Interesting GE motor circa 1916

T

Toolbert

Stainless

Joined

Nov 29, 2003

Location

Vashon Island, WA

• Feb 6, 2012

• #1

The attached pics are of an antique GE motor, per the nameplate,
'Alternating Current Motor'
'Adjustable Varying Speed Brush Shifting'

Patent dates are 1909 through 1916. It weighs about 120 lbs. Until a few years ago it was in service, powering an acquaintance's table saw. Indeed, you can vary the direction and speed by moving the swiveling yoke that houses the brushes.

Please help me figure out what to do with it. It's far too cool to scrap. I don't need a restoration project. I have no idea of its historical or collectors' interest, if any.

 

A

atomarc

Diamond

Joined

Mar 16, 2009

Location

Eureka, CA

• Feb 6, 2012

• #2

It's rather unfortunate, but as my mother explained, you can't save all the puppies you find. It is cool, hopefully you'll find someone you can give it to who will give it a great home, otherwise don't let it alter the course of your life...there's probably been a bazillion of this thing scrapped.


Stuart

 

Maltesehunter

Cast Iron

Joined

Apr 25, 2008

Location

Elk Grove, CA

• Feb 7, 2012

• #3

I have an interest in that motor. Sent you a PM. Jake

 

S

SilveradoHauler

Cast Iron

Joined

Jan 6, 2008

Location

Mountains of Washington State, USA

• Feb 7, 2012

• #4

I have a later one, probably between the Wars Manufacture. It now powers a large buffer.

Mine is a repulsion-induction. Brush rigging looks similar when the covers are removed.

Dad had a generator test stand powered with one similar to yours.

Note that it is also reversible by shifting the brush rigging with the lever.

If you cannot find someone to take it, let me know. You are only a few miles and a ferry ride from my shop. I would give it a restore job and put on one of my old machines.

 

johnoder

Diamond

Joined

Jul 16, 2004

Location

Houston, TX USA

• Feb 7, 2012

• #5

Ahhh - ring oiled - lasts a long time if you check the oil.

 

M

magneticanomaly

Titanium

Joined

Mar 22, 2007

Location

On Elk Mountain, West Virginia, USA

• Feb 7, 2012

• #6

A similar one ran a printing press at the local newspaper, at least until a couple of years ago.. I polished the commutator and sourced a new set of brushes for it about ten years ago.

 

K

k3vyl

Stainless

Joined

Feb 13, 2008

Location

newark DE USA

• Feb 8, 2012

• #7

motor

Looks like what you have there is something known as a repulsion motor.The reversing and speed variation are all done with the movable brushes.Those motors are rare ducks for sure.

 

T

Toolbert

Stainless

Joined

Nov 29, 2003

Location

Vashon Island, WA

• Feb 8, 2012

• #8

Thanks for the posts. As for its fate, 3 folks have offered to clean it up and put it to use with a period machine, so no need for further offers. Will respond in order of requests. take care,

Bob

 

S

siuslaw2

Aluminum

Joined

Sep 1, 2009

Location

california usa

• Feb 8, 2012

• #9

It would look nice cleaned up and powering a cone head lathe or a camelback drill. Bill B.

 

A

Alden

Plastic

Joined

Apr 26, 2013

Location

United States

• Apr 27, 2013

• #10

Gentlemen, I have recently acquired what I believe to be the same motor. I would very much appreciate any leads to links with information about this motor and how to clean it up and bring it back to life. Thank you. Alden