I have a 3hp/3/4″ spindle general shaper and am having some problems. It has a thermal overload protector, two rpm settings, 8,000 and 10,000 and is 220V/15A. I am setting this up with my 6″diax1/2″ dado cutter to make some tenons. On sunday the thermal overload protector shut down the machine twice, and I didnt make too much of it, but last night was diff. By the end of the night, it would not stay running and this morning when I tried it again it started and ran for a while, but then stopped. Is the 6″ dia cutter to big or is this an electrical problem that might be able to be fixed? I have used this cutter previously, but for a short time only to make grooves for a privacy door.
Thanks to all.
Replies
Do you have the proper gauge wire for the length of the run of the cord?
Most newer overload protectors can be adjusted.
Obviously it's warming up over longer periods of use which is tripping the overload. Just had a similar problem on a machine and was able to up the overload adjustment. If you use a smaller cutter and it doesn't happen then the bigger cutter would be suspect. It should be doable. Perhaps your overload is in need of replacing.
You might also check the tightness of the connections. Loose connections can cause that.
I have an amp meter I use to test and compare the stated amp rating versus the actual amp draw.
Do you have a local motor shop that can trouble shoot and advise ???
Thks for the info, I am going to check the wiring tonight. A friend of mine can help trouble shoot the wiring.
A 3 hp shaper should be able to handle that cutter-no problem. I'd first check the thermal overload protector, make sure contacts are clean/working properly. I'd think a motor of that size would also be TEFC or at least fan cooled. Hopefully, the shaper sounds right- bad bearings cause friction which causes thermal overload, one type of thermal overload.
Expert since 10 am.
Assuming the motor is not shot and in good condition , it should be able to spin your cutters with no such meltdown problems .
Just to be sure , I would check the service panel / breaker / fusebox that this circuit comes from . I have had faulty breakers that would work sometimes and then stop . If that's all good it's got to be the motor .
dusty
Did some more checking with an electrical meter, and found no wiring problems. Just simple tests thus far (resistance/volts/cont). Low and behold turned the darn thing on to show the fellow helping me and wouldnt you know it, it worked fine. I think the thermal overload may be flaky or a motor prob? Hmm, Chinese manuf. Think I am done with these products.
Brad , Try running it without any cutter and no load , see if it make any difference .
dusty
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled