Advice troubleshooting induction motor?

[sschering]

My bandsaw just started blowing the breaker.

It starts up ok but then after 3-4 seconds (I suspect when it switches from start to run windings) you see an arc in the end bell and the breaker trips.

Any tips on where to start trouble shooting it?

Bandsaw is a Ridgid BS1400 with a 3/4 hp motor.

 

[duncsuss]

I wouldn't know where to start troubleshooting the motor, but have the same bandsaw -- with the Lifetime Service Agreement.

If my motor starting tripping breakers, I'd simply get in touch with Ridgid and get a replacement.

Do you have the same coverage?

 

[sschering]

I got it used so no..

 

[wyone]

First guess would be the starting switch in the motor is dirty. Before I did anything else I would use an air compressor and blow out the motor really well. If the starting switch has dirt in it it will not switch properly and can cause that to happen

 

[Penultimate]

If this is cap start cap run motor then the run cap may be fried. Check for damage around the connection end of the cap if it is plastic or the top or bottom is bulged out if it's metal.

As Duncan said it is probably the switch.

 

[sschering]

Well of all the strange things it started working again all on it's own. Must have been dust or something.

 

[KenV]

Well of all the strange things it started working again all on it's own. Must have been dust or something.

Bet on it failing down the road and start with the switch. Bad capacitors do not heal up, but switches can clear for a while.