What was this originally?

[Brian_B_]

Hello all,

A lady gave me this. I know they have been using it as a bench grinder (very unsafe!).

The electric motor is very heavy and has no markings that I can find. The cord appears to be factory and has some sort of strange box in the middle (no switches or anything).

I have not even cleaned it off yet. It does run though.

Any clue what it started life as?

Close up of the "box"

 

[billymade]

Idk if it is the same company; but aircap industries got bought out by MTD, aparently, they made/make lawn/garden equipment...

http://www.manta.com/c/mmd84tj/aircap-industries-inc

Acquired by MTD in 1986

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTD_Products

Maybe it is lawn equipment related somehow?

 

[daveroy]

That plug box looks just like hte one on my Grandmas ELECRIC push mower when I was a young teenager... Im betting it used to cut grass.

 

[Steevo]

I think someone re-purposed the power cord from an electric mower onto an old washing machine or other appliance motor.

 

[Brian_B_]

That could be Steevo.

Apparently the cord is from some old mower of some sort. Thanks guys!

The cord has a molded rubber grommet on the motor end that fits the hole perfectly. I have never seen an appliance motor weight this much nor be as sealed up as this is. I don't think the motor came off of something light duty.

It is an interesting freeby. Just not sure what i am going to do with it yet.

 

[WWIIjeep]

I have never seen an appliance motor weight this much nor be as sealed up as this is. I don't think the motor came off of something light duty.

Looks like a 1940s-50s vintage GE 1/6, 1/4 or 1/3 HP motor. Like Steevo said, maybe a washing machine, or maybe a furnace blower motor, or various other things.

Not unusual to see one re-purposed as a grinder. Lots of people bought a threaded shaft adapter from a hardware store and turned old motors into grinders or wire brushes or buffers. Not the best use, but real grinders were expensive and DIYers used what they could find for less.

The motor is twisted on the mounting cradle. The vents should be facing straight down, and the flip-top oilers facing straight up. Loosen the clamp screws on each end of the cradle and you can rotate the motor to where it should be.

Motors were heavy back then because they were made out of cast iron, copper and steel, not aluminum, plastic and sheet metal.

 

[Brian_B_]

Looks like a 1940s-50s vintage GE 1/6, 1/4 or 1/3 HP motor. Like Steevo said, maybe a washing machine, or maybe a furnace blower motor, or various other things.

Not unusual to see one re-purposed as a grinder. Lots of people bought a threaded shaft adapter from a hardware store and turned old motors into grinders or wire brushes or buffers. Not the best use, but real grinders were expensive and DIYers used what they could find for less.

The motor is twisted on the mounting cradle. The vents should be facing straight down, and the flip-top oilers facing straight up. Loosen the clamp screws on each end of the cradle and you can rotate the motor to where it should be.

Motors were heavy back then because they were made out of cast iron, copper and steel, not aluminum, plastic and sheet metal.

I will go look at it tomorrow and see about turning it. Thanks.

I do not want to use it as a grinder. However, maybe a buffing wheel?

 

[JeremyManning]

Looks a lot like mine I got it at a yard sale as well, I agree not the safest but it does the job.

 

[WWIIjeep]

I will go look at it tomorrow and see about turning it. Thanks.

After you straighten it up, add a few drops of oil in the two oilers on the top. The motor has sleeve bearings and may be thirsty. SAE 10 or SAE 20 oil. 3-in-1 actually has an oil specifically for electric motors. It's heavier than regular 3-in-1 and IIRC, it comes in a blue can instead of red. Not necessary to have that particular product though--any light oil will be better than nothing.

I do not want to use it as a grinder. However, maybe a buffing wheel?

That works. The motor is probably 1725 RPM, so it will run slower than the average purpose-built buffer (3450 RPM), but there are times when a slower buffing speed is appropriate.

 

[Outlawmws]

That could be Steevo.

Apparently the cord is from some old mower of some sort. Thanks guys!

The cord has a molded rubber grommet on the motor end that fits the hole perfectly. I have never seen an appliance motor weight this much nor be as sealed up as this is. I don't think the motor came off of something light duty.

It is an interesting freeby. Just not sure what i am going to do with it yet.

Buffer is a good re-purpose, I have one about like that I use with a fine wire wheel for cleaning stuff up, but be warned, they still throw wires as they weaken from flexing, so be sure to wear eye/face protection...

 

[Brian_B_]

Buffer is a good re-purpose, I have one about like that I use with a fine wire wheel for cleaning stuff up, but be warned, they still throw wires as they weaken from flexing, so be sure to wear eye/face protection...

Agreed! I do not plan on a wire wheel on this.

I know how those wheels are.