Replies

1. 
   robkelly1 | Dec 04, 2003 08:34pm | #1

   My local TrueValue hardware store has a selection of brushes and I take in the old one(s) and find some to match.  Otherwise, over the counter at the service center and install them myself.

2. 
   JohnWW | Dec 04, 2003 08:43pm | #2

   Forestgirl,

   These days there are just too many brush styles to be able to go to a hardware store and find what you need.  Some older hardware stores may still have a box of brushes under the counter from a long time ago, and you could get lucky, but the odds are against it. 

   Carbons are soft and can be sanded or filed to fit if they are oversized.  I've made fairly complex brushes to salvage a tool when parts were no longer available, but it is fussy work to get the fit right.  Poorly fitted brushes will burn up quickly and can damage the commutator, if that happens the tool often can't be repaired. 

   If the original brush had a copper pigtail on it the replacement must also.  A substitute brush without a pigtail will possibly work for a while, but in the end the brush holder assembly will be damaged by overheating from carrying the current that the pigtail was designed to carry. 

   With a little searching, well sometimes a lot, you can find an online service supplying parts on almost any make of tool.  What brand tools do you need the parts for, I have at least some web site addresses.

   Hope this helps, John W.

3. 
   Brinkma1 | Dec 04, 2003 11:13pm | #3

   Can't find the forest for the brush or is it brush for the forest. Anyway you will find what you are seeking at a Alternator & Starter rebuilder in your area. As our shop does here in PA they will have a very large selection of brushs on hand and very cheap. Take one with you for comparison and they will match it. Good hunting.

4. 
   PlaneWood | Dec 05, 2003 12:05am | #4

   Try a Sears hardware store.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
   PlaneWood

5. 
   Steinmetz | Dec 05, 2003 02:55am | #5

   Hey! Gurl, Most electric motor repair shops have an assortment. Power tool repair outfits also have packages hanging up with brushes. As far as filing down fatter brushes is concerned, there are grades of hardness for various types of motors,so take a sample with you If you get the correct ones, buy a spare pack they're cheap.  I used to take dry cell batteries apart to remove the carbon center electrode to make brushes/ Arc welders/arc lights/ Jacob's Ladders, etc.   They didn't call me Steinmetz for nothing. Stein. (a k a ED.) 

1. 
   forestgirl | Dec 05, 2003 03:46am | #7

   Thanks everyone for the help.  Turns out there's a little electric repair store in a nearby town, looks junky enough I'll bet they have some brushes.

   I haven't specified the tool because it's a brand I "never buy" ROFL!!!  It's a half-sheet sander I picked up in an auction lot ages ago, made by (drum rollllllllll) Craftsman!  It has a nice soft felt pad on it, and I found that if I clamp it on my bench upside-down, it works pretty good for sanding these Christmas ornament I'm making (when I goof with the scroll saw, sanding becomes necessary.  Guess what -- scroll sawing is not easy!)

   The Sears service center for our area is 45 miles away in mind-numbing traffic, so I stay away as much as possible.forestgirl Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   BG | Dec 05, 2003 03:43pm | #8

   FG,

   I had a sander like that only the manufacturer was GE. Ran around trying to find brushes to replace....found some at True Value. While doing all this running around I convinced myself that I needed a cheap 1/4 sheet sander and bought the PC for $49.  It is ten times the sander that the GE is..much faster.

   Meanwhile, the Lowes deal came out offering $50 rebate on a $49 dollar PC sander.  Got my check on Tuesday...it was for the $50 dollars. ...will wonders ever cease...

   This past weekend I made a couple of sanding blocks with 1/4 cork on the base and 4" wide to accomodate the rolls of sandpaper.  These things are better than the PC for finish sanding....

1. 
   forestgirl | Dec 05, 2003 08:41pm | #9

   Thanks BG, do you remember what the expiration was on those rebates?  Right now, anything over 5cents is not cheapie, LOL.  I am completely dumbfound how bad sales are so far this holiday season!  Others in the hobby-shop/trading card buz are complaining also.  One of my distributors told me yesterdy "Even the people who usually lie are saying business is bad."  ROFL!forestgirl Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   efarmer4 | Dec 05, 2003 09:37pm | #10

   rebate is (was??) good until the end of the year... if you can find one!

   see message 14189.31Edward

2. 
   BG | Dec 05, 2003 09:52pm | #11

   EF,

   I saved the rebate form to my desk top..if anyone needs a copy. As you note, however, finding the sander is a whole different matter. 

2. 
   AlanWS | Dec 06, 2003 02:32am | #12

   I don't know about the sander, but sears has a pretty good parts ordering setup, with diagrams and manuals on the web. Have you tried to find it here?

   http://www3.sears.com/

3. 
   jackiechan | Dec 06, 2003 07:28am | #13

   Forest Girl,

   To increase the performance of your sander, print out this post.  Carefully use scissors and then the proper adhesive, to attach the graphics directly to the side of the tool.   You will instantly notice the increased power, as well as the surprisingly vibration free enhance performance!

   View Image

   View ImageDan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.

1. 
   forestgirl | Dec 06, 2003 05:41pm | #14

   Toooooo funny, Dan.  You're a kick.  That sander's been sitting in a box on a shelf for years.  Perfect candidate for clamping upside-downside to a bench and abusing until death.  As much as it vibrates, I'd sure as heck never lay it on a piece of furniture!  Works great for touching up the edges of these ornaments though.  (Dog leaves the shop every time I turn it on.  He's hearing some frequency that doesn't reach my ears, LOL)forestgirl Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   Steinmetz | Dec 06, 2003 09:55pm | #15

   What frequency are you on F G? Am or Fm?

   You have a smart dog. He and many humans cringe when they smell Craftsman portable putred power tools. Bet he $%^$@s when he smells a WEN too. ED.

6. 
   BenA | Dec 05, 2003 03:26am | #6

   Forestgirl you didnt mention what type of tool your replacing brushes in. If the tool has an electric brake make sure you get OEM brushes or you might have a problem with the brake. Why dont you just call factory service center of manufacture and find out price of OEM brush before you by another brand.