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Well, I got the used Delta 18-36. Thanks for those sho gave input.

The belt seems stretched on the left. Probably replace... I've emailed Kim already for a price.

After running a while, I noticed that the (probably undersized?) feed motor gets too hot to hold for more than a second or two. I lubricated various bushings and bearings, and put a clamp-on fan on the leg, and that cooled it down a little.

Anyone have a similar experience? Solutions? I'm concerned about a premature demise.

PS I like being able to do a top/back in one pass. But I was planning on buying the Performax 16-32...but the Delta was used and 1/2 price.

Should I say it? No I won't...but...

I think all parts are available. So if you have to spend a little you should still come out way ahead. Just think...you will know that machine better than the engineers that designed it! I hope it works out for you, I am sure it will.

_________________
Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"

Hey Dave,

I appreciate the input you've given so far. I've run a bunch of stuff through the machine getting used to it...

I got a reply from Kim @ discount abrasives and she said she sells 16"X44", it's what everyone's using. (Maybe for the 16-32) Have you had to change your feed belt? I'd like to maybe even upgrade to a rubber conveyor, but she doesn't have those...

Re: hot feeder motor-I remember someone (on OLF?) posted a pic of a fan they rigged with the motor. My clamp-on fan is helping cool it a bit though.

TIA

Terry,
I was using mine tonight and my feed motor stays cool. Although I didn't use it a whole bunch tonight.

_________________
Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

Terry,
I think you are right...those belts are for the Performax NOT the Delta. I have never had to replace my belt because the machine has such low hrs on it. I would look into replacing that motor. It shouldn't run so hot that it needs a fan...but maybe I am wrong. Have you talked to anyone at Delta about the machine? Those rubberized belts sure seem nice but I think for your ( and mine) system/model the hard flat sandpaper belt is probably better for consistancy? Again just MOP. If you need a service center number or address email me and I will look it up for you.

_________________
Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"

Hi Terry,
Just a thought for you to check out. The brushes on the feed motor might be worn which could make the motor overheat. I looked up the manual for the 18 -36 and they say they need to be checked every ten hours of use and replaced when necessary. Here is the link. If this is the problem it should be an easy fix.

http://media.ptg-online.com/media/dm/OwnersManuals/200403091 10329_En406-13-651-0021-06-19-03.pdf

Hi Jim & Dave,

What does your motor's label say?

Mine is:
Von Weise Mod # V07637AA83
90 VDC
1/30 hp, .45 amp, continuous duty
98:1 ratio

Here's what I did to troubleshoot:

1) check both brushes. They look good
2) relieve tension from feed belt, still hot. Let cool
3) remove motor and check armature, grease looks good, oil armature end/bushing (this is where heat eminates from)
4) run motor free of feed table. Still hot
5) disassemble motor, lighly scuff armature with 400 grit to remove some discoloration. reprofile brushes with same. Still runs hot .

I'm running out of things to test/try, short of calling Delta. I didn't find an exact replica online yet. Curously wide price range on these low speed, high torque DC motors. I was sure that the motor was heating up from being under a load either in the feed table rollers, or in the gear reduction box...

I believe my electric supply to be fine.. Wonder what's in the speed control switch?

BTW, it's never shut down on me. And the motor looks okay, just underpowered. But it shouldn't heat up with the only load being the gear reduction box.

Dave you're right. I'll probably know more than the engineers. I'll certianly befuddle any customer service reps I talk to. They'll want to sell me a new something or other...

have you checked the dc voltage to the motor. perhaps the transformer/rectifier is not delivering the correct voltage?

With DC motors, torque = current, speed = voltage. So the speed control is not going to hurt you unless the belt is actually going too fast.
And in general, current is what causes heat. The only thing I can think of is that there is a large load on the motor that shouldn't be there. For example, the gear head on the motor may have gone bad, or there is too much drag on the conveyor belt.

With many tools like this, there is no thermal sensor, so you can smoke the motor. I have learned this lesson from Black and Decker and other fine tool manufacturers.

Hi Eric. Another cause of heat-friction. AS I saisd earlier, the motor still gets really warm even DETACHED from the feed belt. It gets no hotter when hooked back up, which is good I suppose.

The hottest part is at the very end of the motor where the armature goes into the bushing. (should be a bearing, but oh well). All points are lubed. Grease in gear reduction box and machine oil on armature bushing. I was sure the problem was at the end of the armature. That little black cap on the end of the motor case is THE hot spot.

I'll call Delta and see what they say. Hope I don't get some kid who just stepped onto his first job answering phones...

I'll test DC voltage, call cust srvc, and let y'all know.