Wolf bench grinder help needed

[Alx]

Hi guys,

I have an "old" single phase 8" Wolf bench grinder (made by KEF in Denmark) that I bought on ebay. It appeared to be working okay, although I didn't run it for long to make sure.

Over the last few days I've been using it on and off and noticed that it needs some help when starting - turning the switch on results in motionless humming and I need to spin the wheels to get it moving. The grinder has a capacitor in the bottom of the stand but I've no idea if it's actually working.

Yesterday, I used a wire wheel mounted to one end of the grinder to de-rust some parts and after very light action it slowed down somewhat and a little smoke came out of the opposite end.

I immediately switched it off - the grinder was very hot too. This morning I started it again and it seemed to be working okay but I don't know for how long.

The grinder spins freely when powered off and seems to be spinning fine, just needs a little push to start.

Anything I can do to fix it? I really like it and don't want to start looking for another grinder unless there's absolutely nothing I can do!

Many thanks.

 

[Pete.]

My old man had an old wolf bench grinder and it went bang one day - turns out it had a capacitor in the base that went bad. Given that yours will not self-start I would start by checking inside the base for a capacitor.

 

[rtbcomp]

Disconnect the capacitor and it should start OK with a spin and if it then runs OK but doesn't get hot I'd say the capacitor was going out, or the centrifugal switch inside the motor (if fitted) was jammed closed.

 

[DrNik]

if you let me know whats the capacitors size and uF i should have a spare, which i can send for cost of postage

 

[Alx]

Thanks for the input guys. I disconnected the capacitor, ran the grinder and white thick smoke is still coming out of it. I switched it off but it is noticeably warm.

The capacitor says 250V but uF value is unclear - it looks like second digit is 5, first one is not there anymore or maybe never even was there. Does it make sense?

Is it worth taking it apart and if yes, what shall I look for?

Many thanks again.

 

[ford34/2]

Options??

maybe not a lot of help, I had one did the exact same thing, didnt want to buy another bench grinder, but instead I stripped the lot down got rid of the armature, put a pully on the shaft, adapted the base plate mount where the capacitor used to be for the belt to come through, slipped a 1/2" section belt over and reassembled, it now has a dedicated motor below the grinders original casing +++ its got a bit more power than it had, and cost me zero other than time. I dont use a bench grinder too often and this is great.If I got a new one Id consider an 8" one.

Stan

 

[Pete.]

If it's let the smoke out of the motor with the capacitor disconnected then I'm afraid it's scrap.