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Not the same planer question but close.

3K views 43 replies 15 participants last post by  ToddJB 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I've been using my restored craftsman planer since I got it back up and running, but the other day the motor decided it was tired and just didn't want to work any more.

My motor guy is backed up and I can't find anywhere else close to take it, and even if I did, there is no guarantee its worth fixing.

A new motor is going to run me pretty close to the price of a new Dewalt 735, which means more portability (not a big deal) and much better dust collection (somewhat of a big deal). The old craftsman rattles and bangs so the dewalt will probably be quieter.

I should add I did nothing but clean up and repaint part of the craftsman. It doesn't own me a dime, I've planed a lot of wood with it. The rollers work and work decent, but they are original as far as I can tell, and I've thought about ordering new ones a couple of times, they show signs of wear from use.

Plus, I can part out the old girl for other who are restoring theirs.

So what would you do?
 
#5 ·
I'm in the other boat, get the 735. 2 speeds, built in blower for better dust collection, carbide cutters and spiral heads are available for it and kits come with infeed/outfeed extensions and a set of extra cutters.plus it it's nice to use. When my rigid lunchbox planner dies, the 735 will be it's replacement.
Parting out the old one provides new life to someone who needs parts.
 
#8 ·
If this planer is like the Belsaw planers then it is worth repairing. It will outlast the Dewalt and do a good job while it is doing it. I am with shampeon. Sounds like a capacitor. Take it out and go to a place that sells those. They are relatively cheap and is the place the repairman will start too.
 
#9 ·
Don, it's your planer and you know how it's been maintained, but by your own admission it may need new feed rollers.
I would be hard pressed to invest that much in a CL planer purchase even with a new motor if it's more than 50 - 60% of the cost of a new Dewalt 735 with built-in DC.
...just a thought.

If and when I have a need to replace mine, it will be one with a Byrd Shelix Spiral Jointer Planer Head, down the road a few miles. ;-)

Best Regards. - Len
Work Safely and have Fun.
 
#11 · (Edited by Moderator)
Isn t that usually a start capacitor problem?

Edit: Check out this thread: http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?92710-Unisaw-motor-hums-but-won-t-start

- shampeon
I would guess capacitor as well

- ToddJB
Provided it's an induction motor and not a universal motor with brushes.

It could also be the centrifugal switch clogged with dirt and debris.

First thing I do on the induction motors is remove them from the machine, remove an covers and blow any dust accumulation out with compressed air.

Check the contacts on any centrifugal switches if equipped.

A lot of times is just dust fouling the contacts.

reassemble and test.

If it still just hums, then go down the capacitor road.

Do NOT let it sit and hum, you will burn the windngs, then you have junk.
 
#16 ·
I have a 735 my wife got me for xmas in '97 and I'm pretty well pleased with it. The only thing that is a pain is getting infeed and outfeed tables right so as to avoid snipping. It also will blow dust from here to hell and back
again, but it planes very well with a minimum of tweaking.
 
#18 ·
That Belsaw (Craftsman) planer will outlast us all if taken care of.. much more of a machine than the Dewalt. Don't worry about the rollers.. if they are working fine, leave them alone. For the motor; as others have pointed out, it sounds like either a capacitor or centrifugal switch.. both are easy and cheap to fix (capacitor will set you back around $10 and you can clean the switch for free :)

And don't expect the Dewalt to be quieter.. not even close. Those things scream, loudly.

Cheers,
Brad
 
#20 ·
I took the back plate off the motor. Here is what it looks like.

Motor vehicle Gas Auto part Machine Automotive exterior


Again, if there is a place I can just drive to to get these, I don't know of it. Is there a way I can test them? Should I actually pull the motor first? Can they be ordered online? (I'm assuming these 2 capacitors are what may be the issue?)
 

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