Motor died :(

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ToddMR

ToddMR

Member
Joined
May 3, 2010
Messages
1,715
Location
Columbus, OH
Well this Sunday as I was about to start turning another cigar Purpleheart pen, my motor on the lathe died. It would start normal speed and within a second would slow way down almost to a stop. The motor, like the lathe, is so old no information about it is online. It is an old wagner 1/4 HP 1725 AC motor with a 57X Frame, which I don't even think exists anymore. My friend's dad stopped over pulled the belt off and verified the motor barely will run. He is currently looking for a motor for me, but who knows what will happen. I looked online for a little bit and getting a new motor is looking to cost me about $150-$200. Well on the good news side my father-in-law gave us the $300 to order a new Carba-Tec 4SE variable speed mini lathe from PSI. It is supposed to come tomorrow. The goal at some point was to have two lathes in the shop. A large and a mini. The old lathe that is currently down right now was my grandfather's from the 1930's when he was a boy. It has a plate with the name Montgomery Ward on it and a model number, but that's it. I had been looking around online today looking for used motors but no luck. My friend's dad said it might be the bearings, but no clue what kind of cost to try replacing them etc. At least I have a mini lathe coming. Hope to get the big lathe up and running again soon. Of course this happened after my friend's dad came over and put new wiring on the motor a couple weeks ago and installed me an on/off switch on the bench.

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I have an old Montgomery Lathe as well. Looks different than yours, but when I used to use it, I just had a 1/2 hp Dayton motor (1725) hooked up to it. Similar to how yours is constructed. Around here you can find motors like that for $20-50 on CL.
 
I have a 1936 lathe that the motor died on just after it came into my shop. I replaced it with a "generic" electric motor of 1750 rpm (1/2 hp). Look on Craigslist for motors, or even one out of a washing machine will work just fine. What you need to look for is the shaft size - make sure it matches your pully from your original motor.

I too have a small and a large lathe - so I know what you mean - take a look around, motors are inexpensive and easy to find - no need to fret over rebuilding the old/original motor.

Good luck.
 
Another option is to get the motor repaired. A good electric motor shop can fix what ever went wrong on most motors. Might just be a set of worn brushes.
 
I just talked to Baldor and they said the same thing, the 57x may be something special done to the shaft for that motor. Best alternitive is have a shop rebuild it for you unless you can figure a way to mount another motor. Is it a direct drive or a belt?
Sorry i cant see the pics from work. Just a red x
 
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Heck folks look at the pic----it's just a motor bolted to a table up-side down.
The hardest part of the whole dang thing will be taking the pully off the motor without bending anything.
 
Yeah its belt driven. The funny thing is the motor pulley broke on me after a week or two. So the one pictured was replaced. The arbor is 5/8". I haven't really looked too hard into the motor yet. I know there will be many options for me. I like the old motor. Right now it is just sitting on the bench next to the lathe. Probably have my friend's dad look at it this week/(end) for me. I did look on CL earlier and didn't have too much luck. Right now I have a 1/4 HP and 1725 RPM. Just an FYI I only have a very basic understanding of AC motors. I know they generate a magnetic field with the brushes thus causing a repelling which turns the motor, or something like that. :)
 
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fyi, there are no brushes in an ac motor. brushes are used in dc motors. there is a possiblity that you have dust in the centrifical switch of your motor. if you have compressed air try blowing out the motor without taking anything apart, a good cleaning often helps.
 
Thanks Bob! I will try that tonight. Only God knows what dust etc has been sitting in that motor for the last 30+ years lol.
 
I don't know how much it would cost to ship, but I have an extra 3hp 220v motor sitting here in my shop. It's off of my compressor and needs the keyway cleaned up a little, but it's about 1 year old! Or if you are in CT some time.
 
Thanks Chip! Sadly I don't run 220 out in the shop. :) I have been to Wallingford, CT back in 2006. One of these years I shall return. Could see the look on my wife's face when I tell her, "Taking road trip to CT to get this motor." LOL
 
Now this is only because I am shop equipment dumb. My dad failed to tell me there are two oil ports for the bearings. So while I was blowing out the motor with air and dust was flying I saw two little metal caps, one on either end. Lucky for me I had already bought motor oil for 1/4 hp and higher. I put oil in both sides and the motor barely turned still. I then turned it off. I then put even more on both ends, generous but not overfilling. I turned it on and it slowly starting going faster and faster until it was a smooth hum! I was so excited I turned it off and on a few times to make sure. I can now even turn by hand. I called my dad and he told me he forgot to mention because he is used to the newer motors now. The down side is the caps hang towards the ground so when it is time to oil I will just have to tilt the motor upward to do it which should be good. Now I will have both lathes running tomorrow! Thank you all so much for all your suggestions. Having me blow with air uncovered the caps and saved me a HUGE hassle! But hey, I got a new mini-lathe out of it lol.
 
Another thought: Used 1/4 HP motors are readily bought for next to nothing at yard sales and auctions around here (western MD). A 5/8" shaft and 1725 rpm is fairly common. Reuse the pulley from the old motor. Almost any frame type will work assuming you are prepared to rig up your own mounting. Good luck.
 
Hey Todd---you are going to love this.
Add a shelf under the table and turn your motor over and mount it to the new shelf.
You will be able to keep you motor oiled plus you will get some storeage.
 
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