BS400 Bandsaw Problems

[Paul Ackland]

My Record BS400 bandsaw just stopped working one day. No obvious symptoms so I assumed as reasonable first stab at fixing it would be to replace the switch. Record supplied the switch but with a different pin layout. They sent a sketch of the recommended wiring which immediately blew the main board trip. Hmmm! Next step was to get an electrician in who wired to switch but the bandsaw is still not working. He said "its the motor". Now, it might well be but at a tad shy of £200 it would be nice to think I've covered all possible bases before then. Any thoughts wise people?

 

[TRITON]

Put the nozzle of your hoover over the safety switches on the doors. I've had problems with my RP bandsaw and that was the cause.
Dust seems to be attracted(electrical ?) and they appear prone to clogging up. do the hoover and click them a number of times and try to start it again.

Maybe aye, maybe no, but its a cheap start before looking towards the expensive issues.
Another might be the capacitor. Again cheaper than an entire motor.
TBH I cant see it being the motor as its only really going to be one thats worded hard on a continual basis that stops working. I suppose only you know the answer there as to how hard its been pushed, but bandsaws aren't usually under that much strain

 

[Phil Pascoe]

If a sparky wired the switch I would assume he checked there was voltage at the motor.

 

[Paul Ackland]

Put the nozzle of your hoover over the safety switches on the doors. I've had problems with my RP bandsaw and that was the cause.
Dust seems to be attracted(electrical ?) and they appear prone to clogging up. do the hoover and click them a number of times and try to start it again.

Maybe aye, maybe no, but its a cheap start before looking towards the expensive issues.
Another might be the capacitor. Again cheaper than an entire motor.
TBH I cant see it being the motor as its only really going to be one thats worded hard on a continual basis that stops working. I suppose only you know the answer there as to how hard its been pushed, but bandsaws aren't usually under that much strain

Interesting. I'll give that a try.
The bandsaw has only had light use so I agree its seems very unlikely its a total motor failure, plus there were no symptoms such as performance drop or burning smell.
Excuse my electrical ignorance but what role does the capacitor have in the starting process? at £15 I'm all up for changing that!

 

[Paul Ackland]

If a sparky wired the switch I would assume he checked there was voltage at the motor.

Correct. Not sure if this would be possible if the capacitor is the problem as per @TRITON reply.

 

[Mike Fletcher]

I would look at the capacitor and if it is deformed (swollen) it needs replaced. Be careful when handling the capacitor as it may still be "charged". Put a plastic or wooden handled screwdriver across the terminals. You may get a spark when touching the terminals, this is normal. Door switches are another common fault. Disconnect the wires from the switches and check with an ohmmeter. I would agree, the motor is an unlikely cause.

 

[woodieallen]

If you put your location down, you might find a fellow member nearby who might be able to help.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

says someone who doesn't give a clue of their location. (my emojis have disappeared.)

 

[bourbon]

As above, Tell us your location and maybe one of us are near enough to take a look at it. There are plenty of safety interlocks around them. It's usually one of them not closing properly. Does the motor 'hum'?

 

[woodieallen]

says someone who doesn't give a clue of their location. (my emojis have disappeared.)

Yebbut I've nothing that needs fixing