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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Brisbane
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    146

    Default GMF Bench Grinder Problem

    My 8" GMF bench grinder is decidely unwell with sparks from the base and no rotation.

    It seems the start capacitor in the base has swollen and probably shorted.

    The wording on it is GMF Number 20287 - 440 watt 4 UF(microfarads).

    I think GMF Electric Motors have closed down so I was wondering if there is any prospect of a replacement being available before I go to the trouble of taking it in for inspection. The capacitor has two wires on one side and one on the other if that makes a difference.

    Any suggestions - I would like to get it repaired rather than buy some imported replacement if possible.

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Armidale NSW
    Age
    52
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    1,938

    Default

    If you can remove the capacitor, take it to a motor rewinder and see if they can supply a replacement.

    Start caps are normally pretty standard type components, so you should be able to get a replacement.
    Cheers.

    Vernon.
    __________________________________________________
    Bite off more than you can chew and then chew like crazy.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Avoca Victoria
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    81
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    10,501

    Default

    WHat Vernon said.....as an extra precaution.....mark wire/terminal connections, so that if you don't get to it for a while......you know how that goes!!
    Last edited by watson; 14th February 2008 at 02:22 PM. Reason: spelling

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    146

    Default

    Thanks for your suggestions - I will try a motor rewinder but suspect their standard capacitors may be too big to fit into the space available in the base. I guess the capacitor could be re-located to a separate box mounted elsewhere though if all else fails.

    I don't suppose anyone knows what happened to GMF who I think were based in Sydney - did they get bought out or just shut down - I was hoping someone may still have GMF parts left over from when they still traded.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    kyogle N.S.W
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    50
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    4,844

    Default

    I'd just dump it and just buy another. Get a new one around 100 bucks.

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    South Australia
    Posts
    4,470

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    You won't buy GMF quality for a 100 bucks

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    kyogle N.S.W
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    50
    Posts
    4,844

    Default

    Each to their own.

    To me, a grinders a grinder. turned by a motor. Stick a stone on it, and dress it true.

    What I'm saying is...... better IMO to just go buy a more than adequate new one than stuffing about troubleshooting / re-wiring etc one thats not working. Makes more sense to me.

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Frankston
    Posts
    14

    Default Starter caps

    Down in Melbourne and Canberra "Jaycar" carry a decent range of 240V starter caps. Main thing is to get the correct size in uf as that governs how they work.
    Had an interesting time last year removing a cap from a plastic cover for my Onga water pressure unit and was surprised to find Jaycar with a replacement cap. Siliconed the new one in and it works a treat.
    Take care with the wiring otherwise it could spin backwards and remember it is 240AC so be careful.

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,756

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by apricotripper View Post
    Each to their own.

    To me, a grinders a grinder. turned by a motor. Stick a stone on it, and dress it true.

    What I'm saying is...... better IMO to just go buy a more than adequate new one than stuffing about troubleshooting / re-wiring etc one thats not working. Makes more sense to me.
    One thing I have noticed about newer cheaper grinders is how hot they get. I have a 1HP unit I bought in 1975 that I paid $30 for - yes it gets hot but nowhere near as hot as one I bought recently. I guess the manufacturers don't reckon on them being on for too long!

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