Washing machine motor

Hi,

This is at the moment a theoretical question, I have been given an old hotpoint washing machine (about eight years old) because it has corroded around the door seal and leaks like a good un. The motor does run nicely.

Is there any value in removing the motor for future workshop use? If so do I need to take out all of the wiring and use it as is or can I simply find which wires I can connect straight up to 240v? I realise this will give a single speed by the way but is it worth the effort or do I just give the scrap man a call?

PS I do have a muli-meter and at the moment haven't looked to see if it's brushed or brushless.

Thanks for any opinions on this.

At that age the motor almost certainly uses brushes.

It may not be single speed as washing machines do run at several speeds, but as for connections I have no idea

A spare motor is always useful. Could be used for a belt sander or a wire brush spindle both of which I have built using washing machine motors. Plenty of video's on YouTube how to wire them up whether they are 3/5 or 7 wire units. Just take the attached plug and as long a length of the cable you can get to.

regards

In a workshop that type of motor is a 'death trap' waiting to happen.

My vote, bin it.

There's no reason not to use it as the motive power for a sawbench....

If you can identify the wires for the field winding and brush connections.....there's usually a tachogenerator on the end of the nde of the motor casing...not needed....as for open frame, well nowt wrong with a few bits of perspex for makeshift covers.....Depends on how creative and adventurous you are.....

A few years ago there was an article in MEW magazine on the wiring and alterations needed to use these modern brush motors in the workshop. Unfortunately they armature etc are fully exposed and are noisy at 1500rpm. The older Hoover induction motors were different, fully enclosed 1425 rpm and would run quietly all day.

Have to disagree with John and the sawbench idea as it might drive a tiny blade - but most sawbench motors will be about three times more powerful and probably a lot more.

Yes to a belt sander, but not too hefty on belt size.

Low power motors are abundant and cheap, so the cost of safey screening might exceed the cost of a normal second hand item.

Tumble dryer motors may be a simpler option for a low power drive.

I have used a washing machine motor to provide a variable speed drive for my milling machine. I designed a back gear gear box which can be interchanged with the original induction motor. I built a new control board from an article in M E or NEW some years ago. Most of these motor have a tacho which will increase motor torque to maintain motor speed under load. If you interrested I can find the artical when I return home next week.

Regards Pete

A good variety of opinions and suggestions for possible uses then, that's reassuring. Pete I would welcom anything useful and relavent to this task. I do take note of the cautions mentioned and would make sure that fire risk and risk of injury or harm is minimised.

Thank you to all contributors,

Ian

Hi Ian, I will resort out the info next week.

I used to think that way too,at one time,but proper motors are easy enough to come by,so not worth the trouble.

As for using them on a saw bench ?????? You must be joking !!,nothing less than 1/2 hp would be any use for that,and then T,E,F,C.

Give it a new home------in the dump.

Washing machine motors are usually brush and open frame meaning they are not suitable for a workshop environment where it could attract dust and crap. Imagine say a sawbench creating fine dust and it settling around the commutator on the motor which is sparking away nicely when the motor is running. Bin it and get a motor suited for the application.

Plenty of examples on Youtube where they have been used for powering a disc sander...

But I guess its what ever you are comfortable with...

Edited By John Rudd on 01/12/2018 13:34:15

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Really ?

MichaelG.

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P.S. I do agree, of course, with your comment about the risk associated with open frames.