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12" Powermatic Planer - $850 (Port Orchard)
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It seems to me and I'm not an electrician, they ran it off single phase 220v input and used the coil in the magnetic starter switch to kick over the motor. Much like a rotary phase converter. It probably doesn't have the full horsepower wired up like this. You can always change the wiring to 3 phase. For the home shop user you can add a VFD or rotary phase converter in front of it. *For you knowledgeable electricians, the way it's set-up can this be used as a rotary phase converter too? It might be a two for one, planer/rotary phase converter.
Anyway it appears that you have options. It's in very good shape from what I can tell. I don't have 3 phase to test it. I see prices online for $1000 and higher for these. I'm asking $850.
Online resource:
The Powermatic Model 100 is a highly regarded, heavy-duty, vintage 12-inch thickness planer known for its robust cast iron construction, quiet operation, and ability to produce smooth finishes, featuring a 3-knife cutterhead, solid infeed/outfeed rolls, and often a 3 or 5 HP motor, making it a durable industrial-quality machine that's popular for upgrades like helical cutterheads (Byrd Shelix) for enhanced performance.
Key Features & Specifications
Type: Single-sided thickness planer.
Capacity: 12 inches wide, with a 1/16" to 5" thickness opening.
Construction: Heavy cast iron frame, precision ground tables.
Motor: Typically 3 or 5 HP, often 220V, single or three-phase.
Cutterhead: 3-knife, 3-1/8" diameter, running at around 5,300 RPM.
Feed Speed: Fixed at about 18 FPM (feet per minute).
Table: Long, precision-ground cast iron table, often 12" x 24".
Design: Features a geared feed system, magnetic starter, and grease zerks for lubrication.
Reputation & Upgrades
Durability: Considered an industrial machine built to last, with excellent stability and minimal vibration due to its weight (around 600 lbs).
Performance: Known for producing very flat surfaces with minimal snipe when properly set up or upgraded.
Upgrades: A popular upgrade is the Byrd Shelix helical cutterhead, which provides a quieter operation and superior finish with carbide inserts, replacing the need for frequent knife sharpening.
What to Look For When Buying Used
Condition: Check for missing parts, damage, and overall mechanical integrity.
Motor: Verify the motor's voltage and phase (single vs. three-phase).
Blades/Cutterhead: Straight knives may need sharpening or replacement; a Shelix head is a significant improvement.
Manuals: Operator and parts manuals are available and helpful for maintenance.
Please no electrical or woodworking questions, I just buy and sell government surplus.