Problem with my PM1130 lathe

J

javaduke

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I have this lathe for almost two years and generally very happy with it, but lately it developed a strange problem. If I start the lathe in normal direction, I hear the relay click but the spindle won't start. I have to switch it off and on again several times till it starts. If I start it in opposite direction, no problem. And it is intermittent, sometimes it starts for the first time but then refuses to start again. Sometimes it starts in a few seconds after I push the button. I removed the front panel to check the wires but they all seem to be ok. I did contact the PM support and they are investigating, but I was wondering if anyone here had the same problem and what would be steps to troubleshoot it.
I made a little video that illustrates the behavior:
 
The directional switch is probably faulty
See what type it is, amazon might have it
 
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I will check it again, but that doesn't explain why I still hear that relay click when I push the start button. If the switch was faulty, it wouldn't power up the relay?
 
I believe the direction switch is a ganged two-section switch;
one section closes the start relay in either direction, the other section gives the VFD the direction info
It does look like a special switch type though-
See what PM charges for it and the leadtime. Aliexpress might have it cheaper.
You might want to retrofit another switch that's easier to source.

There's a good chance it might just be a loose wire either at the switch or at the VFD
You might want to check that out- with power off of course
 
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OK, thanks, I just got the response from PM along the same lines, and you are right, I just looked at the wiring diagram. I will check the switch again, maybe just connect the wires directly for the test purpose and see what happens.
 
Yep it's a double pole, double throw, center off rotary switch, so nothing really exotic except maybe the panel mounting.
Aliexpress has a few that would do the job- I saw 16mm, 19mm and 22mm hole mounts. Light duty, low current, 3 position
A center off toggle would also work
 
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If only 2 years old, still under warranty, so PM should be sending a replacement switch.
 
PM did send me a replacement switch, but being impatient, I ordered the switches from Amazon ($12 for 10 pieces), replaced the switch this morning and everything looks good :) Thanks everyone!
 
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