Emerson Electric Motors - Part 1
I really like the older cast iron
Packard Electric motors for several reasons; the styling features, the heft, the integrated ON/OFF switch, the open bearings and the durability. They just look cool!
The downsides to the Packard motors include the unique capacitor (when equipped), the capacitor location in the base, the brittle wiring and the captive bearing on the switch-side frame. I can recall how intimidating these motors seemed when I was a novice.
I also like the Emerson Electric motors for different reasons. They are somewhat lighter weight, external capacitor (when equipped), fewer parts, spade electrical connectors make it very easy to reverse and, imo, they are so much easier to refurbish than the Packard motors.
Like the Packard motors, Emerson motors came in many different configurations, 1/4 to 1 hp, 1725 vs 3450 rpm, capacitor start vs split phase, single shaft vs dual shaft, sleeve bearing vs ball bearing.
Emerson motors also have some unique features; dual shafts in different sizes; 1/2" with flat and 5/8" with keyway,
rigid mount vs cradle mount vs direct-drive mount, the cord is attached under the terminal cover.
Rigid Mount
The base is welded to the stator cover.
Cradle Mount
This one has rubber resilient mounting rings. Some cradle models do not have the rubber rings.
Direct Drive Mount
Many Emerson motors have direct drive mounts. Those extended thru-bolts are used on direct drive fans. I've never seen any any direct drive applications.
Terminal Bar Access
A nice feature on the Emerson motors is the access to the terminal bar. Unlike Packard motors, the electrical cord is directly attached to the terminal bar through ports on the switch-end frame. There are four cord ports to the terminal bar; two on the top and two on the bottom, one on either side of the cover screws. The ports are different sizes on each end.
There is also a knock-out on the side for standard electrical clamp fittings. When I come across them, I usually eliminate that clamp and insert a snap-in cap.
Rubber Resilient Mounting Rings
Many times, the resilient rings can be removed other times they are glued in or captive behind the steel cap ring around the shaft.
Sometimes the rubber resilient rings can go fubar. They are available, but can be difficult to find.
On a vertical mount, the rubber rings can sometimes sag. I usually swap the top and bottom rings to reverse the sag.
(Also notice that this motor looks over oiled.)
This ring was slipping out of its steel ring. I believe this was caused by the cradle base splaying open. IIRC, I clamped that end of the base in a vise and bent the bottom down a bit.
Cords
These motors often come equipped with a flat cord. These are generally a pita as they don't fit well through the cord access ports. They are also often wrapped/wound as they came from the factory and are rather unsightly.
When installing a cord, take into account the machine on which the motor will be mounted. On a drill press for example, the cord exiting the terminal from the bottom would route better than if exiting on the top. On other bench machines, the cord exiting from the top may be better.
This was an interesting anomaly with a cradle base.
So, I'm nearly finished with the refurb of dp#84. This morning, I started cleaning up the motor. It is a Craftsman 1/2 hp, 1725 rpm motor with sleeve bearings, model 113.12140, manufactured in late '64.
It's nothing unusual until I noticed that ends of the cradle mount are different heights. The difference between the height at the ends of the shaft is ~5/8". I've never seen this before. With the pivoting motor mount, it will be easy to compensate for the angled shaft. Is this a mistake? Or does anyone know the purpose of a cradle like this?
