Warco WM14 mill electrical failure.

I was drilling some aluminium with my WM14 tonight (nothing arduous, 4mm) and I noticed that when I wound the speed pot up from zero sometimes the machine didn't immediately respond then 'jumped' up to speed. This happened maybe three times, then when it seemed to be drilling happily at a stable speed the workshop power tripped (RCCB).

I suppose it's the control board that's gone, but before I contact Warco to ask about a replacement I'd be interested if anyone could tell me if these symptoms are consistent with a failure of the control board, or if I should be looking elsewhere. Are there any tests I can do to track the fault down? I have a multimeter, but that's about it.

Robin.

Its possible that the speed control potentiometer has gone faulty, with an intermittent contact between the wiper and the track. A squirt of "Servisol" might fix it. If not a new potentiometer will be worth trying before splashing out on a new control board. Hope this helps.

Anthony

Although replacing the pot might be an idea, the fact that your RCCB tripped does indicate something a bit more worrying. From my experience with this machine, first have a good look around in control box for any dodgy / loose connections or connectors (may seem obvious, but I found one when I first had the machine). Also take the lid off the motor housing and check there is no chaffing around the motor cables where they come through the casting.

Best of luck, Mike

Thanks for replies. I guess I can make some basic checks for earth leakage with the multimeter, maybe it is just a dodgy connection. Unusually Sod's law was violated on this occasion. I was halfway though the last of a number of holes which had to be precisely located when the 'event' happened so I was able to finish with a drill press and carry on with the job. Done now, so I'll have a poke about and ask further questions if necessary..

Robin

Edited By Robin Graham on 21/03/2022 00:29:52

This is an old thread, but I've not needed to mill anything for a while and have only recently been forced to readdress the issue.

After much poking about I eventually discovered that some swarf had somehow found its way into the motor/spindle top housing. It seems that the tachometer disc (mounted on the top of the spindle) was picking up small pieces and flinging them at the unprotected tachometer pickup interface board. I actually saw a flash from the board coincident with the RCD tripping, which was what put me onto it.

A good clean up seems to have fixed things. It was that simple!

Robin.

Well done Robin. It must be very satisfying when giving a machine a bit of poking about results in saving the cost of an expensive spare part. And thanks for coming back and reporting the outcome of the original post.

Jim

Yes, Thanks for the update.

Nice to know that the problem has been solved.

And it may help others who experience a similar problem, adding to our "corporate" store of knowledge.

Howard

Yes thanks for the update - something to watch out for.

regards Mike