Poor Generator Practice

[Tom Wesenberg]

Here's another example of extreme commutator cutting. Notice the small diameter of the commutator and the large gap between the brush holder and commutator. Even though the brush may look full length the spring is almost hitting it's stop, so the brushes will have a short service life. The brush holder also appears to be off center, which makes the problem worse. This generator is on ebay right now.

A properly restored or repaired generator doesn't mean the commutator has to be cut. They only need to be cut if they are rough or have a burned segment, or have runout.

[montanafordman]

This isn't the only seller I have seen who goes on about their decades of experience rebuilding generators and has questionable parts and/or shoddy work as a result. Unfortunately I've been burned in a similar manner. Someone can find a junk generator at a swap meet and do his homework in the process and with an eye for detail do a far better job than many so called "professionals." Just because someone has years of doing something doesn't mean they do it well or care - that's up to the individual. I've been fooled once.

[quickchange]

Tom , Well done , great pictures . Where do you get the 5 brush brushes from ??Don,t see them listed in catalogs ? Have about 10 power houses laying here if anyone wants , freight could be a little pricey ??

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by quickchange

Tom , Well done , great pictures . Where do you get the 5 brush brushes from ??Don,t see them listed in catalogs ? Have about 10 power houses laying here if anyone wants , freight could be a little pricey ??

I haven't needed any for some time, but do need to find a good source or make my own by cutting down a larger brush and reuse the wire and terminal from the worn brush. Drill a small hole and use a small brass screw to hold the wire in place. About 15 years ago I had a powerhouse where someone had done that for a brush set.

[tbirdtbird]

that commutator has been waay undercut....

[Jon]

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This isn't the only seller I have seen who goes on about their decades of experience rebuilding generators and has questionable parts and/or shoddy work as a result. Unfortunately I've been burned in a similar manner. Someone can find a junk generator at a swap meet and do his homework in the process and with an eye for detail do a far better job than many so called "professionals." Just because someone has years of doing something doesn't mean they do it well or care - that's up to the individual. I've been fooled once. [/QUOTE]

I was taught that: "Practice doesn't make perfect, only perfect practice makes perfect."

[QGolden]

Thank you Tom, I appreciate the time you take to share.

[pat in Santa Cruz]

what a shame a good generator is virtually ruined by an amateur BS'er, who also takes the innocent hobbyist's money. Thank you Tom for the informative post, and for explaining to us what to look for so we don't get burned by these guys.

[Mafman]

Great posts, Tom. Thanks for the great generator lessons!