110V Transformer Question

[Windy Miller]

Evening All!

I recently bought a 110V Bosch Cut Off saw from one of the forum members, and I notice that it slows down considerably when anything more than the lightest of touches is applied to the handle. I know that you should let the disc do the work, but surely some pressure needs to be applied?

I am convinced that the saw is fine, and that the problem lies with my transformer. It has no markings on it, and I have no idea of the max current draw that I can expect from it. I have had it for years, and it's only ever run a 7" grinder and an old hammer drill, so I've never really asked it to do anything too demanding.

The plate on the saw states that it is an 18.2A job - anyone have any ideas on the output of my old tranny?

If my suspicions are correct, I'll be looking for another one ASAP. What should be avoided? Which ones are good?

 

[Spark plug]

With no markings it's hard to determine the size but I would be confident in agreeing with you that it is the transformer causing the probloems, it happened to me with a dewalt chop saw.

I got a brand new 3.0kva one and the saw was twice as powerfull.

 

[mike 109444]

Find a neighbour/friend that's a builder and borrow one to confirm what you suspect. Most seam to use cordless tools now so may have one kicking around in the back of the van/garage might even exchange for a few beer tokens? The 2 I have are yellow plastic type cases and one even has an external trip button. I use them via a 110 plug to 240 socket to run 240v tools at 110v. They run slower (but with less power) and that's handy for angle grinders in tight places + routers used as die grinders (if bit is not running true less likley to flyoff!!) and they run quieter. Wife works nights.....

 

[Windy Miller]

Thanks for the replies Guys - I'll see if I can find one to try out.

Mike, great idea about the 240V tools on 100V! Only this evening I was wondering how to slow down my router to use some flap wheels! You can see them in the pic sitting on the saw base!

 

[Hitch]

Thats a tiny transformer, its not man enough to power anything over about 1000w at a guess.

 

[ford34/2]

Transformer

The cut off saws pull a fair few amps and the Transformer you have isnt kicking enough out, We have makitas, its very difficult to try and stop them cutting, realy pushing hard down. mind you if you have say 110V lights plugged in as well, you`ll see them kick/dim/flash when the saw starts up, a 3.3 Kva will push 16 amps out, above that you`ll have problems putting a 13 amp plug on, on the office/domestic scene one of our Transformers will regularly trip the breaker when you switch the socket on, I tend to send a 3Kva when I know where its going to, this keeps a Makita chop saw more than happy. If your trf has a thermal trip -surprise it hasnt kicked out. E bay if full of them maybe even your local newspaper ads, someone after a quick buck selling megga cheap.

Stan

 

[Windy Miller]

Well that settles it then - I'm now on the trail of a 3.3Kva one!

I'm not sure if my tranny has a cut out Stan - I only used it for a few minutes anyhow so I doubt it would have got hot enough to trip anyway. I had a few bits of 13mm square bar to cut up, but the first one took so long I did the rest by hand with the hacksaw!

 

[Hitch]

They are only about £50, an intermittant rated one will be adequate.

 

[ford34/2]

Transformer

Of course many building sites have a dedicated supply of 110 Volt, sadly more and more are now insisting on cordless tools, this throws up all sorts of problems cutting "metsec" steel.
There has to be dozens of spare Trfs lying round, check the auctions free ad papers local papers even a wanted might find one. Dont think you will have any problems with a 3.3Kva- on a 13 amp plug and normal ring main, might knock the breaker out when you switch it on, but if like some other machines you can change the breaker to a "B" or is it a "C"-- some one will know if you do have a problem.-- the little short mains lead is there for a reason - HSE
Stan

 

[Windy Miller]

Of course many building sites have a dedicated supply of 110 Volt, sadly more and more are now insisting on cordless tools, this throws up all sorts of problems cutting "metsec" steel.
There has to be dozens of spare Trfs lying round, check the auctions free ad papers local papers even a wanted might find one. Dont think you will have any problems with a 3.3Kva- on a 13 amp plug and normal ring main, might knock the breaker out when you switch it on, but if like some other machines you can change the breaker to a "B" or is it a "C"-- some one will know if you do have a problem.-- the little short mains lead is there for a reason - HSE
Stan

I have a hefty supply out to the garage, and I can plug the tranny into the slow blow circuit that runs the compressor. I had to put a separate feed into the compressor as it would trip when I arced up the plasma cutter, so I should be OK on that score.

I wonder now if my little transformer was designed mainly for a temporary lighting circuit maybe?

 

[Hitch]

Ideal for times when you only need to use a drill of tek gun and have to walk miles from the van

 

[ford34/2]

I have a very small 110 V Trf, its brilliant to carry round, but it wouldnt power the Chop saw, we also had a shoulder slingable one, real nice, neat, small and tidy, seemed a bit daft when you took a 240V Ext to plug it in?
I`m guessing yours powered 110 drills many moons ago before heavier 110 volt hit the market, Seems a canny size for not a lot of power. My small one powered some 110 fluorescents in a hire garage I had.--wish I still had it.--(the garage)
Stan