Ever Had Any Luck Modifying Generator Brushes?

or starter brushes, for that matter?

I've got a bunch of old and/or NOS brushes laying around, and old bikes and other applications I could use them in.

it's a cheapskate move, granted, but have you had any success grinding down a brush and making it work without its hanging up, etc.?

curious. thanks!

 

We used to modify some at work on golf cart starter/generator motors. Never had a problem with them.

 

I think I remember making some foreign brushes fit a Ford 6 volt generator once...and they worked.....just make sure the edge of the brush that contacts the armature is flat, and doesn't have any sharp edges........

 

I've made vacuum cleaner brushes fit wiper motors and used a set of brushes from a sump pump in a VW generator (with a little sanding). No problems at all.

 

cool. thanks, guys! I'm gonna go torture some brushes, then.

 

Of course I have no experience with brushes but back in the 60's my Dad ran a slot car track and at one point made this cool contraption that would do custom winds on motors. Sorry, just a desperate attempt at showing I come from cool stock...

Good Luck you cheap Bastard!

 

I'm gonna do life-saving surgery on my vacuum cleaner someday soon, I anticipate having to turn the armature ( ?? the thing the brushes ride on) in a lathe to restore it...

letcha know what I wind up with...

as long as they can move inside their holders normally, and as long as they contact a similar surface area on the armature, should be good to go.

-J