i have a fox midi and all of a sudden it just died on me. when i came to turn it on it just whined but it didnt spin. anyone any ideas as to what could be wrong. i have checked the belt and thats ok. thanks.
help, dead lathe
- Thread starter greggy
- Start date
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PowerTool
Established Member
Not familiar with the Fox range,but is it a brush motor and the brushes have worn out ?
Andrew
Andrew
CHJ
Established Member
Does the motor run up if you spin the lathe by hand to start it?
If so then is is most likely the starter capacitor failed or even just a loose connection to the capacitor.
On the rare chance it is a centrifugal switch start motor then it could be capacitor or switch mechanism stuck.
If so then is is most likely the starter capacitor failed or even just a loose connection to the capacitor.
On the rare chance it is a centrifugal switch start motor then it could be capacitor or switch mechanism stuck.
CHJ
Established Member
If the motor and lathe spindle rotate freely by hand then the next step is to check that the power supply is reaching the two motor windings via the stop/start buttons (they can have faulty contacts)
You say that it just whined when switched on so basically this would indicate that the switch contacts are OK but you still need to determine that the power is getting to all windings of the motor (bad connection?)
The whine could be because just the run capacitor winding is connected and not the main power feed.
Faults in motor windings are not unheard of but sudden failure to run is not the usual manifestation, excessive heat and smell of burning are more usual.
To an electrician or someone with a basic test meter the source of the failing should only take a matter of minutes to determine.
Basically check in order, Fuse, switch output, motor terminals for presence of power.
If all OK then motor windings need checking for continuity with an ohmmeter.
You say that it just whined when switched on so basically this would indicate that the switch contacts are OK but you still need to determine that the power is getting to all windings of the motor (bad connection?)
The whine could be because just the run capacitor winding is connected and not the main power feed.
Faults in motor windings are not unheard of but sudden failure to run is not the usual manifestation, excessive heat and smell of burning are more usual.
To an electrician or someone with a basic test meter the source of the failing should only take a matter of minutes to determine.
Basically check in order, Fuse, switch output, motor terminals for presence of power.
If all OK then motor windings need checking for continuity with an ohmmeter.
hi chas, i have been and had another look today,and guess what;;;
i turned on the lathe, then spun the spindle by hand and it ran ok. so while it was on i turned a pen. so it seems that if i want to use it , i turn it on then spin it fast for it to start up.
i turned on the lathe, then spun the spindle by hand and it ran ok. so while it was on i turned a pen. so it seems that if i want to use it , i turn it on then spin it fast for it to start up.
CHJ
Established Member
Then you need to get a replacement start/run capacitor.
Some motors have two. one for starting, one for running but I doubt yours has more than one, which is the norm for the aluminium bodied motors.
There should be a curved or box like attachment to the side of the motor, inside you will find a capacitor, marked something like 10 µF (or mfd) 350 volt.
The actual size is not critical and one of a bigger capacity (10-15-20) is fine as long as it will fit in box/cover. The working voltage should be the same or higher.
Any local electrical factors that sell motors, fans etc. should be able to supply you with replacement if you take the old one along. Make sure it is one rated for continuos use and not just for starting. (It's a RUN capacitor you need)
Obviously make sure the machine is disconnected from power when disconnecting wiring.
The existing capacitor will probably be fitted with crimp connectors, small chocolate strip is fine to fit new one.
Some motors have two. one for starting, one for running but I doubt yours has more than one, which is the norm for the aluminium bodied motors.
There should be a curved or box like attachment to the side of the motor, inside you will find a capacitor, marked something like 10 µF (or mfd) 350 volt.
The actual size is not critical and one of a bigger capacity (10-15-20) is fine as long as it will fit in box/cover. The working voltage should be the same or higher.
Any local electrical factors that sell motors, fans etc. should be able to supply you with replacement if you take the old one along. Make sure it is one rated for continuos use and not just for starting. (It's a RUN capacitor you need)
Obviously make sure the machine is disconnected from power when disconnecting wiring.
The existing capacitor will probably be fitted with crimp connectors, small chocolate strip is fine to fit new one.
CHJ
Established Member
hi chas, thanks for the info. i went to maplins but they only do the ones that are twice as big. so russell kindly put me in touch with someone else and i pick it up in the morning. so i will let you know how it goes. thanks again. regards colin.
CHJ
Established Member
Glad you got it sorted Colin, sometimes when a capacitor is on its way out the motor does not just fail to start but will run up slowly or slow down significantly when you increase the cutting loads, if this happens then you know it is time to get a spare.
