Have you used 110v & 240v in anger?

[Jaeger_S2k]

I have acquired a 110v transformer it's actually for something else but when I was looking at them I thought may as well get a bigger capacity just in case a 110v power tool comes available so I got a 3.3Kv.

I've read in places that the 110v lacks the grunt of 240v but having never experienced both I've no idea.
I know for site work and exposed to public 110v is the rule of thumb but for my main use it would be 240v and even if I go work in someone’s house I'd still be ok.
It just seems there are a lot of 110v deals kicking around ebay etc. that are quite tempting. (and I don’t mean from the states so don’t get me wrong )

I understand the electric theory behind it P=IV and most 110v equivalents have a smaller P wattage quoted but what is the 'real' difference?

If you have used both with similar tools, which do you prefer and why?

[Jaeger_S2k]

What?

No one?

[Hitch]

I actuallt prefer to use 110v. Plugs dont get damaged so easily or pull out.

Cant say i have noticed it lacking any grunt with drills/grinders etc The only time that does become a problem is if your right at capacity on the transformer.


the only 110v tool im not keen on is the welder, but i doubt that will concern you!

[jason123]

Ive stalled 9" angle grinders on both voltages, very awkward cuts, not ill use.

Used a lovely little arc inverter Hitch, used it slung over one shoulder, light as a feather, very stable upto 140A

[big-all]

i think the trouble is not many people are going to have the same tools in 110 and 230 for a direct comparison

[Jaeger_S2k]

I actuallt prefer to use 110v. Plugs dont get damaged so easily or pull out.

Cant say i have noticed it lacking any grunt with drills/grinders etc The only time that does become a problem is if your right at capacity on the transformer.


the only 110v tool im not keen on is the welder, but i doubt that will concern you!

3.3kv should be good as I am against running 2 tools at once


Welder? Hmmm, can I fit one in the garage and get the car in too?

[Jaeger_S2k]

Yeah,
I guess that's true but if they've been using 240 and been forced to 110v for site work. Have they noticed a difference?

It seems there's little in it, I just wanted to check. Now do I want to haul the 110v transformer around or just stick with 240?

[Hitch]

We use a lot of the same tools in both voltages, virtually unnoticable difference. Drills, grinders, magdrills...

Go with the 110v if your starting from scratch. You have the option to use onsite then should you need to at any time in the future.

[Jaeger_S2k]

We use a lot of the same tools in both voltages, virtually unnoticable difference. Drills, grinders, magdrills...

Go with the 110v if your starting from scratch. You have the option to use onsite then should you need to at any time in the future.

Thanks Hitch, I do have a few 240v, Dewalt Jig, Ryobi SDS, old Elu Percussion. Oh and my Makita Belt Sander, Competition Winning Sander, Competition Winning B/up jig and a palm sander all 240 and the famous power plane!

Never really listed them before

I'm not really starting again? Am I?

[Hitch]

Well if you dont see yourself getting many nore tools or doing site work, just stick with the 240.

The real pain is when you have to use 240 and 110.

[marksson]

Loss of power on the 110v seems to occur more over 240v with any length of cable, decent spark could probably tell me why (resistance and ohms or some such).
Otherwise it's a pain lugging a transfomer about everywhere but I guess I'm used to it by now.

[Scrit]

I've read in places that the 110v lacks the grunt of 240v but having never experienced both I've no idea.

The technical term for that is b*ll*x, as your formula should tell you. The difference as marksson points out is where you need to run a long extension cable. One plus point of 110volt is that it is a heck of a lot safer to be using a 110volt tool on a centre-tapped transformer in wet environments, like cellars, etc. 55volts to earth through you won't kill you, 240volts can do

Scrit