[AT] Old shop lathe motor-- motor questions for you "experts"

[Bob Seith]

Once upon a (very long) time ago, repulsion-induction motors were much 
more common than they are now. I think maybe the technology behind 
today's capacitor-start motors had not developed. They were common on 
anything that had to start under even modest loads, such as water pumps, 
table saws, and air compressors. I have several examples in my workshop, 
all dating from before WW II. The smallest is a 1/6th hp Century that 
probably weighs 25 pounds, while the largest is a 3/4 hp General 
Electric that is so heavy I have to have a friend in to help move it. 
They are all rated "continuous duty" and will run forever without 
overheating -- so long as the bearings have oil.

They all have carbon brushes in their starting circuits, and this is 
where most initially fail. The brushes wear out. But a little diligent 
sleuthing can often uncover repair parts. I have an ancient behemoth 
whose last patent date is 1913, and I still managed to find a set of 
replacement brushes at an old motor shop. They were still wrapped in the 
original oiled paper.

Steve (somebody) from Massachusetts used to post to this list, and he 
explained this to me some time ago.

Bob Seith
1953 Cub

Bustedtractor at aol.com wrote:

>The fact that your motor is listed as "repulsion induction" means that it was 
>designed for loads with very high starting torque requirements. These motors 
>are typically found on silo unloaders and manure handling systems. It would be 
>unusual to see one installed on a lathe as the torque is not unusual. I 
>worked in an electric motor shop in one of my previous lives (33 years ago).
>
>Will in MN
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