Table feed problem?

820 ohms is a standard resistance for 5% tolerance resistors. You didn't say what power it is, but you can find the 1/2 watt resistors at Mouser for 22 cents.

Brad

Can't say how close you need to be on the value without seeing the schematic but you can always add resistors to get the value you need. In series (end to end) resistances just add. Make sure you use the same wattage range as the original. In parallel (side by side) resistance goes by the formula:

1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 ... So, 2 x 1.6Kohm resistors in parallel will give you 800 ohms resistance total - this arrangement (2 of equal value) will double the wattage the resistors are spec'd for as well.

So, given a handful of just about any resistors, by combining them in series/parallel, you can build any value you need. It won't be pretty but it will work... it's just a resistor.

David...

Thanks James and Brad,

I solved the resistor problem. I desodered the resistor from the old rheostat, measured the resistance an put it on the new one. (Duh?) I guess I wasn't thinking yesterday.

Well it is all back together, but there is no change in the operation of the table. It is still erratic at low speed. It works great at mid-rang and high. I wish there was some way to change the gearing. I guess I will just have to live with it.

Thanks again for the help.

Jake

FixerDave wrote:

Hi, Jake,

Another possibility...

I had a very similar erratic-motor problem on my X-axis power feed (made in China). It was also regularly tripping my ground-fault interruptor...which gave me a clue. My unit's problem turned out to be the motor: dirty/oily motor brush holders and a dirty/oily rotor commutator ring. I removed the brushes, partly disassembled the motor by removing the end-plate, and removed the rotor, being very careful not to damage the exposed fine wires on the stator. I cleaned the rotor commutator with a toothbrush and a little denatured alcohol...it needs to dry water and oil free. Then I removed and cleaned the brush holders in the same way...also the carbon brushes. (On my unit the brush holders had to be unsoldered from their wires to allow complete removal.) I let the parts dry thoroughly. After reassembling the motor the power feed ran very smoothly at all speeds, with no more interruptor tripping.

Thanks Patrick,

My brushes looked pretty good, but I never checked the commutator. I will have to give it a look.

Jake

Patrick Mullarky wrote:

Hey Patrick, You nailed it. I looked at the commutator and it didn't look too bad, but I cleaned it anyway. The results were very good. The drive works much better. Thanks for the help.

Jake > Thanks Patrick,