The past few days things here have not been well. I have spent the last 48 hours in bed with one of the worst colds I think I have ever had. So, needless to say not much has been done with the saw. I am starting to feel a “little” better and decided I would attempt to get a few things done on the saw today.
I ordered the motor and thrust bearings a week ago from Lynne at Accurate and they showed up yesterday. I figured that would be a good project and would not take too much out of me. I already had the motor apart so I could get the bearings ordered. As I disassembled the motor and inspected it it looked like the way this motor was made it would be a PITA to re-assemble. I did not want to remove the windings and shields on the inside of the case. As it turns out I did remove the shields and windings and am glad I did. As I removed the arbor side I found this:
It looks like the protective lacquer was either hit by something or due to age was beginning to disintegrate. The same condition was also noted on the opposite end of the windings as well. I called my local motor shop and was informed they would take care of to the tune of $200!! I don’t think so. During the conversation the shop said I could use a liquid tape to cover the exposed parts without any ill effects. This is what was used:
I brushes on easily and dries in about 30 minutes.
I also removed the inner shield and found a hole that is drilled to allow the winding wires to exit the motor case. I did not like that the hole was not shielded in any way and that the wiring would be rubbing on bare metal. While I was looking for the sealer of the windings I bought a rubber grommet to protect the wiring.
The motor case is now in the spooge tank being stripped and will be removed tomorrow in prep for primer and paint. What little I did do today has already worn me out and now I need a nap.
-- My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist....medic20447@gmail.com
12 comments so far
PurpLev
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7759 posts in 1819 days
#1 posted 924 days ago
thats one heck of a motor.
I just took apart a lathe DC motor and quickly found out it’s a PITA to put it back together (took 2 minutes to take apart , and 2 hours to put back together). and that was a small motor…
looks like you’re doing good progress.
-- ㊍ When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.
MedicKen
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1560 posts in 1633 days
#2 posted 924 days ago
Sharon…..I don’t remember if I mentioned it or not. The motor is 3hp, 3ph and weighs about 100#. The case is cast iron just like the rest of the saw.
-- My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist....medic20447@gmail.com
Beginningwoodworker
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13225 posts in 1843 days
#3 posted 924 days ago
Thats a big motor.
-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker
Bothus
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425 posts in 1347 days
#4 posted 924 days ago
Ken,
I really appreciate you keeping us up to date on this. You are almost inspiring me to get back to work on my Unisaw. We’ll see.
Thanks again,
Jerry
-- Jerry Boshear, Professional Kitchen Designer, amature woodworker.
RonPeters
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709 posts in 1051 days
#5 posted 924 days ago
Wow 3hp and 3ph! That will have some torque to it…
Nice job, hope you get to feeling better soon.
-- “Once more unto the breach, dear friends...” Henry V - Act III, Scene I
NBeener
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4856 posts in 1344 days
#6 posted 924 days ago
”What little I did do today has already worn me out and now I need a nap.”
That could be my signature line ;-)
Nice way to save $193, and … good progress on that beast of a motor :-)
Feel better.
-- -- Neil
HokieMojo
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2085 posts in 1899 days
#7 posted 923 days ago
i might have missed it, but what is your method for running 3 phase? i assume this isn’t you first time down this road. (-:
MedicKen
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1560 posts in 1633 days
#8 posted 923 days ago
Hokie…...I have purchased a VFD to run the motor. It is, at least for me at this time, the most cost effective method. I will be building an RPC in the future. But the VFD will give me more control over the motor than the RPC will.
Here is a link to the VFD
-- My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist....medic20447@gmail.com
rustfever
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527 posts in 1481 days
#9 posted 923 days ago
Ken,
I got the [2] 16” carbide saw blades into a special-built carrying/shipping case. I will try to get them to UPS tomorrow.
-- Rustfever, Central California
HokieMojo
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2085 posts in 1899 days
#10 posted 923 days ago
the vfd seems to be the most common solution. I’ve dreamed of going this route, but for the most part, a tool that requires 3 phase is too large to fit in my 1/2 of the garage. Instead, I’m living vicariously through people like you!
MedicKen
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1560 posts in 1633 days
#11 posted 923 days ago
Do you have a table saw? My unisaw was 3 phase and was run with a VFD. Do NOT let a 3phase tool turn you away
-- My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist....medic20447@gmail.com
HokieMojo
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2085 posts in 1899 days
#12 posted 922 days ago
I’ve got a little ridgid benchtop. The largest saw I’ve got is actually my DeWalt GWI. that is 1.5 hp and single phase. I’ve heard there are some setups that you can use one system to convert power for multiple tools. I’m going to look into it, but my purchases are on hold for a while. I’ve been building the shop up a lot lately, but haven’t built a real project in about a year. I need to refocus! (-:
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