Greetings
my washing machine gave up the ghost after 11 years, so we’re getting a new one. Rather than just pitch the old one, I was thinking of trying to make something with the motor, maybe a belt sander (which I don’t have). The problem with the old machine is not the motor, it’s one of the boards in there (based on error code)
I’m seeking words of wisdom, re:
is this doable for a person of modest mechanical/electrical ability (but a tremendous amount of patience)?
any other woodworking/shop type tools you would consider?
any tips?
thanks 🙂
Replies
Hard to say without details on motor. Single or thru shaft? Horsepower? Single speed or three speed. What speed. Flange mount or standard base mount. Not as important but good to know is shaft size.
Hmmm. Variable speed 3 hp induction motor; 195v 3 amp 310hz 17500 rpm max, ins class F
This comes off label in attached pic.
A long time ago I used an old refrigerator motor as a buffer. I had an arbor that bolted onto the motor shaft and added a muslin buffing wheel.
These days I wouldn't bother. I hate to let things go that might be useful, but it just wasn't worth it.
In my draft post I had the question “is it worth it?” but took it out because this is a good chance for me to learn about something I know little about (motors). So even if end result is a flop, it’s valuable to me
My father used an old Maytag motor as a grinder. It had to be mounted on a heavy wide board to counter the rotation, but it worked. I have no idea of speed or power.
Motor appears to be discontinued. Maybe you can sell it on ebay.
Interested. Let me know how the sander idea comes out.
Mikaol
Check out Jeremy Fielding on YouTube . He is a wizard with ideas for used motors.
That appears to be a 3 phase motor. Probably more trouble than it's worth.
Good catch. That's how it's variable speed too. Without a controller it will make using it a major issue.
With a VFD it could make a very useful piece of kit.
Matthias would probably turn it into a 47 inch band saw.
If you have the need for a massive disk sander, then that would be best - this would give an appropriate duty cycle for the motor too.
Does that mean a washing machine has a phase converter of some kind built in? Most washing machines run off a regular 20 amp branch, thought this one is marked 195V.
As someone else said, it’s not 3hp it’s 3 ph, as most, if not all, modern washing machine motors are. They’re 3ph so the frequency and speed can be changed. Without the controller/converter it’ll be no fun for you.
They're really variable speed? Why would a washing machine need variable speed?
I had no idea.
From GE: “Front-load washers and many newer top-load washers have a variable speed motor. The variable speed motor adjusts the agitation and spin speeds throughout the cycle based on the cycle selected, the load size, and the amount of torque (resistance) it gets from the load. There is no "fixed" speed for slow or fast speeds.“
Fascinating. Seems overly complex for a clothes washer though. The Maytag guy probably says the same thing about a wood lathe.
So Eddo, that means there is a converter built into the washer? Where would it be, and do you think it can be applied to the proposed use as a sander / grinder?
I’m wondering that too. I’m in way over my head now, but have until Tuesday to rob parts that might be useful down the road.
Yes there is. Google “washing machine phase converter to use motor”, there are a bunch of videos. Not sure about your other questions
Hey, I have a four year old Maytag washing machine motor for repurposing. Something was leaking but the motor is great. New machine in two week (maybe) so hurry up and get this gem before it goes to recycle. FREE!!!
I WAS AN APPLIANCE AND A/C TECHNICIAN FOR OVER 50 YRS. THE MOTOR YOU HAVE REQUIRES A CONTROLLER/INVERTER TO OPERATE. THE ONE IN THE WASHER IS NOT CAPABLE OF BEING USED STANDALONE. IT WAS DESIGNED ONLY TO FUNCTION AS A CONTROL FOR THE WASHER. YOU COULD PURCHASE A VFD AND USE IT TO CONTROL THIS MOTOR BUT TRUTH BE TOLD THE VFD WIL PROBABLY COST YOU MORE THAN JUST BUYING A 56 FRAME 120V INDUCTION MOTOR OF ADEQUATE HORSEPOWER WHICH CAN EASILY BE MADE TO POWER ANYTHING SUCH AS A GRINDER, SANDER ETC.
Thanks everyone for feedback. This is a lost cause. I’m stubborn but I’m no fool. On to other things…
I learned a bunch of cool new things. Totally worth it.
I’m happy to hear it. If you’d like to supplement the theoretical learning with some practical, hands-on experience, the motor is all yours!
One of the washing machine circuit boards probably provides the necessary motor supporting circuitry.
If you don't want to be bothered with Ebay, even a scrapper will give you money for it. The copper is valuable.
The biggest drawbacks to reuse in a shop are the low HP and open windings.
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