machinist question: i need a lathe motor

i was in the middle of a large project for the coupe last night, using my very old but still very reliable and true craftsman industrial lathe. then sparks started coming out of the motor. it was late, so i decided to go inside, and tackle that problem tomorrow. so today, i get the lathe all apart, get the motor out, and take it apart. the lathe was built in the late 60s, but the motor looks to be from about 1930 or so. a peek inside showed that one of the governor springs came off and lodged itself in the windings, and shorted them together.

i never looked at the motor on this thing before, but it's only rated at 1/3 HP, and isn't even an induction motor, it's a universal motor, with a governor inside. considering how old it is, it is not worth fixing. i need a modern, reliable reversable motor for my lathe. who makes the best one, where do i get one, and what should i expect to pay? the lathe is a 9" and was underpowered with 1/3 HP, i was thinking 1 HP would do for most future projects. Thanks, Dave

 

Try www.grainger.com

Do a cross reference from the specs of your motor to find a match.

 

I'll second that. I bought a motor for my Bridgeport from Grainger, and it was cheaper than any other I found. Their motors are top quality too.

If you have one close, TSC carries a 1 hp motor that is rated for conveyor use for just over $100. There is one on my Rivet lathe, so it may work on yours.

 

Get a capacitor start motor since you're starting under load.

A 3/4 horse motor will work fine, but 1 HP is better.
I'm guessing your lathe is a 12".
Mine is and it came stock with a 1 HP cap start motor.

Along those lines, several years back I put a new 3/4 HP cap start motor in a roof dual pack (heater/Air Conditioner) and the unit proper failed about 6 months later.
I made sure to get the virtually new motor out of it.
Figured if nothing else it would be a good spare for the lathe.

You may be able to find a serviceable motor from a large A/C unit and get it for cheap.

I knew one old boy in the Southland who grabbed all the motors like that he could and the ones he didn't sell he took to the swap meets.

 

Grainger is expensive, you can get a good deal on Ebay, I did. Harbor freight is selling motors cheap

 

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Grainger is expensive, you can get a good deal on Ebay, I did. Harbor freight is selling motors cheap

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I think Harbor Freight is selling CHEAP motors. The Grainger motors are definately higher quality. If you get a Harbor Freight motor make sure you get the lifetime warranty you'll probably need it...

 

thanks, i didn't think of grainger before. they are expensive, but it looks to be worth it. there is one on my way home from the office. i'll check them out tomorrow.

i don't think i'll ever buy anything from harbor freight. when i buy a tool, i want it to last the rest of my life, and i just can't imagine harbor freight delivering that tool. David

 

Find a HVAC company in town, they are usually GRATEFUL to unload old heater blowers, one of those motors would be perfect.

 

i would check into possible having the one you have rebuilt. you say it's a sears craftsman check there web site for parts. i have an old craftsman band saw and have been able to get parts for it when i need them.