I have an old Rockwell variable speed lathe from I believe the 70s. It has the Reeves Drive and a one horse power motor. I’ve never noticed it before but while cleaning around it today, I heard a faint humming noise coming from either the motor or the electronics. The switch is mounted near the top of the lathe and is original with the two push buttons. The motor starter is attached to the cabinet under the lathe outside the cabinet and I can’t tell where the humming is coming from. I did notice while turning some pens the other night that the motor was overheating and I’m guessing some sort of thermal overload protection was turning the lathe off. After cooling down for a few minutes it would restart. I put a fan in the cabinet, which stays open, and while running the fan did not have anymore problems.
I haven’t done much research into what is causing the motor to overheat although I could tell it was quite warm to the touch. Is there something in the starter box that would be humming when the motor is not running? Do you have any suggestions on what could be causing the motor to overheat?
Thanks, DanA9904D14-1F0B-4BEC-AEEB-5077A23ACAC0.jpg