Lapidaryforum.net
Gadgets, Gizmos, and Dohickeys => Fixing, Modifying and Refurbishing your Lapidary Equipment => Topic started by: Bluetangclan on November 30, 2018, 04:17:37 PM
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I have a Hightech 6" variable speed saw. Its barely functioning at this point, powering up and powering down. Barely will cut the softest stone and I can stop it with my finger(on the side). I think its the 1/4th hp motor. Does anyone have a source for these motors? Is it worth even replacing it?
Saw is a no name. Looks exactly like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Hi-Tech-Diamond-Lapidary-Cutting-Trimming/dp/B01N9USCHR/ref=sr_1_8?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1543622996&sr=1-8&keywords=1%2F4+hp%2C+heavy-duty%2C+ball+bearing+motor+in+variable+speed
Mine doesnt have numbers on the variable speed dial.
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You could probably get a replacement motor from Hi Tech:
https://hitechdiamond.com/product-category/lap-machines/
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Its a Hitech clone and Hitech doesnt sell motors. They insist on installing replacements themselves at $175 no less. I just need to be able to order a motor so I can get it going quickly.
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amazon sells motors..
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=1%2F4+hp+electric+motor
You would have to get yhe specs off of yours.
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Ill unstrap it and cut the wires. From what I can see of it there isnt any markings. But some of those look like they would work. Yay, new project for the morning. If not I might be able to talk my wife into a 10" saw replacement :P
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The problem almost certainly is not the motor but the variable speed control. There are many ways these can work but most of them are inexpensive. A good control on the other hand would account for a large part of that high priced Hi Tech. Open it up and see what you have. It could be something as simple as a burned resister.
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if you were in the seattle area, McLendons hardware carries small electric motors in the electrical area
Take a photo of the motor and post it please?
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i bet it just needs new brushes and the armature cleaned up.
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I am on the exact opposite corner of the country in Orlando. Headed out to have a look
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Come to find out, it is a Hitech 60hz motor. Whats a good replacement, since I am not paying almost more than I bought it for for them to replace it?
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Another total pic
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There's a Grainger Supply store in Orlando. You might take the motor to them and see if they can help. They have a huge stock of stuff like that.
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I'll give Grainger a try tomorrow. Its about an hour away but even with gas and tolls a new motor there would be cheaper than a new saw.
Question, would a 10" saw serve as a trim saw or is it too big?
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Grainger was unfortunately a failed 45 minute drive. They dont carry any motors of that horsepower in a size small enough. The closest(and really only option) was a 1/20HP :(
Still hunting some of my friends to find a used saw at a decent price. Trying to decide whether a 6" saw or a 10" saw would suit my needs better if I do have to go new.
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I see on ebay people selling those little motors with what looks like the knobby on the shaft already
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/SEWING-MACHINE-MOTOR-w-LARGE-foot-PEDAL-FOR-SINGER-HA1-66-99K-15-CLASS/272931126758?epid=1031837551&hash=item3f8bf67de6:g:8ScAAOSwPe1UAQrp
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Since I was on ebay checking your link, my wife is on board with me getting a new saw. Money isnt tight but we have a lot to spend on since I just got back from deployment. How is this saw?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Covington-6-Rock-Trim-Saw-Lapidary-Glass-New-497fsm/201604579602?hash=item2ef091c112:g:X-4AAOxyfSpSTZYc:rk:32:pf:0
It seems a bit more robust than a hitech with a bigger motor.
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Have never used a Covington, but any trim saw like this with a "swamp cooler" motor that's easily replaced is good.
Here's another option: https://www.kingsleynorth.com/skshop/product.php?id=94066&catID=1036
We have the Rock Rascal here, and the cutting table is small but acceptable. The rim around the Covington table is lower, but a piece of plastic cutting board laid inside the rim works if you have a longer slab. Space between the front of the blade and the splash guard will be an issue with either one at times.
If you're willing to shop around for a while for a used 6" you might find a different brand with a larger table. We have an old Raytech here that I really like. More working area around the blade will be worth shopping around for.