodworker is to produce maximum output in as little time as possible. Three-phase power helps you achieve that goal.

4. Reliability

Three-phase power guarantees little to no power loss during operation, allowing you to complete projects without unwanted interruptions.

powering woodworking equipment in a woodworking shop

Three-Phase Power for Woodworking Equipment

Three-phase power is a type of electrical power distribution that uses alternating current (AC) voltage rather than direct current (DC) voltage. This allows for a more efficient and balanced distribution of power that’s commonly used for industrial and high-power applications. A three-phase system provides a smoother and more consistent power output compared to single-phase systems.

Benefits of Using a Phase Converter for Woodworking Equipment

With a phase converter on hand, you can operate all your woodworking equipment with just one power supply. Plus, the power you get will be stronger and more consistent than what a single-phase power system supplies.

Here are some of the top benefits that a phase converter offers:

  • Greater reliability
  • Enhanced efficiency
  • Reduced downtime
  • Increased cost savings
  • More consistent results

Let Phoenix Phase Converters Power Your Next Project

Phoenix Phase Converters is the one-stop shop for all your three-phase power needs. We have a collection of digital and rotary phase converters that can be customized to meet your project specifications. When you need to convert single-phase to three-phase power for woodworking applications, we’ve got you covered with innovative solutions. Browse our collection today to find a phase converter that’s right for you.

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