powermatic sparks??

[Hilel Salomon]

Sorry to be in such a questioning mode, but ever since yesterday, I have gotten a fairly large spark when plugging in my powermatic 3520B. Never had it before, but the repair specialist at Mann told me that it is not unusual when you have a magnetic starter. My question is why hasn't this happened before in the countless times I've plugged it in during the last 20 or so months. Have any of you had this happen?
Thanks, Hilel

[Scott Hubl]

Sparking at the plug as you plug it in?
Or sparking at the lathe itself?:confused:

[Hilel Salomon]

Good question, as my post was unclear. Sparking at the plug.
Hilel

[Scott Hubl]

OK,
First I would take apart the plug end and see if a wire got loose or is touching or close to touching another.

Then check the wall outlet for basically the same thing.( CUT POWER TO WALL OUTLET FIRST!)

If you had someone else do the electrical work call them in.

You should not be seeing sparks.:eek:

[Hilel Salomon]

Scott,

Not only thanks, but pardon me's are in order. I didn't know how fast you would reply, so I called Powermatic. They said to first check the outlet( but I had already used a couple of them on three different circuits)and secondly to check if the wires to the motor had gotten a sliver or something. I checked the wires to the motor, the wires to the inverter and everything looked tight.. NOW IF I HAD ONLY WAITED FOR YOUR ADVICE, the last thing I did was check the plug I had made and while it looked ok, I disconnected one of the hot wires and wound it up with tape and tightened it. LO AND BEHOLD, no spark.
CONCLUSION:
You're a better source of advice than Powermatic!!!!!! Thanks a heap for your sound advice on this and on the extender.
If you're going to Richmond, please let me know.
Regards, Hilel.

[Scott Hubl]

I'm glad it was an easy fix. And nothing was damaged.
Your Welcome.