Washing machine motor

Advert

New Replies

Report Bug

Help/FAQs

Washing machine motor

This topic has 16 replies, 13 voices, and was last updated 1 December 2018 at 14:19 by Michael Gilligan.

Viewing 17 posts - 1 through 17 (of 17 total)

Author

Posts
30 November 2018 at 10:12 #383028
Ian Skeldon 2
Participant
@ianskeldon2
Hi,

This is at the moment a theoretical question, I have been given an old hotpoint washing machine (about eight years old) because it has corroded around the door seal and leaks like a good un. The motor does run nicely.

Is there any value in removing the motor for future workshop use? If so do I need to take out all of the wiring and use it as is or can I simply find which wires I can connect straight up to 240v? I realise this will give a single speed by the way but is it worth the effort or do I just give the scrap man a call?

PS I do have a muli-meter and at the moment haven't looked to see if it's brushed or brushless.

Thanks for any opinions on this.
Advert

30 November 2018 at 10:12 #31991
Ian Skeldon 2
Participant
@ianskeldon2
30 November 2018 at 10:28 #383032
Nick Clarke 3
Participant
@nickclarke3
At that age the motor almost certainly uses brushes.

It may not be single speed as washing machines do run at several speeds, but as for connections I have no idea
30 November 2018 at 10:43 #383038
Oldiron
Participant
@oldiron
A spare motor is always useful. Could be used for a belt sander or a wire brush spindle both of which I have built using washing machine motors. Plenty of video's on YouTube how to wire them up whether they are 3/5 or 7 wire units. Just take the attached plug and as long a length of the cable you can get to.

regards
30 November 2018 at 10:48 #383041
J Hancock
Participant
@jhancock95746
In a workshop that type of motor is a 'death trap' waiting to happen.

My vote, bin it.
30 November 2018 at 11:06 #383043
AJW
Participant
@ajw
Washing machine motors used to be great, typically 1/4 or 1/3 hp Hoover type induction motors – ideal for lathes, mills etc.
Modern motors are very clever at being able to run at a variety of speeds/directions but you need all the electronics to control it, plus they are very ‘open frame’ having the ability to let in vast amounts of swarf and dirt plus of course, fingers!
Think I would give it a miss!

Alan
30 November 2018 at 11:45 #383045
John Rudd
Participant
@johnrudd16576
There's no reason not to use it as the motive power for a sawbench….

If you can identify the wires for the field winding and brush connections…..there's usually a tachogenerator on the end of the nde of the motor casing…not needed….as for open frame, well nowt wrong with a few bits of perspex for makeshift covers…..Depends on how creative and adventurous you are…..
30 November 2018 at 11:49 #383047
john fletcher 1
Participant
@johnfletcher1
A few years ago there was an article in MEW magazine on the wiring and alterations needed to use these modern brush motors in the workshop. Unfortunately they armature etc are fully exposed and are noisy at 1500rpm. The older Hoover induction motors were different, fully enclosed 1425 rpm and would run quietly all day.
30 November 2018 at 12:17 #383052
not done it yet
Participant
@notdoneityet
Have to disagree with John and the sawbench idea as it might drive a tiny blade – but most sawbench motors will be about three times more powerful and probably a lot more.

Yes to a belt sander, but not too hefty on belt size.

Low power motors are abundant and cheap, so the cost of safey screening might exceed the cost of a normal second hand item.

Tumble dryer motors may be a simpler option for a low power drive.
30 November 2018 at 14:01 #383062
Pete Berry
Participant
@peteberry
I have used a washing machine motor to provide a variable speed drive for my milling machine. I designed a back gear gear box which can be interchanged with the original induction motor. I built a new control board from an article in M E or NEW some years ago. Most of these motor have a tacho which will increase motor torque to maintain motor speed under load. If you interrested I can find the artical when I return home next week.

Regards Pete
30 November 2018 at 14:07 #383063
Ian Skeldon 2
Participant
@ianskeldon2
A good variety of opinions and suggestions for possible uses then, that's reassuring. Pete I would welcom anything useful and relavent to this task. I do take note of the cautions mentioned and would make sure that fire risk and risk of injury or harm is minimised.

Thank you to all contributors,

Ian
30 November 2018 at 16:46 #383080
Pete Berry
Participant
@peteberry
Hi Ian, I will resort out the info next week.
1 December 2018 at 10:53 #383156
larry phelan 1
Participant
@larryphelan1
I used to think that way too,at one time,but proper motors are easy enough to come by,so not worth the trouble.

As for using them on a saw bench ?????? You must be joking !!,nothing less than 1/2 hp would be any use for that,and then T,E,F,C.

Give it a new home——in the dump.
1 December 2018 at 11:00 #383158
Ian McVickers
Participant
@ianmcvickers56553
Washing machine motors are usually brush and open frame meaning they are not suitable for a workshop environment where it could attract dust and crap. Imagine say a sawbench creating fine dust and it settling around the commutator on the motor which is sparking away nicely when the motor is running. Bin it and get a motor suited for the application.
1 December 2018 at 11:09 #383162
Carl Wilson 4
Participant
@carlwilson4
Agreed. They are suitable for only one application which is the one that they are designed for. The be inside a washing machine.

They are built to a budget for a very specific application. So they aren’t really generic drive motors in the way an AC induction motor is.

As wasteful as it seems, the safe and best option is to recycle the whole machine. The motor will then be dealt with appropriately and may end up as a spare to repair someone else’s machine.
1 December 2018 at 13:33 #383186
John Rudd
Participant
@johnrudd16576
Posted by Ian McVickers on 01/12/2018 11:00:10:

Washing machine motors are usually brush and open frame meaning they are not suitable for a workshop environment where it could attract dust and crap. Imagine say a sawbench creating fine dust and it settling around the commutator on the motor which is sparking away nicely when the motor is running. Bin it and get a motor suited for the application.

Plenty of examples on Youtube where they have been used for powering a disc sander…

But I guess its what ever you are comfortable with…

Edited By John Rudd on 01/12/2018 13:34:15
1 December 2018 at 14:19 #383195
Michael Gilligan
Participant
@michaelgilligan61133
Posted by Ian McVickers on 01/12/2018 11:00:10:

Washing machine motors are usually brush

.

Really ?

MichaelG.

.

P.S. I do agree, of course, with your comment about the risk associated with open frames.
Author

Posts