Jointer: Won't Turn on
If your jointer won't turn on, not to worry, it doesn't mean the end of its life. Our expert technicians have put together the most common parts that are related to this problem. Once you have figured out which part is causing the problem, let us walk you through the DIY repair process. Read our easy-to-follow instructions on how to fix your jointer, you might be surprised how easy it is.
Carbon Brushes
Carbon brushes supply electricity to the armature by riding on the commutator. When the brushes are worn, they will prevent the motor from running. To check and replace the carbon brushes, access the motor by removing any necessary panels. Locate the motor and the brush holders close to the rear of the motor. Unplug the electrical terminal and press the tab down on the brush holder with a screwdriver in order to remove the holder assembly. Brushes 1/8 of an inch, or less, are worn out and require replacement. Depending on the motor, some brush holders are an all-in-one unit while others only require you to replace the brush. Always replace brushes in pairs. Install the new brush assembly in the motor and reattach the electrical connector. Reassemble any panels.
Carbon brushes supply electricity to the armature by riding on the commutator. When the brushes are worn, they will prevent the motor from running. To check and replace the carbon brushes, access the motor by removing any necessary panels. Locate the motor and the brush holders close to the rear of the motor. Unplug the electrical terminal and press the tab down on the brush holder with a screwdriver in order to remove the holder assembly. Brushes 1/8 of an inch, or less, are worn out and require replacement. Depending on the motor, some brush holders are an all-in-one unit while others only require you to replace the brush. Always replace brushes in pairs. Install the new brush assembly in the motor and reattach the electrical connector. Reassemble any panels.
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Motors
The electric motor drives the entire unit. If the motor is just making a humming sound, or no sound, and is accompanied by no movement, then there is an internal problem. You will need to access the motor by removing all necessary panels. This will vary on different models. Examine the out-casing of the motor. Burnt paint on sections of the motor indicates excessive heat spots.
Next, check the bearings as bearing failure is a big cause of motor failure. Spin the shaft of the motor – looking closely. Watch, feel and listen for any indications of rubbing, scraping or unevenness of the spinning rotor. The rotor should spin quietly, freely and evenly. Next, push and pull the shaft in and out of the frame. A small amount of movement in and out – should be less than 1/8 of an inch – is permitted, but the closer to zero...
Next, check the bearings as bearing failure is a big cause of motor failure. Spin the shaft of the motor – looking closely. Watch, feel and listen for any indications of rubbing, scraping or unevenness of the spinning rotor. The rotor should spin quietly, freely and evenly. Next, push and pull the shaft in and out of the frame. A small amount of movement in and out – should be less than 1/8 of an inch – is permitted, but the closer to zero...
The electric motor drives the entire unit. If the motor is just making a humming sound, or no sound, and is accompanied by no movement, then there is an internal problem. You will need to access the motor by removing all necessary panels. This will vary on different models. Examine the out-casing of the motor. Burnt paint on sections of the motor indicates excessive heat spots.
Next, check the bearings as bearing failure is a big cause of motor failure. Spin the shaft of the motor – looking closely. Watch, feel and listen for any indications of rubbing, scraping or unevenness of the spinning rotor. The rotor should spin quietly, freely and evenly. Next, push and pull the shaft in and out of the frame. A small amount of movement in and out – should be less than 1/8 of an inch – is permitted, but the closer to zero is the best. A motor that has bearing-related issues when running, will be loud and will overheat the bearings, potentially failing catastrophically.
To check the motor windings, locate the two wires going in the motor. Set your multimeter to an ohmmeter and place the leads from the multimeter to each end of the wire. The ohmmeter should give you a high reading. If the reading is low, or zero, then you have an open winding inside the motor and the motor needs to be replaced. With one lead of the multimeter on the one wire end from the motor, touch the other end to the motor body – there should not be continuity here. Check both wires with this procedure. If the multimeter gives you a reading, you have a ground inside the motor winding and the motor requires replacement.
To replace a motor, ensure the unit is unplugged for your safety. Disconnect the electrical wires and loosen the bolts on the motor. Now, walk the belt off the motor pulley. Continue to remove the motor bolts. Once removed, replace with a new motor and fasten it down. Reattach the belt by walking it over the pulley. Reattach the electrical connections.
Next, check the bearings as bearing failure is a big cause of motor failure. Spin the shaft of the motor – looking closely. Watch, feel and listen for any indications of rubbing, scraping or unevenness of the spinning rotor. The rotor should spin quietly, freely and evenly. Next, push and pull the shaft in and out of the frame. A small amount of movement in and out – should be less than 1/8 of an inch – is permitted, but the closer to zero is the best. A motor that has bearing-related issues when running, will be loud and will overheat the bearings, potentially failing catastrophically.
To check the motor windings, locate the two wires going in the motor. Set your multimeter to an ohmmeter and place the leads from the multimeter to each end of the wire. The ohmmeter should give you a high reading. If the reading is low, or zero, then you have an open winding inside the motor and the motor needs to be replaced. With one lead of the multimeter on the one wire end from the motor, touch the other end to the motor body – there should not be continuity here. Check both wires with this procedure. If the multimeter gives you a reading, you have a ground inside the motor winding and the motor requires replacement.
To replace a motor, ensure the unit is unplugged for your safety. Disconnect the electrical wires and loosen the bolts on the motor. Now, walk the belt off the motor pulley. Continue to remove the motor bolts. Once removed, replace with a new motor and fasten it down. Reattach the belt by walking it over the pulley. Reattach the electrical connections.
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Power Cords
A shorted-out power cord will not be able to supply power to the electric motor and can also become a safety hazard. Examine the cord for any cuts, frays, exposed wires and anything else out of the ordinary. Replace the cord, if you notice any of these signs. Unplug the unit. Remove any panels necessary to access the connection points of the power cord. Disconnect the cord at the terminals, inside the jointer (usually at the switch). Remove and attach the new cord and reassemble the access panel.
A shorted-out power cord will not be able to supply power to the electric motor and can also become a safety hazard. Examine the cord for any cuts, frays, exposed wires and anything else out of the ordinary. Replace the cord, if you notice any of these signs. Unplug the unit. Remove any panels necessary to access the connection points of the power cord. Disconnect the cord at the terminals, inside the jointer (usually at the switch). Remove and attach the new cord and reassemble the access panel.
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Switches
A broken switch will not transmit power. To test for a possible broken switch, and to replace it, unplug the unit. Remove the switch from the unit, which will vary on all units. Disconnect the electrical connectors. Attach a multimeter set to an ohmmeter and each wire on the switch to check for continuity. The switch should read infinity or zero in the off position. When pressed, you should get a reading. If you do not get a reading in the on position, replace the switch. Connect the electrical connections to the new switch, install the switch and test.
A broken switch will not transmit power. To test for a possible broken switch, and to replace it, unplug the unit. Remove the switch from the unit, which will vary on all units. Disconnect the electrical connectors. Attach a multimeter set to an ohmmeter and each wire on the switch to check for continuity. The switch should read infinity or zero in the off position. When pressed, you should get a reading. If you do not get a reading in the on position, replace the switch. Connect the electrical connections to the new switch, install the switch and test.
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Keys
The switch key is a safety tool for unauthorized use of the tool. If the switch key is missing, it will prevent the jointer from running. You will have to purchase a new switch key and install it in order to get the unit to operate.
The switch key is a safety tool for unauthorized use of the tool. If the switch key is missing, it will prevent the jointer from running. You will have to purchase a new switch key and install it in order to get the unit to operate.
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Circuit Breakers
If your jointer keeps tripping your breaker, the following are a few things to check. Make sure, if you are using an extension cord, that it is rated for the recommended power for your unit and is as short as possible. Using the wrong rated cord, and long cords, will increase the resistance and cause the breaker to trip. Always try and plug it in directly to an outlet. Ensure it is plugged in a circuit that can handle its power needs. Check that nothing else is plugged in to the circuit or has its own, dedicated circuit.
If your jointer keeps tripping your breaker, the following are a few things to check. Make sure, if you are using an extension cord, that it is rated for the recommended power for your unit and is as short as possible. Using the wrong rated cord, and long cords, will increase the resistance and cause the breaker to trip. Always try and plug it in directly to an outlet. Ensure it is plugged in a circuit that can handle its power needs. Check that nothing else is plugged in to the circuit or has its own, dedicated circuit.
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