[rewster]

Well, spark spark poof more like it. It seems that I've found the reason my motor hasn't been running smoothly. Tonight whilst cutting, I noticed a bit of blue twinkling light reflecting off the top bell. The mill has some use on it, so I figured the brushes were just sparking a bit. Not long after, rpm's plummeted and I smelled the burn.

I opened it up and the plastic housing for the brushes is a bit melted. The springs on the brushes are mangled. Also, the green ground wire had broken loose and was floating around inside....not sure if that was the cause of the problem or if I knocked it off while removing the top cover. Nonetheless, my mill is down.

I know some folks (Hoss) have rebuilt their motors with LMS parts. At this point, I'm torn. I don't know whether to attempt a repair, source a new AC motor, or convert to brushless. Money is an issue, but I don't want to spend minimally just for a temporary fix. Thoughts?

[hoss2006]

Well you have about 5 choices, more if you want to go more exotic than these.
1. get the new endcap and brushes from LMS, about $25.
2. get a used treadmill motor and make some custom mounts, about $50.
3. get a new replacement motor from LMS, about $180.
4. get a VFD drive and 3 phase motor and make custom mounts, about $150-$400 depending on your luck with finding a surplus motor or not.
5. get one of the 1100 watt brushless motor packages from keling and make a custom mount, about $430 (reviews of these are not great though)
I did no.1 for mine and have a treadmill motor on hand just in case.
Hoss

[rewster]

Hoss, when your motor went out, what do you believe to have been the cause? Did it give you any warning that it was about to go? Was your bell assembly melted around the brush holders? Have you experienced any issues since replacing the parts?

My problem arose when I switched the spindle control over to mach3. I don't know if running for a short time on the incorrect pwm settings contributed to failure, or if it was purely coincidence.

I guess I'll try option #1 as well. For the money you can't go wrong. I'm making a batch of turner's cubes for christmas gifts, looks like I'll be giving out IOU's this year....

[LeeWay]

If it's an X2, I have a motor here that I could sell to you pretty reasonably. If interested, just shoot a PM.
I have lots of parts that I don't need for an X2.

[WaveDude]

I have lots of parts that I don't need for an X2.

Post up a list of what spares you have.

[LeeWay]

Actually I don't have that much that I won't be using.
I use the XY table on my big drill press. Works great there.

I used my spindle base and housing on my lathe.
I do have:

Column with spring
Motor controller
3 handles shaft and assorted fittings for it.
R8 spindle shaft with brand new bearings
Some control switches and parts

Not all that much, really.
The motor is in limbo right now.