Might be a dumb question, but there is a large one and a small one on the motor, which is likely to be the start capacitor?
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Might be a dumb question, but there is a large one and a small one on the motor, which is likely to be the start capacitor?
The larger one is likely to be the starting capacitor....
Bu please check their labels. The one with highest uF number is the starter one. I may have a lower voltage rating than the run capacitor.
The caps should be labelled with two values, the capacitance in microFarads (uF), and the voltage rating (VAC).
The cap with the greatest capacitance value will be the start capacitor, and would be the physically larger capacitor provided that both have the same voltage rating.
If you are looking to replace either, you need the same capacitance as the originals, and a voltage rating the same as, or higher (never lower) than the originals. However higher voltage may be physically larger and might not fit in the original location/housing.
If the motor is cap start/cap run as you are saying, I would try to source and replace both in one instance if possible, unless you are very close to a supplier, or can afford the time for repeat trips etc.
I Just removed the covers and had a look, and visually they both look fine.
The spindle has light tension, just like similar models I have had in the past, and it runs fine. To check the bearings I left it running for an hour or so at 540 RPM and the spindle had only got slightly warm, there's no noise and it cuts smooth and accurate. So I don't think I have a mechanical issue.
Should I just order the new starter cap and give it a run? The motor has power when it should, so I guess everything else should support function. Is there any way to test the existing capacitor? Or any point?
Hi Malb,
One is Fwd, one is Rev, the other is part of the "controls". It closes when the power is turned on(or the e/stop is removed) but only if the fwd/off/rev lever is Off. Its there so the machine won't restart if the lever is left in the on or rev positions after either lose of power or the E/stop has been used.
At least thats how it is on my lathe
Stuart
Thanks guys, I'll order these components and replace them when they arrive. Thanks a lot for the advise, it is greatly appreciated and I'll let you know how it goes.
Cheers
Tom
Hi Guys,
Thanks for the help. I ordered the start and the run capacitors from Hare and Forbes yesterday, they showed up today, and I put them in. All sorted, problem solved, and the machine runs like new.
As I mentioned I levelled it and got it setup and the alignment is excellent and I don't expect any dramas from here. Did a couple of little jobs on it last night and I'm really pleased.
Cheers