Capacitor gone again!

[Tiger]

I have a WL-18 which is equivalent to the MC900 and others like it. I haven't used my lathe much for the last year or so, today I felt inspired and ran it for an hour until..... the capacitor (at least I think it is) has gone again. The tell-tale signs are there, needing a push to get it started, strong smell of something burnt. Anyway, have others found that this part seems to need constant changing, I must be onto my 3rd or 4th one over a 4 year period and I'm an occasional user. I always bring it back to low speed at the end of a session, I do stop the work to inspect from time to time and forget to bring it back to low speed (but not always). Are there any other possible explanations as to why this happens so frequently? Worst still, I was going to use it tonight and on the weekend and Hare and Forbes are closed until Monday, anyone know of a place where these things are available on the weekend (although you can run them, get a little tired of having to provide a manual spin everytime). Do all lathes have a starting capacitor because my next one will be one that doesn't need one.

[echnidna]

find a motor rewinding service in the phoinebook and get a better quality capacitor from them

[wheelinround]

Tiger what sort of on off switch does it have

[woodwork wally]

Go to Jaycar and buy the best motor start cap and you will have to change mounting etc but is worth it:2tsup::2tsup: I give my 1100 a fair workout and now have 8 months up since the last change:) The cheap crap:no: available to fit into your can isnt any more than cheap crap:~:~:C regardless of the lable. good luck and regards WW Wally

[Frank&Earnest]

Before doing anything, though, have a look at the motor itself. If the burnt smell comes from it there could be other problems and keeping the motor running will cook it completely.

[TTIT]

Some older style capacitors used to need to be powered up regularly (or constantly) to stop whatever they were filled with from changing it's properties and causing the circuit to fail. Too long ago for my memory to recall which type but I suspect cheap capacitors probably still use some of the same compounds - would pay to get a better quality cap' if it's going to sit idle for long periods - or use it more often Tiger!!!!:U

[Claw Hama]

Tiger you should be able to pick up a cap from your local electrical wholesaler, Lear & Smith, Davis and Spence just check the phone book or ask any sparkie you can see in the street. You may need a slightly higher mf cap (micro farad) talk to the wholesaler.

[rodent]

there are several motor re winders in your local one off ferntree gully rd ring them and take your old cap . mine was replaced 6 years ago .

[oldiephred]

You might find that the cause of your problem is not in the cap. but the start winding or centrifugal sw. Either way , the shop is the best choice.

[hughie]

strong smell of something burnt. Anyway, have others found that this part seems to need constant changing, I must be onto my 3rd or 4th one over a 4 year period and I'm an occasional user. I always bring it back to low speed at the end of a session, I do stop the work to inspect from time to time and forget to bring it back to low speed (but not always). Are there any other possible explanations as to why this happens so frequently?

I think you need to have your set up looked over by a tame sparky.:no:

I rarely have changed capacitors in any motors I own. In fact I have one on the grinder [1hp] that belonged to my Dad in the 60's and its still going strong.

[Tiger]

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">Thanks for the advice. Could not find anyone open on Saturday so had to spend the weekend latheless:((. Couldn't resist though on Sunday night and started the lathe, gave the handwheel a spin and off she went, a few seconds later, it started to struggle and then it stopped altogether. Felt the motor and it was very hot after a few seconds work. I actually had what I thought was a decent capacitor in the lathe, bought from a specialist electrical store, maybe there is something else wrong.... If I do get a bigger capacitor, can new mounting cover be made of wood or does it require metal?</TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on">
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[Vernonv]

By the sound of it, you may have bigger problems than just a dud capacitor. I would take it to a motor rewinder and get them to check it over ... or buy a new motor (might be cheaper??).

[Tiger]

Bought a good quality capacitor and still the familiar hum but no motion until I spin it manually. I have had it with this lathe! A quick phone call to a motor rewinder where I gave him a description and he thought it might be start windings, around $150 to fix. For those that have had to replace these motors, what should I pay for a good one (and should I go back to Hare and Forbes to get one) and how hard is it to mount onto my lathe?

I'd really like to get another lathe but can't afford anything more than what I paid for this one which was about $400.

[killerbeast]

I really feel with you!! my mc1100 have killed 4 capasitors in the last month.. but i luckely got money from my insurance so i have orderd a repalcement...