My Jet 8″ helical jointer has an electrical problem and I’m looking for advice on the best way to troubleshoot this. About a month ago, it started hesitating when I pushed the start button. This has gotten worse (required repeated on/off recycling to start), although once started, it has worked fine. Today, it refuses to start after many attempts. I can think of three things that might be at fault: the on/off switch, something called a centrifgual switch (not sure what that does, but it’s part of the motor assembly) and the motor itself.
What’s the best way to isolate the problem here? And if it’s the switch and Jet doesn’t have it, any advice on finding a third-party switch? I’d hate to buy a new jointer just because the switch is dead.
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Replies
I would call Jet Tech support. I had a problem with Mt table saw and they did not hesitate walk me through the fix. "Don you have time now? Gonout to your shop and we'll get you going." He stayed on the call with me for almost 30 minutes but andnthe saw was fixed. Your issue sounds like a capacitor. Call them.
I was able to isolate the problem as the on/off switch itself. Took it apart and it was filled with black dust, apparently conductive. One set of contacts had corroded or arced. Finding it on the Jet site was useless but Amazon had one and I'm just waiting now to get it and install it. Fingers crossed.
I'm not sure what brand or type they use for woodworking machines, but those centrifugal switches fail on occasion in motors used in other industries.
It's good that it's not that because the centrifugal switch means a new or rebuilt motor as they are generally internal in my xp.
As Chia said, the cap is always a major suspicion as well.
I'm glad it's the switch. After reading this, I'll pick one up as a spare for mine.
Always de-energize the system before doing anything electrical!!!
If it is 120v I would look to the starter cap. If it is 240v I would look to the centrifugal switch first and the caps second. A bad cent switch can kill your starter cap so there is a cascading failure scenario there. This is based on prior experience with similar problems.
There can always be variations but some things need to be eliminated first. Don't be intimidated. There are some fundamental things that you can get through with a screwdriver. Take those steps first. You can save some money ;-)
Starter capacitor is probably the issue. Could find in good electronic parts store. You need the voltage and the capacitor value in Farad.
Rehabbed an old jointer and bought a new on / off switch on Amazon for ten bucks not realizing until I received it that it's the exact same switch that came on my Jet bandsaw and also on a Jet lathe that I have.
From a manufacturing standpoint it makes no sense to design a unique item for a common purpose. Things like bearings and switches are usually selected from available stock. I had to replace switches on my HF drill press and Ridgid OSS. I found exact replacements on line at much lower cost than those listed in the owner manuals.
Good it’s the switch - interesting dust got in there and corroded things. I don’t know a lot about motors, but know that capacitors hold voltage, some I think hold enough to be dangerous and may need to be discharged. Maybe bad ones don’t….not sure. For anyone looking at this down the road, I’d encourage talking to a product support rep and making sure to get very detailed instructions and understanding before tinkering.
Many have discharge circuits. Just a resistor accros it to bleed it down when de-energized.
Otherwise bridging the terminals with a screw driver (insulate your hand or handle) will discharge it to be safe.
The dangerous caps are on much larger equiptment.
Had a friend who was a generator tech die because of a charged cap and carelessness.
In general it shouldnt be messed with unless its already undertood rep or not
After about 10 years my A31 combo had some issues. I took things apart and after a call the CSR confirmed it was the capacitor. While waiting for it to arrive I read a lot about capacitor danger, need to discharge etc but another call to the Felder folks put that to rest, great to be able to chat with their tech.