Drill bogging down internally

[kjohnson1]

I have an old Craftsman 1/2" electric drill I bought when I was a teenager. I was just using it and had noticed the last few times that the motor was having a harder and harder time turning. Well now it's at a near standstill. Yes, I've smelled some warming up but stopped.

I wouldn't think brushes as the motor acts like its under a heavy load. thoughts?

 

[kjohnson1]

Checked the bearings on both ends of the motor and they turn freely. Brushes are good. Commutator segments are clean and isolated from each other.

 

[larry_g]

Sounds like it is time to clean and lube. The drill motor I bought as a teenager is nearing 50 years old, how old is yours?

lg
no neat sig line

 

[jallyn]

Checked the bearings on both ends of the motor and they turn freely. Brushes are good. Commutator segments are clean and isolated from each other.

+1. Check bearings first. Then brushes and commutator. I would think you need new brushes or the comm. needs cleaned.

 

[kjohnson1]

Sounds like it is time to clean and lube. The drill motor I bought as a teenager is nearing 50 years old, how old is yours?

lg
no neat sig line

I'd say it's nearing 25 years old.

 

[Richard Cranium]

check the bearings first.

 

[larry_g]

Checked the bearings on both ends of the motor and they turn freely. Brushes are good. Commutator segments are clean and isolated from each other.

Did you open the gear box and clean out the old grease and clean that all up? There may be 6 or more bearings in there that need help.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[kjohnson1]

I did everything suggested. It's not as bad but still slow and an immediate weird smell and white sparks flying inside. I'm beginning to wonder about the switch.

 

[jallyn]

I did everything suggested. It's not as bad but still slow and an immediate weird smell and white sparks flying inside. I'm beginning to wonder about the switch.

sparks would be coming from the brushes and commutator. the smell is ozone from the arcing, and maybe copper oxides as you are burning up your comm. go ahead and remove the brushes, resurface or replace them. and clean the comm. up as it is surely in need of that if you are smelling things and seeing lots of arcing/sparking.

 

[kjohnson1]

ok, just watched a video where the commutator was causing too much resistance. I'm going to clean that up.

 

[kjohnson1]

sparks would be coming from the brushes and commutator. the smell is ozone from the arcing, and maybe copper oxides as you are burning up your comm. go ahead and remove the brushes, resurface or replace them. and clean the comm. up as it is surely in need of that if you are smelling things and seeing lots of arcing/sparking.

I think you have nailed it my friend. Stay tuned.

 

[larry_g]

Also confirm that the brush springs have not overheated and lost tension. Weak springs can cause brush problems. Or if the brushes have worn enough that the spring is not long enough.

lg
no neat sigline