I'm hopeful that a run-of-the-mill VFD at the bottom of the price spectrum will do the job. That seems to indicate that I should be alright, but I want to make sure. My main concern is longevity of the motor. Retrofitting a modern or standard motor requires either butchering the saw's cabinet or modifying the motor and mounting bracket. (They were known as 'bullet' motors for their shape.) A single phase bullet motor was available but command a premium on the used market. The motor was purpose built by Marathon Electric just for these saws. rather than an 8-in.) and a thin-kerf blade to get the best performance from your moderately powered hybrid.I've come into an old (early '60's) Delta Unisaw very cheap. Or, use a smaller, lighter dado set (a 6-in. If the saw has underperformed for you, maybe installing an appropriate-sized replacement motor and selling your hybrid, then stepping up to a heavy-duty cabinet saw, might be the better investment in the long run.

Today’s lighter-framed models might not fare as well, and why risk ruining your machine? I’d keep the “super-charging” to a minimum. Nimitz (and they all were!) those saws could handle it. If you were retrofitting an old cabinet saw from 60 years ago that was built like the U.S.S. (It may break, get worn out in a hurry, etc.) Then consider the pulleys that the belt runs in - they, too, might not be up to the task and may fail at some point.I guess what I want you to know is that you won’t be getting the performance of a $2,000 Cabinet Saw by upgrading the motor on your hybrid.Ĭhris Marshall: Ned, for the reasons Rob points out, I’m not sure I’d trade up to a significantly larger motor. A single belt (which is what you have on your hybrid saw) will not be as robust and is not going to perform as well. For example, a saw designed for a larger motor will have more than one drive belt to transfer the motor’s power to the arbor. You just need to accept the possibility that the larger motor may cause problems. If you ask the manufacturer I am sure they would say don’t do it, but over the years a lot of folks have switched motors on saw and machines. You would, of course, need to step up to 220V circuit, as 120V will not power a 3hp saw.

Rob Johnstone: The answer to whether the drive components will hold up to a larger motor is “maybe.” If you are asking for my advice, I’d say go for it. I am just wondering if the shaft and bearings will stand the 3 hp motor.

Can I replace it with a 3 hp motor? I could get my current motor rewound to a 2 hp, but I would rather have a 3 hp. I have a Delta hybrid table saw with 1-3/4 hp motor.

Replacement motor for delta unisaw