[TheForge] Third HP motor problem

[Ron Childers]

Small Delta belt grinder 1/3rd HP motor just hums but will finally run if the pulley is spun. The capacitor looks ok but we tried another although it's a higher MFD- I think it should run if the windings are ok. Probably no hope for the motor but the grinder is still ok. Any ideas?

-----Original Message-----
From: TheForge [mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of David E. Smucker
Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 7:12 PM
To: 'Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA'
Subject: Re: [TheForge] Harbor Freight quality

Don't read horse power -- read run current (amps) and voltage.  Remember that it wasn't China that started this "hoorse power crap" but Sears.  (2 horse power "American motors" put out no more work than any other country's motors rate in current and amps.

Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: TheForge [mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Richardson, Grover
Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 3:14 PM
To: 'Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA'
Subject: Re: [TheForge] Harbor Freight quality

The main thing I tell my folk is to remember the motors.  A 2 horsepower American motor will put out 2 horsepower of work.  A 2 horsepower China motor is 2 horsepower lock rotor.  They take a vise grip (philosophically
speaking) and hold the shaft, and apply power.  The power that enters the motor under "locked rotor" conditions, ie worse case, is the horsepower of their rating.  At best I figure a 2 hp China motor will do 1/2 to 3/4 hp.
So when using my Harbor Freight chop saw, I load it down until I hear it slow down in rpm, and do a slow cut.  Had it over 10 years.  Used up at least 6 blades on it so far.