Simple question,

Can you use an American power tool in Thailand,one with 120v written on it.

More complex answer - No you cannot, unless you use a 220 - 120V transformer.

Are these adapters expensive and are they available in Thailand or where might be the best place to get one.

The transformers are available at most Ma and Pa electric shops. The size that you need will depend on what you intend to operate and the bigger, the more expensive. I have a couple that cost about 400 baht. I think that they are about 500w but I can't find the labels anymore. The voltage is not your only concern, the US power is 60hz, the power here is 50hz and that will affect any motorized equipment.

FYI: Power tools aren't that more expensive here than the states (maybe cheaper?) and you will certainly find that trying to run 120v equipment that has motor here on a transformer will either end up burned out or driving you crazy. Just buy tools here.

O.K,

The thing is I've already got a jigsaw from America.

Is it worth buying a transformer for it.

It's made by SKIL and I don't know if there good or not.

Also I'm used to power tools with the strength of the motor

measured in watts but this one says 5 amps so I don't know

how powerful it is.

I cant find them on the homepro website but the are on eBay.

What wattage do I need and is it 110 to 220 I need or visa versa.

Will it perform just as well or will the transformer reduce the performance.

Thanks.

100W-Voltage-Converter-220V-110V-Power-Converter-Transformer-Adapter-

I see this for sale on eBay,is this what I'm looking for or is 100watts too little.

Wayned hit the nail on the head. Ma and Pa electric shops often have the transformer you might need at a very modest price. It's been my experience that corded power tools can be bought and repaired at the right shops for modest money. However powerful cordless tools are not cheap in Thailand. While promotional prices can be found at reputable shops, the prices for name brand cordless tools is worth considering a transformer. You would NOT need to bring over a transformer as they are readily available. Genuine American brands of Tools are certainly available at the tool specialists, even in Buriram province. I noted Milwaukee Power Tools, Stanley Power Tools, DeWALT Power Tools all in stock at Ruangsangthai Builders Merchants in Buriram. Even the Japanese brands Maktec, Makita and Hitachi have cordless and corded tools at a discount in Isaan. There are similar family owned low overhead tool shops in every province in Thailand. Generally the store that can actually REPAIR your power tool in Thailand at the location, will have lower retail prices on name brand power tools. Jet Power tools are on display in several Isaan stores and some can even fix this brand.

O.K

I was just wondering,where ever I get the transformer

is there a minimum wattage that it should be made for

or do I just trust Maw and Paw to have one for power tools.

Any way,thanks for the help folks,much appreciated.

Your power tool should have a rating in Watts somewhere on it, get a transformer about 10% larger than that. If no Watts then there should be Amps, multiply the amps by 120 (it's a 120V tool remember) to get approximate Watts.

Your main issue will be that the tools are intended for 60Hz mains, induction motors will run slow, universal motors with brushes won't, both motors may overheat (not really much of a problem unless running continuously).

Oh, and one day you (or someone who doesn't know) will accidentally plug your tools directly into the 220V supply (plugs are the same as the US) with the resultant tears

Crossy: "Oh, and one day you (or someone who doesn't know) will accidentally plug your tools directly into the 220V supply (plugs are the same as the US) with the resultant tears " was the end of a nice Sony stereo I brought from the USA!!

As this unit will draw more than 500w at least a 750w transformer should be provided - would recommend 1,000w if local made as they have always been very much over-rated (used to be considered 50% at least above need when buying Thai transformer). But I suspect most are made in China now.

Second issue is slow running of motors - jigsaw with light use may not be an issue directly but:

Third issue is overheating - American market products are built for low price first so do not have much margin for heavy duty cycle which lower speed may induce.

And the above mentioned plug directly into wall will happen at some point and be the end.

So if you have unit you can buy transformer of 1,000 watts to use it - but if you are buying unit get a 230v, 50Hz model.

I bought two Black and Decker Jig Saws, 220vac 50hz, years ago at Home Pro when I was building my house. They were in the 2000 baht range. Here's a link to Home Pro's on line shopping website. There are many available in the 2 - 3k range.

http://www.directtoshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10051&categoryId=11242&langId=-1&pageView=grid&beginIndex=0&top=Y&pageName=CategoryPage&storeId=10001&ddkey=http:SetCurrencyPreference

Edited October 21, 201411 yr by wayned

Correction! I just went out and looked at my two jig saws. Both were made in England and the label says 220 - 240vac, 50 - 60hz. The better one with the turn-able blade is rated at 400W and the other 370W.