Axminster piller drill wont start but humms…

[jon hill 3Participant @jonhill3]

I was given the task of repairing a fairly new piller drill which wont start but humms. What should I look out for in diagnosing the problem?

For reference the piller drill is an Axminster craft ac285pd.

[jon hill 3Participant @jonhill3]

non starting piller drill / motor issue

[Clive FosterParticipant @clivefoster55965]

It's a single phase motor with capacitor odds are its something wrong with the centrifugal starter winding switch gear inside or a wiring connection issue with the capacitor. If its fairly new the capacitor should be fine but sometime you do get infant mortality where one just dies at not very old.

Test is to get the spindle spinning and see if it picks up and goes when you hit start.

Sometimes its a contactor coil issue. Taking current but not enough to operate it. Not unknown when someone has done a three phase to single phase conversion on an old machine without noticing the contactor coil is 440 volts. Which shouldn't apply here unless someone has changed the contactor without checking coil voltages. I have seen one where the innards weren't lined up and there was enough mechanical ressistance to top the contactor working. Not quite tight enough screws let things shift over the years.

Clive

Edited By Clive Foster on 09/12/2022 12:45:47

[Martin Johnson 1Participant @martinjohnson1]

Probably the capacitor in the motor has failed. Could also be the centrifugal switch.

Martin

[EmgeeParticipant @emgee]

Hi Jon

Whoever tasked you to repair the drill must have some confidence in your ability to effect a repair so I find it strange you would need to ask such a question, unless of course you are just seeking confirmation of your diagnosis.

As said by others check the capacitor if fitted and the centrifugal switch for correct connections and operation.

Emgee

[jon hill 3Participant @jonhill3]

I have posted some pics in my axminster folder if anyone is interested. According to the rating plate it was made in 2018 so would that indicate that the motor is under rated for its intended use, ie woodwork and occasional bits of mild steel? The motor is single phase 250w declared rating, could I consider a more powerful single phase upgrade?

[Dave HalfordParticipant @davehalford22513]

As it hums, twisting the chuck by hand might start it. If so the capacitor hiding under the motor plate sticker is usually dead.

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

Slip the belt off and see if it starts ? DO NOT leave it on for more than 5 secs if it does not start as you will cook the start windings. StaRT CAPACITOR or centrifugal switch is the most likely cause. Noel.

[jon hill 3Participant @jonhill3]

I tried spinning up the motor but nothing happend. As this looks like a cheap motor where can I source a suitable replacement? Can I upgrade the power with say a 350w single phase motor instead of the 250w supplied.

Also when the belt is set to the slowest / high torque setting the tension on the belt seams overly tight compared to other belt setting.

[Mike HurleyParticipant @mikehurley60381]

Likely The motor is cream-crackered if you've tried all previous suggestions. Unless you are lucky and fall on a second hand motor, you will need to buy a replacement which will not be cheap even from eBay. Places like Machine Mart offer a range for example. I would speak to the owner and indicate the cost and if it is realistic to spend that much £ when a new, better powered machine could probably be bought for not a lot extra?

Regards Mike

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