Jet variable speed query

[Mac123]

Hi everyone,

I've just got hold of a used Jet 1220vs lathe, and hope you can help me get to the bottom of a fault.
It has a speed dial from 1 to 5. When I turn it on at 1 it runs slowly, but inconsistently...runs for a few seconds then slows a bit, then speeds up. At 2, it runs slower and sometimes stops, at 3, much the same as 2. 4 is faster, 5 full speed.

The dial is also sensitive to the touch...gently move it the smallest amount and it sometimes make it slow almost to a halt.

I've tried moving the belts to different points but exactly the same problem. Have tried blowing the motor out with air but no help.

Anyone experienced something similar? Am hoping it's a simple wiring fault or something but am clueless when it come to electrical stuff!

Any thoughts welcomed. Have lurked for years and found you to be such a knowledgeable bunch!

Thanks,
Rick

 

[CHJ]

Without knowing the details of the speed control and motor type it is difficult to point to a specific area of fault.

It may be as simple as the speed control potentiometer track being worn and making poor contact.

 

[Mac123]

Ok, thanks for this. Would a normal electrician be the place to go or would I be better finding someone that services lathes, do you think?

 

[RickG]

Hi Rick, a normal electrician could find it, but you'd do well to speak to someone who regularly deals with motor controls. As you're in Newark, I'd try these people:
https://www.newarkelectricmotorsltd.co.uk/

 

[Terry - Somerset]

I would give Axminster a call first - they tend to be fairly helpful and may well have sold the original user the lathe anyway.

 

[NikNak]

Morning Rick, i have exactly the same model lathe ☺ my 'guess' is.... there's nothing wrong with the motor or the belts or anything like that. Depends how long you've had it but i reckon as CHJ has already said its all to do with the 'pot' (potentiometer), basically the knob you're twiddling to adjust the speed. Its just got some dirt/dust in it over many years(?) of use,and its the dust thats causing an electrical interference as you try to adjust the speed up and down. Probably not something you can tackle yourself and not something that a normal 'electrician' could tackle either. Wont need a lathe specialist, just an electrical repair shop.

Nick

 

[Mac123]

Thank you again everyone...so many helpful souls! I'll give the motor supplies folk a buzz and see what they think.

Am now on the hunt for a matching paint colour to spruce it up a bit...

 

[Nick.]

Hi Mac, I used to sell Jet and agree with the good people above it's v. likely the potentiometer - certainly first bit to check.

I'm not 100% sure on forum rules but I know a free lance guy who has recently started up his own business in Leicester basically repairing smaller work shop machines on a well priced call out basis. He has excellent experience with lathes / saws etc after many years working for a known brand name and would hopefully sort this easily. Some of my retailers are using him too when workshop visits are required - I would vouch for him.

Hi Mods, can I ask Mac to PM me to get service guy's details? I don't want to advertise someone without permission, but for what it's worth I highly recommend him for something like this to solve the issue - thanks.

PS Mac, Original Jet 1220vs colour on the RAL index is 9010 from my recollection.

It changed a bit creamier when we launched the 1221vs - but don't quote me on that #9010 & poss best to get a small tester sample before repainting.

Hope this helps,
Cheers,
Nick

 

[Mac123]

Nick, thanks a bunch for this...I’ll try to drop you a pm separately but wanted to say I appreciate the detailed and helpful response.

Rick