I have a 1914 American Woodworking Machinery 16" jointer.

440 V, 3hp, 3Ph.

Magnetic starter needs to be replaced.  after pushing start button, the round contacts go forward but do not stay seated.

When pushing the start button electric arc can be seen in the back of the box.

I have been able to get it and keep it running but requires manipulation of the contacts.

Also, takes about 30-45 sec for it to get warm and running.

Any ideas on who/where I can get a replacement?

Or can anyone see how this switch can be fixed?

Welcome to The Patriot Woodworker Phil. Glad you found us and great you jumped right into the mix. Hope to see more of your projects, shop and interests here.

 

The question(s) you asked are pretty much out of my wheelhouse, but one suggestion is to search for an Allen-Bradley Commercial account sales center in your region. I'd be surprised if they couldn't help.

 

Here in Indiana, KR Supply is the go-to. (I have no association to this company). Good luck and please keep us posted on the progress. 

 

Edit add: BTW, sweet looking piece of old machinery. Great save.

Edit #2: fixed KR Link

Edited July 7, 20223 yr by Grandpadave52

Welcome aboard. I am not the expert but looks like any magnetic switch should work. May have to replace the box, not sure if they come with that. If you are trying to keep the original look may be difficult to get exact match to buttons. It may?? be possible to replace guts and reuse the buttons but as I said no expert there. You might also look at Grainger.

Try here-  https://www.grainger.com/

Is this a commercial shop or a shop at your house? I had three phase at the go cart track but it cost an arm and a leg to have it at our house after we moved to the lake so I figure you are just rebuilding old machines and it just happens to have a 3 phase motor?  So whats wrong with changing it over to a 220-240 motor and forget the 3 phase? 

 thinking out loud that it might be less money plus almost any one who might look at the machine later on could use it at their home shop but being 3 phase would scare most folks away. Also your motor might be the problem and not the starter box!

  So do let us know how you go about solving your problem.......

If it starts and runs when you press the start button, but stops when you release the start button, it may be the holding contact is gone. I think that starter might predate me. Am I correct in thinking you are using a transformer and a converter to make the 3 phase, 480 volt?

This is my woodshop, 30x30.  I did have to add the transformer and converter just to power the machine. The machine has not been refurbished.  From what I can tell it is all original.  Does not look like the motor has ever been removed. So I have been hesitant to take it apart/rebuild.  It makes wood flat.

I'll look at Grainger, thanks.

I do not know what a holding contact might look like, but it makes sense as the contacts pop out easily.

Welcome to the site Phil.

Have you tried cleaning the contacts? Could also be a bad heater tripping the contacts.

If you're on a budget check ebay! for a replacement.

Neighbor needed a similar obsolete NLA control for the Air-Handler next door in the old school building.

Something new that would require rewiring the system was pushing the $600.00 range.

Found him a used replacement on ebay for under $50.00.

 

BTW nice machine.