Delta 6″ Variable Speed Jointer only runs when UPSIDE DOWN
luv4wood
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
My sister and I were using the jointer one day when it just quit. Today my husband tested the voltage to the switch and the motor. Both were working. When we had the router upside down to clean it out and the screws loosened on the front we plugged it in and it ran, so we thought maybe the problem was solved. Tightened up the screws, turned it right side up, plugged it in and nothing. So we turned it back upside down and loosened the screws, plugged it in and it ran. Then we tightened one screw at a time while the jointer was still upside down and tested it after each screw. Worked every time. Turned it right side up and plugged it in…..nothing. Any thoughts?
Replies
Router or jointer? Include the model # and you may find help from some that has one.
If anyone has video of a 6 inch jointer being used upside down, please post.
Absolutely terrifying, but I'll watch.
Must be this one.
Um, no. Obviously the switch on that one will be in the way.
All kidding aside it sounds like there’s a loose wire flopping around in there somewhere. Unplug that beast get access to the innards. Worst case scenario wire directly to the motor through a switch.
I had a small Delta 6” benchtop jointer that had a variable speed knob, but gave it away several years ago, therefore can’t do the diagnostics. It was about 2 1/2 feet long iirc, and quite light. Not sure, but perhaps there is a tip over switch that has gone upside down? Agree with above, pull it apart and trace the wiring.
FWIW, it worked incredibly well.
Model no. 37-070
Serial no. S0030
120v
We did open it up and look for a loose wire or anything that looked abnormal. The other thing we noticed was that when we turned the variable speed knob up from one (1)to 2,3,or 4 the motor kind of oscillated rather than running smoothly. It's possible the speed controller is bad but I can't find one anywhere to replace it without spending more for that part than I did for the jointer.
In all our wisdom, we never used the speed controller knob. Maybe we could somehow bypass the knob and go straight to the motor like @GeeDubBee suggested.
@Oxmach, what do you mean by FWIW?
The Delta 37-070 uses a universal-style motor, so is uses internal carbon brushes that can wear out.
The first thing I'd look at are those brushes. If they are worn down to almost nothing, then moving the tool around (like turning it upside down) can cause them to temporarily make contact and allow the motor to run. Also, when brushes are going bad, the speed controller will have a difficult time doing it's job.
It's difficult to diagnose from a distance but that would be first on my list to check.
Delta replacement parts are very difficult to find these days, but I think the Porter-Cable PC160JT jointer is the same tool. At least it looks the same in the pictures. Maybe Porter-Cable brushes would fit your Delta jointer? Hopefully others can reply with more knowledge on the similarity of the two machines.
Also, FWIW = For What It's Worth :)
Mike
If the motor sounds like it is oscillating in speed, you can just about bet its the brushes. Worn brushes could also explain why it works upside down - gravity is helping a brush make contact.
As someone above said, Delta parts may be hard to find. All that's critical is the dimensions and length of the wire connectors. Remove them and measure L x W - length won't be a realistic dimension, as that's why you're replacing them. Stick something into the brush holder and get an estimate of the distance between the armature and wherever or whatever holds the brushes in the channel. Then take th eold brushes to industrial supply store and find some that will work.
Good news! I read all these post's to my husband and they inspired him to go back in and dig into the "innards."When we got into the speed control circuit board we finally saw a tiny broken wire connection. He re-soldered the wire and we put it mostly back together and sure enough, it worked. Apparently, when we had it upside down the wire would make a connection and when we flipped, it didn't. My sister and I are such tight wads, I don't know when we would have replaced this jointer. We bought it new from a friend who only charged us $100. Thank you everyone for your sarcasm (hahaha) and your help. It is greatly appreciated!
I'm glad it was something simple and inexpensive.
Post that video!
I have the same jointer with the same problem. GeeDubBee mentioned bypass the speed controller. How do I do it with out burning out the motor?
Do I wire the power directly to the motor? Is the motor an AC motor?
Thank you for the help, very much appriciated.
Steve
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