charlese wrote:Is it possible that after a great number of reversed polarities, the motor wiring was not ample in size, connections, windings to take the strain? Is there something about changes in magnetic fields that could, over a period of time, cause a resistance (ohms) to develop?
Over time but not as a function of time, a fully functional unit could certainly have deteriorated to the point where it would not work properly.
It sounds as though this happened to yours.
When I compare my experience with the Power Station to your experience with the Crafter's Station - the two seem to be completely different. My Power Station is as old as your CS would have been today and my Power Station is running fine. Knock on wood...knock, knock.
One question that your comments bring to mind....When you needed to reverse direction, were you faithful in turning off one function before you turned on the other.
Example: If you were using the Table Saw and then wanted to use the Sanding Disc, did you turn off the saw and let the blade come to a stop before you turned back on the sanding station (running in reverse direction).
If you did not, opposing magnetic fields would be developed (momentarily) and the start current being drawn would be significantly greater than normal. Over time, with repeated occurrences, this might have resulted in a deterioration that you could no longer accept.
I read your posts earlier, much earlier, regarding your past experience with the Crafter's Station. I then read the CS Manual to see if there is a Note, Caution or Warning that would advise an operator to let the machine come to a complete stop before changing direction. THERE IS NONE.
I would still like to get my hands on your defective motors. It would facilitate an interesting study.
Incidently, I went to a very reputable motor shop here in Tucson, today, to get the questionable motor checked. It is definitely bad; shorted windings. Cost to rewind - >$350; of course this would include new bearings.
I was ready to buy a new motor ($210.00 plus shipping), then and there. If I had it would have been a Baldor. I did not because the people there (there were three) all advised me to purchase an OEM (direct from Shopsmith). Who was I to argue with someone who was advising me to go purchase from someone else?
I am now waiting on an order from Shopsmith. I have just blown my budget for woodworking equipment and repairs. It will be another long dry spell. SWMBO just gritted her teeth and left the room when I told her what this was going to cost. But the taxes are all paid.