Jdwags1 wrote
Yep its a older MarkV with the old switch. I lubed the sheaves, and made sure things turned. I plugged in in let it run a bit, and then went throught the speed changes slowly.... wen I got up about 3/4 of the way then speed started dropping, i went back down and speed picked back up and then on down to low.
The next day i went out and I'm blowing the breaker on startup, Shucks, thinking its upgrade time, which was in the planning, just not yet.
With all the upgrades to bring it fully up, Thinking I might be better off with a Mark VII, at least I already have a Band Saw, Jointer and Belt Sander. I just hate the idea of replacing the motor, without upgrading, and then would like the double pivot, see that as a usable option.
Jeff
These are most likely simple problems to solve. While it's possible you need a new motor, it's always a good idea to look into the problem first. IIWM, first I'd take the belt cover off then put a sanding disc on either upper spindle (to use as a handle to spin the system). Turn the system manually and see if it turns easily, paying attention to the condition of the lower belt, in particular. After checking that I'd remove the lower belt to isolate the motor from the rest and test it without load. Two common causes of the motor not starting, which can trip the circuit breaker:
1) Lower belt binding between two of the sheaves, more common with newer users. This can happen with a bad belt or if the speed is adjusted while the system is not turning, either on the motor or manually.
2) Dirt, sawdust, etc. keeping the mechanical start switch inside the motor from engaging the start windings and start capacitor. The conventional headstock is forced-air cooled, so it may pull in sawdust. Most of the air goes through the motor, which tends to get dirty. Tapping the motor case at the opposite end from the sheaves may dislodge dirt from the start switch. You can use compressed air to blow it out, but this is not universally endorsed because it sometimes relocates the dirt into the start switch.
This is just a starting point, but kind of common to the Mark 5/V. Anything that prevents this type of motor from starting can cause it to trip the CB, that does not mean the motor is shot. It is normal that the motor draws a lot of current at startup until the speed comes up. If the speed does not come up in timely fashion, the high current will continue and the CB will trip. The windings are also getting hot when this happens, so give it a chance to cool off between attempts. Don't apply power for more than a few seconds if the motor does not start spinning.
(If the CB trips instantly, that is more likely a short circuit, requiring different troubleshooting. The above assumes some delay between flipping the switch and the CB tripping.)
- David
