the usual suggested 1st test is to disconnect the motor and replace with a 60-100W incandescent lamp – if the speed control alters the brilliance then you know the fault lies in the motor if not then somewhere in the control board tho that can be expensive to replace tho it may be as simple as a worn pot that controls the speed. I have a WM180 as well and was told always turn the pot to lowest speed before switching back on

Good morning Ken,

Had a similar issue with my WM250. Warco supplied a replacement speed control potentiometer under warranty and it fixed the problem. Contact cleaner might work if you could get it onto the track.

did you try the lamp test? – a squirt of switch cleaner on the pot might well suffice (buy a spray can of servistol or similar from RS or Farnell)

Warco is generally very helpful and once this lockdown is over (if ever) it might well be worth a visit if phone/emails aren’t successful

The fact that it still actually runs tells me the circuit board isn't dead. As suggested check the potentiometer, it is well known that they are a bit crap. Even if you have to replace it, it shouldn't cost more than about a tenner.

Edited By Hollowpoint on 18/02/2021 15:45:19

Ken,

The Operator Manual for my Sieg C3 (Brushed DC motor ) mini lathe specifically warns that the speed must be set to Zero before starting the lathe. I always bring the speed to Zero before starting or stopping the lathe.

" CAUTION Always turn the speed control to the minimum speed position before starting lathe Starting the lathe with the speed control set to a higher speed can damage the sped control circuit board"

Ketan at Arc Euro suggested feeding the power through a surge protector. so bought a short extension lead with one built in.

Your lathe was not made by Sieg but the basic designs are probably very similar, no doubt the same precautions should be taken

Howard.