spindle moulder wont start

[wallace]

I recently got a wadkin EQ spindle moulder 3 phase and am having problems with starting it. I have it wired up but notheing happens on trying the switch. It has a DC brake, and a safety switch on one of the guards to switch it off if opened when in use. I have checked all connections and cannot see anything obvious. It has a socket for the power feed which works when switched on. When I try to start I get no starter noises, clicks or anything.
Any advice much appreciated
Mark

 

[heimlaga]

Have you checked all the switches? They tend to wear over the years on old machinery.
Good luck in finding the fault!

 

[wallace]

I have checked everything that I know about. The switches are modern ones. Its probably something really simple that I am overlooking.

 

[griggs]

Capacitor perhaps if you have power in?

 

[parvum]

Hi Wallace Just a thought, if the motor is three phase there will no be a capacitor associated with the motor but there is a coil in the contactor, as you say there are no clicks it may be that the contactor coil has gone open circuit. If so they usually show their end by burnt insulation and a nasty smells, modern contactors have less obvious workings but still rely on a coil creating an electro-magnet to pull heavy duty contacts together and hold them there whilst power is applied. I hope this helps. Coils are available as spares.

regards Paul

 

[wallace]

Thanks Paul, that was one of the avenues I was going to pursue. I was going to put a supply directly to starter latch to see if it engages.

 

[wallace]

I'm still struggling to get this working. There are far too many wires for my little brain to comprehend.
This is where the feed comes in to the isolator

Then it goes to this

Some of the wires go to this

and then to the brake and on off switch

I was thinking of removeing the brake to simpilfy things. The EQ comes with a manual brake.
I do have a friend who is well versed in this type of stuff but he lost his father recently so naturally I would never ask.
Mark

 

[sawdust1]

Hi Wallace, moved my thicknesser into another part of the workshop, and then it would not start, power to switch tested with voltmeter, after that i was lost so called out sparky friend, sawdust packed tight in the switch so stopped the button making contact, cleaned it out, works fine now. May not be your problem but have a look.

 

[wallace]

Thanks to Mr 9 fingers the machine is operational now. It needed a 240v supply for a safety switch on one of the guards which when opened stops the motor.It would of been nice for the guy I had to pay £50 to disconnect it to to put a lable or leave some wires connected.
Mark