Yesterday, I was turning in the garage, temp. about 90, and the lathe suddenly slowed way down. My first thought was a brown-out, but everything else ran to proper speed.
Motor case was very hot to the touch. This AM the lathe runs but hand friction on the wheel can stop it with little effort.
So, did I cook the motor?
If I replace the motor, should I replace the capacitor as well?
HELP!
Joe
rookie turner -
I think I'd replace just the capacitor. I don't believe it is a starting capacitor, I believe it is actually a "Run" capacitor. Without it the motor has very little power. And...replacing it is the least expensive alternative. If that fails, then replace the motor.
I just got it second hand, the motor label says 1999. I'll call Monday and ask about motors and capacitors and let you know if their back in stock.
Joe
I had the selfsame experience (as did Mac Davis) with my Jet Mini, back in February, I think it was. It was only two months old and the motor fried. How old is yours?
Mine was a replacement for another (blue) Jet mini that I had turned thousands of hours on. I'm thinking they must have gotten a bad run of motors, because not only have I heard the identical story from a number of people, but Jet doesn't currently have any replacement motors and has since at least December, when I tried to get one to replace the motor on my old mini.
Consider what the caps do - when functional they phase shift the voltage from the current and in that process the Impedance (AC resistance of the circuit) drops. If the cap, the run cap as suggested - I concur, gets to hot and expands - then shorts - the short cap then allows current, but with the motor winding by itself the impedance or ac resistance of the winding is to high to allow enough current to flow that allows fast turning. Slow turning shuts off cooling and can burn a winding if let go. I'd replace both Start and Run caps - then you will have the right one for sure - but if they are of the same manufacturer maybe the same issue will occur or has as well. Maybe leaking means slower starting but not noticed.
Martin
You likely know this...
You don't have to go to Jet to get the capacitor replaced or motor serviced. Any electric motor shop can get the parts or test and service the motor for you - more than likely at much less cost than ordering from Jet along with the shipping & handling.
Just food for thought.
IMO, it's not worth replacing the motor if it isn't on warranty... I just can't see paying $135 for the motor of a $200 lathe... better to just buy a new one and make something else out of the old one... YMMV
mac
Please remove splinters before emailing
"Boat anchor" leaps to mind...
hey, you can always put that old washing machine or whatever motor that's laying around on it and make it a buffing system or sharpening station... maybe even a lathe! *g*
mac
Please remove splinters before emailing
Took the motor to an electric shop this AM. Tested to be drawing 20 amps. Diagnosis = DOA
They referred me back to Jet as "chinese motors are hard to get and vary greatly".
Jet now has the motors back in stock...as I already have 3 anchors...I'll repower the lathe.
Does anyone make lathes with non-Chinese motors?
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