Electric Powered Bicycle

As a carpenter you probably have not thought much about the two main types of engines used to power your electric woodworking tools. The differences in performance - and the number of zeros on a price tag - should have your attention.

As in all considerations regarding power tools your ultimate decision should be based on your intended use. If you are a beginner is just starting so it would not be time to invest in the table cast iron induction-powered saw. If you use a professional shop then all six of your table saws probably induction motors.

Your duty to yourself as a consumer is to make informed decisions. In what concerns us here some of the differences between induction and universal motors ... without being too technical and without taking "a motor is better in all situations" position.

1) Size and weight
Induction motors are typically heavier than universal motors, making them ideal candidates for stationary tools that need extra weight anyway to reduce rattling and improve stability. It is obvious to their weight and size they are poor candidates for portable tools and laptop computers.

That's where universal motors come in. Their small size and weight make them ideal for circular saws planers bench top and your shop vacuum.

2) Cost
Induction motors are more expensive and often found these days in the top of the line of power tools. They are made with more copper, aluminum and steel than universal motors. Universal motors are less expensive and in any fight all power tools known to man.

3) Speed
Induction motors generally have a slower speed max. Universal motors are only limited by friction.

4) of torque at startup
Induction motors have less torque at startup - to consider them as "gear" on your car or bike. Once they are cruising, they are good to go, but generally do not like being stopped and started frequently. Universal motors typically have great torque at startup that you blades chewing through tough spots. They can also, but cruising that leads us to ...

5) Longevity
Induction motors are long term. There are stories of woodworkers using induction motor powered tools passed down from their grandfathers. Universal motors are more likely to burn in a short period of time. There are stories of universal motors for a period of 20 years and over, but as drivers of a very general rule, universal do not last as long as induction motors.

6) Noise
Induction motors are quieter - far far quieter - than universal motors. Universal motors are well known for their slogan, and many residential areas are prohibited from use after a certain time of day. (Note: you must wear hearing protection when using either ...)

7) Standardization
Induction motors have been standardized by NEMA. This means it is easy to replace the induction motor of your machines with standard motors from different manufacturers due to standard frames, shaft sizes, mounting dimensions and more. Universal motors are generally characterized by lack of standardization, which can sometimes makes replacement difficult.

8) Energy Efficiency
Induction motors are highly efficient motors that require less intensity by horse power. Universal motors require more intensity per horse power than induction motors. All this extra energy requirement turns into heat in the engine that sometimes burn - literally - when used for long periods of time.

9) Application: Your Final Decider
Ultimately if you purchase a tool where there is actually a choice between induction and universal (table saws and planers for example), you should ask y.