Has anyone used a washing machine motor befor? I will be building a small 1x42" detail sander and have a couple of old washing machine motors.

I would hate to buy a new motor, but can't figure out how to hook up the multiple wires coming out of it. I have an old motor doing duty as a buffer, but it only had three wires, this one has five! I am afraid the capacitor is in the washing machine wireing harness somewhere.

Any ideas?

The last washing machine motor that I used said "Maytag" and had a carburator & a kick starter. Worked good on my go cart as a kid though. Guess I'm showing my age.

Sorry. I just couldn't resist.

Gary

:rollin: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :rollin:

William, not an exact science without wiring diagrams but some of the info here; www.metalwebnews.com/howt...c-mtr.html (http://www.metalwebnews.com/howto/elec-mtr/elec-mtr.html)
might help.
Regards,Greg

Washing machine motors sometimes have more than one speed, too.
I use one for a fan motor in my shop.(exhaust fan)

Let me guess, each wire is solid black with NO markings, right?(or is that just my luck)
You WILL need the capacitor for it too. That kind of motor won't start without that extra boost of power.
I wish I could help more.

Dont know if this will help,but.shop.emotorstore.com/esto...agrams.asp (http://shop.emotorstore.com/estore/TD_Schematic_Diagrams.asp)

Well, got the wireing diagram, hooked one up and it worked, then it started smoking.

Don't know, will try again in the moring.

I have a washing machine motor set up as a horizontal disk sander with a 8 inch pad on it. I have'nt really studyed the wiring,but connecting two wires got the motor to hum..then spun the wheel byhand and it started up,nice thingabout it depending on which way you spin makes it reversible,,been using it several years works excellent with no problems,probley should have a capacator wired in...

Allan,
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Allen,
The capacitor just helps it get started and then kicks off.(in theory)
I didn't know that they were reversible without one.
I knew you could change the field coil wires and change the direction that way.
We learn something new every day, Huh?
Anyway, come and make yourself at home here at CKD.
It is a great bunch of guys (and gals) to work with.
We will help any way we can.