Dominic Greco
>While finish turning a bowl (2) nights ago, the motor on my Jet 1236 Wood Lathe made a "popping" noise. I immediately killed the power and unplugged the unit. Visual inspection revealed that the starter capacitor was very warm to the touch. A burnt insualtion smell was also strongest in that area. After removing the belt guard, shroud, and fan, I blew the motor assembly out with compressed air. I saw no other obvious signs of damage.

I performed a brief operational test afterwards. The motor hesitated slighly before coming up to full speed. I limited this test to a couple of seconds for fear of damaging the windings further.

From my observations, I am almost sure that the starter capacitor had shorted out. Before I jump the gun, I would appreciate any input I could get here on this.

While I could probably order a new capacitor quite easily, it would take a week to get here. A local motor shop would probably have them in stock, but the nearest one is not far from my home. And they close way too early for me to get there in time after I get out of work. I have several unused capacitve start motors laying about the shop that may have a similar size starter capacitor on them. The only problem is that I have no idea what size is used on the Jet lathe's motor. The motor specs are:

3/4 HP
115V / 1 Ph / 60 Hz
TEFC
3600 RMPM (right?)

I have also tried calling Jet's Tool Doctor (1-800-538-8665) and the other number from their web site and I have gotten some mumbo jumbo on the other end. Is there a new number you should be dialing for this? Has anyone else had problems getting through to Jet's Customer Service?

So my questions are:

1.) Does my assumption that the starter capacitor is shot sound correct?
2.) Has anyone else with this Lathe experienced this kind of failure?
3.) Will a starter capacitor from a similar voltage 1HP motor work on this 3/4 HP motor?
4.) Does anyone know what size starter capacitor a 3/4Hp motor, with the specs above would take?

Thanks in advance!
Dominic Greco