My old Victor track burner stopped working, anyone want to rebuild it?

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This is a Victor VU-150 track burner. Here's a shot of it cutting 1/4" plate in my shop:

It ran just as smooth as butter. Only it stopped working recently and I don't think I have the chops to fix it. It has a new rheostat in it. The Bodine DC gearmotor that's in it goes for over $100 on ebay. The schematic is available online. It's pretty simple. But the wiring inside is a rats nest and I don't want to deal with debugging or rebuilding. But it'd be really worth it.If you might have an interest, particularly if you live within driving distance of Seattle, PM me and we'll talk.metalmagpie
Reply:It sounds like need brushes in motor. I own one for about 30 years and used for both cutting and welding.Shipping is the down side they simply for me to repair.Dave

Originally Posted by metalmagpie

This is a Victor VU-150 track burner. Here's a shot of it cutting 1/4" plate in my shop:

It ran just as smooth as butter. Only it stopped working recently and I don't think I have the chops to fix it. It has a new rheostat in it. The Bodine DC gearmotor that's in it goes for over $100 on ebay. The schematic is available online. It's pretty simple. But the wiring inside is a rats nest and I don't want to deal with debugging or rebuilding. But it'd be really worth it.If you might have an interest, particularly if you live within driving distance of Seattle, PM me and we'll talk.metalmagpie
Reply:Wouldn't be surprised if Victor sourced it from someone else. Could be a DC drive and just needs brushes. Consider a new track burner is a few $$$ thousand.
Reply:The DC motor can be place with China made.I agree I would rebuild the brushes and turn the commutator and under cut mica.Dave

Originally Posted by Welder Dave

Wouldn't be surprised if Victor sourced it from someone else. Could be a DC drive and just needs brushes. Consider a new track burner is a few $$$ thousand.
Reply:

Originally Posted by smithdoor

The DC motor can be place with China made.I agree I would rebuild the brushes and turn the commutator and under cut mica.Dave
Reply:I still do I started on truck and tractor starters. I know my wife has never fill her car with gas ⛽ and we find one Dave

Originally Posted by SweetMK

It is fun seeing a post about turning a commutator,, and undercutting the mica,,we used to do that on car starters, and generators right at the gas station I worked at in the late 1950's,,Now, the place you get gas for your car has a ICEE Machine for cold drinks instead of a commutator lathe,,


Reply:Highly doubt it's the motor.
Reply:The motor controller is simple. They made two types one was variable ball and the other is variable transformer this type has a brush but if bad then it is replaced with electronic type.The only other thing is switches. What is your zip code? I will check on shipping that in most case the big cost. By time package it up should weigh around 50 pounds .A 1/2" plywood works and shippers want a cardboard box on out side. By or find a cardboard box first the build the plywood box to fit the cardboard box. Dave.

Originally Posted by metalmagpie

Highly doubt it's the motor.
Reply:Be for you ship check the fuse ,  switches they like automotive switch and the cord. This simple repair you can do and will save money. If it is cord it SOOJ 14 gauge. Dave

Originally Posted by metalmagpie

Highly doubt it's the motor.
Reply:If fuse is blown then is capacitor.The capacitor will loss oil then the fuse blowsThen both are simple to replace.You find the capacitor on Amazon (Oil filed 4 uF 440 volt capacitor) Dave

Originally Posted by metalmagpie

Highly doubt it's the motor.
Reply:No capacitor in circuit other than the ones integrated into the two bridge rectifiers.The fuse is fine. The rheostat is new and connected correctly.

Originally Posted by smithdoor

If fuse is blown then is capacitor.The capacitor will loss oil then the fuse blowsThen both are simple to replace.You find the capacitor on Amazon (Oil filed 4 uF 440 volt capacitor) Dave
Reply:

Originally Posted by smithdoor

The motor controller is simple. They made two types one was variable ball and the other is variable transformer this type has a brush but if bad then it is replaced with electronic type.The only other thing is switches. What is your zip code? I will check on shipping that in most case the big cost. By time package it up should weigh around 50 pounds .A 1/2" plywood works and shippers want a cardboard box on out side. By or find a cardboard box first the build the plywood box to fit the cardboard box. Dave.
Reply:That sounds like a older one can email the manual?Dave

Originally Posted by metalmagpie

My zip is 98033.Never heard of a variable ball. Mine's an autotransformer. Also, there are bridge rectifiers, switches, and a neon lamp in the circuit, plus wiring including a fuse. A solenoid valve pack was an option which mine didn't come with. However, I was going to add it and have already purchased the components.I'm going to want something besides shipping. Also, there are 4 lengths of track which have value but which would be hard to ship given that they are six feet long and about 8" wide. metalmagpie