motor just hums

deves2 · Post by **deves2** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 7:27 am

thanks for the help guys.
I am located in Collettsville NC. ( try not to laugh to loud.....no one has ever heard of this place....which is why we moved/retired here)
my son is coming for a visit today so I wont be able to get in the garage until tomorrow (monday). (we dont get to see him very often so family time is important to me)
the replaced switch was a new one from shopsmith about a year ago.
I will jumper the white wires and try both lugs on the switch to see if that makes any difference

where is this start/centrifugal switch located internally? the one that you guys think is clogged with something. I can take the unit apart on Monday to make sure its not clogged.
I will check the HP rating on monday and at that time I will see what other info/markings I can get for you guys.
thanks again
Dave

billmayo I noticed you are retired Navy. Thanks. I retired USN in 92

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 7:34 am

deves2 wrote:thanks for the help guys.
I am located in Collettsville NC. ( try not to laugh to loud.....no one has ever heard of this place....which is why we moved/retired here)
my son is coming for a visit today so I wont be able to get in the garage until tomorrow (monday). (we dont get to see him very often so family time is important to me)
the replaced switch was a new one from shopsmith about a year ago.
I will jumper the white wires and try both lugs on the switch to see if that makes any difference

where is this start/centrifugal switch located internally? the one that you guys think is clogged with something. I can take the unit apart on Monday to make sure its not clogged.
I will check the HP rating on monday and at that time I will see what other info/markings I can get for you guys.
thanks again
Dave

billmayo I noticed you are retired Navy. Thanks. I retired USN in 92

The centrifugal start switch is with the motor. I believe they are all located internal to the motor.

Before opening the motor for this issue, I would suggest that you both vacuum and blow out the headstock and motor. Often times this will dislodge what ever is hindering the start switch.

Hope you have a great day with your son.

chris jay · Post by **chris jay** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:04 am

It may be the (I think it's called) the starter or capacitor. That little thing is what give it the initial power to start up. I use to service swimming pools, and it wasn't uncommon for the starters to go out, and it would have similar issues.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:20 am

The 'start circuit' consists of the start winding(s), a capacitor and a switch.

The capacitor is seldom at fault.

The windings if not burnt or shorted seldom create this.

So what is left and is vulnerable to saw dust particles.

Then the 'older' stuff may have a start relay instead of a start switch that is external. Creates more ways to fail.

Realize I am referring to SS motors here. Other smaller motors are not so fortunate as to have high quality capacitors.

deves2 · Post by **deves2** » Mon Jan 27, 2014 1:40 pm

guys, I'm sorry that I have not updated on this. After going to Dr and cold weather here I have not been in shop. And it looks like the cold is here to stay for another week. 20 degrees outside ....just too cold for me to be in shop.
update to follow when weather breaks. soon I hope
dave

deves2 · Post by **deves2** » Wed Feb 05, 2014 8:03 pm

Weather finally got nicer today so I headed to the garage. Flipped the switch on the SS and it started right away with no hesitation. Odd.... so I did it a few more times and it started EVERY time.
So at this point I know I have a problem but not quite sure what it is and since the smitty IS running now I will wait until something finally breaks.
Any other ideas guys?

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Wed Feb 05, 2014 10:36 pm

With a little bit of Irish luck, whatever was preventing the start switch from making has departed.