Replies

1. 
   oldwindowguy | Aug 11, 2011 08:38pm | #1

   There's more info here about the motor than about the machine, but for starters 2hp isn't much power for a 12" jointer. 

   If the motor won't even spin the cutterhead to speed under no load, there is  drag somewhere.  There are several possibilities.

   How fast are you trying to spin the cutterhead?  3600 rpm would be appropriate.  Is that what the pulleys are giiving you?  If someone substituted a 3600 rpm single phase motor for an older 1725 rpm 3 phase motor, the original pulleys will be all wrong. 

   What kind of bearings does this old jointer have?  If it has babbit bearings, these are usually greased for speeds in that 3600rpm range; but they take a fair amount of power just to spin even when the cutterhead isn't doing any work even when they are adjusted correctly.   Drag increases steeply with speed for babbit bearings or if the bearing halves are clamped too tight.  If it is a ball bearing cutterhead, it should spin smoothly and effortlessly when the belts are off.  Worn bearings will drag and heat up at speed.  If the cutterhead is running 3600rpm, then the bearing lubrication and the bearing seals should not be the source of the resistance.  Spin it faster and heavy grease rather than oil or large diameter seals rather than shields on the bearings will cause excessive drag.

   Finally, you say "belts".  Try running with 1 belt.  Multiple belts may be overkill for a 2 hp motor.  I wouldn't be surprised if the original setup was for 5 hp with the assumption that belt and bearing resistance wouldn't matter.

1. 
   kshib | Aug 11, 2011 11:02pm | #2

   Old Jointer

   Thanks for the detailed reply, It confirmed some suspicions as I never had a chance to talk to the original owner.  The motor pully is 20" in circumference and the cutter pully is about 11" giving approximately 2:1, the motor is at 1760rpm.  This would put the theoretical speed at about 3100rpm.  The berings are sleves (babbit?) and not the ball bering type.  I loosened them off to reduce friction to test them and the cutter head seemed a little stiff to move by hand.   The cutter head is quite heavy (inertia) and maybe I shouldn't be surprised that the 2hp motor wouldn't easily move  it.

   We have 3 phase power in the shop so it looks like I might need a motor.  I'll probably get someone to look at it.  I'll keep the 2hp for someting else, maybe a busy bee table saw that I found on garbage night.  

   thanks again

   Kirk Shibley

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Aug 12, 2011 10:07am | #3

   Sounds like a problem with your power source or with the electrical components of the motor.  If the motor spins properly without a load and then slows significantly under minimal load indicates electrical not mechanical (pulleys) problems.

   First check by plugging into known, properly operating 220 volt circuit.  Check the voltage with a meter.

3. 
   bones | Aug 12, 2011 10:21am | #4

   you need this site instead of here

   Hey man I know this can be challenging.   As another soul who recently swore off new stuff and have been going after old american iron, the link below will be a huge help to you.  These guys eat sleep and brethe the old stuff going and they have worked miracles.   Go over register and check out the everthing electrical or post in the general I bet someone will know exactly what the issue is.  My first thought are you sure it's wired right, but a host of issues can cause this.   Good luck, I know they will help you.

   http://www.owwm.org/