I am in the slow steady process of tool/machinery updating & quality improvement. In the past several months, I purchased in the used tool realm (auctions, CL & etc.) three very nice upper end tools. Upon moving them into the shop, I typically carefully go over them, clean, lubricate, de-rust, etc. along with power cord inspection, upgrade or change over of the male plugs to conform to the type used in my shop for that voltage/amperage.
The three recent arrivals had significant electrical faults.
1. The Ace OSS spindle sander, a 3 phase tool that came from a high school classroom environment, did not have the cord ground wire connected to the tool! Nothing. Both the frame and motor were ungrounded.
2. The Laguna bans saw, 230VAC/1phase, that came from very nice private residence shop had a loose/high resistance connection of its' ground wire. (The cord appeared to have been replaced at some prior time). Literally, the ground wire fell out of its connection in the machine buss terminal strip after I took the junction box cover off. The cover appeared to have been holding it in.
3. The Jet edge sander on/off switch was internally held together with electrical tape only. The switch junction box area appeared to have prior damage & repair. Upon opening it, it was only taped together.
And all three, appeared to have come from good previous homes & to have been well maintained. Just because it appears to have come from a "good" sho/home, does not ensure that it is problem free. Please do not take their safety for granted.
Fortunately, all 3 proved to be in good mechanical condition needing only cleaning & adjustment.
My caution is, if you have the knowledge and ability to do so: Go over your used tool purchases carefully to ensure they are safe & properly set up. If you don't have the knowledge or experience, get someone with that ability to go over them with you.
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