Craftsman Lathe

Sound like the starting capacitor, on the motor, has failed. If everything turns OK by hand, then the “Mechanics” are functioning OK.

Another possibility is the motor has a “Starter Contactor” that may not be working. Usually, though, if this happens it will begin to run if you spin it by hand.

In either case, you can pin it down by removing the belts and see if the same thing happens. A starting capacitor is inexpensive- couple of buck- and can easily be replaced. If it is the Starter contactor, any motor shop can fix it for you.

HTH.

Lew

kinda vague here, buuut…

If this is a capacitor start motor, then it might be the capacitor. Craftsman capacitor motors usually have the cap in a separate metal can bolted to the outside of the motor. The capacitor is wired in series with a centrifugal switch inside the motor that opens when the motor is up to speed. From your description of the problem, the capacitor might be bad or the centrifugal switch might not be making contact, maybe as simple as blowing sawdust out of the contacts.

Unfortunately I have had motors fail exactly as you describe with shorted windings – most recently my washing machine motor failed exactly like this. So, worst case, you may be looking at a new replacement motor.

-- "Find out what you cannot do and then go do it!"

Thanks, guys!
I’ll dig into it a bit deeper and see if I can isolate the problem. Then see where I can find parts…do you reckon I’ll have to go through Sears, or would an electric motor supply house have what I’ll need?

Check out these guys for a motor if you need one, http://www.surpluscenter.com

-- Tim -- http://tmuli.com

You should be able to find a motor repair shop in Indianapolis. Check the local HVAC contractors- they often use these services.

Thanks again, gentlemen!!!
I’m determined to get that thing up-and-running :)