adam smith
08-01-2013, 5:38 PM
I borrowed an older Woodmaster 725 model from a friend for a few months and after seeing the performance and durability of this 15 year old, well used machine.. it was an easy choice when the time came to buy one of my own.
I found a used model across the border and picked it up for a great price, super meticulous guy who took great care of his shop and tools. The machine (2009) looked like it had a thousand lin ft through it when I bought it.
No issues for the first few months, but recently when doing a production job (cedar 1x8 bevel siding), I blew a fuse in the variable speed control box after about an hour of work. No big deal... pop another 8a slow-blow fuse in and start again tomorrow.
After planing for an hour or so, I could smell some unmistakeable electrical burning smell. Shut it down right away and took a look. The smell was definitely coming from the feed motor, i could barely touch it with a bare hand.
A slight leak was noticed at the gear box/motor interface. No pooling of fluid or dripping... more of a weep. (see photo)
Let me clarify.... the cutting depth was maybe 1/32", not pushing the machine anywhere near too hard. Also the feed roller tension was set to manufacturers specs. my base jig was waxed.... no unusual friction.
When I removed the motor, I also noticed that there was some 'mashing' of the aluminum bushing where the drive shaft exits the gear box. Most likely the drive wheel had inched too close to the gear box housing and ground up the aluminum bushing a bit. (see photo)
I cleaned up the aluminum, checked inside the gear box (everything greased and looking good) and checked the brushes (about 3/4" left).
Feed rollers are lubed.... they turn nicely by hand
I re installed the motor to do some load testing.
The motor is 110v and 4.5a rated
No load at all: .5a :)
running belts and feed rollers: 1.5a :)
running material through planer (1/32" depth): 6-7a :eek:
Seems like a motor running at more than it's rated load for any extended period of time is waiting to fry up.
This is supposed to be rated for production work.... it's an American Steel beast!
I'm wondering is anyone else out there has had any issues with their feed motor.
Trying to avoid the $500 for a new motor after shipping.
Makes no sense to ship this motor from Canada to Kansas City.... then have work done.... then ship it back. I'm most of the way to a new motor at that point.
Love to hear from anyone with similar experience or the gurus out there!
BTW, the guys at Woodmaster live up to their service reputation.... had lots of help from them so far and you do get to talk to the tech's that build these machines directly if you have an issue.
Thanks
267707267708
I found a used model across the border and picked it up for a great price, super meticulous guy who took great care of his shop and tools. The machine (2009) looked like it had a thousand lin ft through it when I bought it.
No issues for the first few months, but recently when doing a production job (cedar 1x8 bevel siding), I blew a fuse in the variable speed control box after about an hour of work. No big deal... pop another 8a slow-blow fuse in and start again tomorrow.
After planing for an hour or so, I could smell some unmistakeable electrical burning smell. Shut it down right away and took a look. The smell was definitely coming from the feed motor, i could barely touch it with a bare hand.
A slight leak was noticed at the gear box/motor interface. No pooling of fluid or dripping... more of a weep. (see photo)
Let me clarify.... the cutting depth was maybe 1/32", not pushing the machine anywhere near too hard. Also the feed roller tension was set to manufacturers specs. my base jig was waxed.... no unusual friction.
When I removed the motor, I also noticed that there was some 'mashing' of the aluminum bushing where the drive shaft exits the gear box. Most likely the drive wheel had inched too close to the gear box housing and ground up the aluminum bushing a bit. (see photo)
I cleaned up the aluminum, checked inside the gear box (everything greased and looking good) and checked the brushes (about 3/4" left).
Feed rollers are lubed.... they turn nicely by hand
I re installed the motor to do some load testing.
The motor is 110v and 4.5a rated
No load at all: .5a :)
running belts and feed rollers: 1.5a :)
running material through planer (1/32" depth): 6-7a :eek:
Seems like a motor running at more than it's rated load for any extended period of time is waiting to fry up.
This is supposed to be rated for production work.... it's an American Steel beast!
I'm wondering is anyone else out there has had any issues with their feed motor.
Trying to avoid the $500 for a new motor after shipping.
Makes no sense to ship this motor from Canada to Kansas City.... then have work done.... then ship it back. I'm most of the way to a new motor at that point.
Love to hear from anyone with similar experience or the gurus out there!
BTW, the guys at Woodmaster live up to their service reputation.... had lots of help from them so far and you do get to talk to the tech's that build these machines directly if you have an issue.
Thanks
267707267708