1954 Monarch 10ee MG RPC issues

Hello,

Recently obtained 1954 unit with MG setup.

After moving it into suitable quarters I was confronted with supplying it with correct power.

I initially used a RPC rated at 5HP connected to a 20 amps circuit.

It ran the MG unit. After a few minutes, I rotated the speed knob and watched the spindle turn. But as I increased the speed the 20 amp breaker tripped.

I moved a 8HP RPC from another location and this one had a thirty amps set up.

I plugged this one into a thirty amp inlet run by a thirty amps breaker.

After cranking the RPC I pushed the green starter button only to be given as a result sparking and flickering at the reset red button at the back of the headstock.

Is this because my RPC is incorrectly wired to the lathe.

Would be grateful for your comments.

Also, next to the red reset button, there is a black switch for which I have yet to figure out its purpose.

Henri

Go back to the original RPC and ensure that it still powers the MG up correctly. If it does then check it's earthing properly and if it is then check the wiring arrangement on the bigger one.

Peter. said:

Go back to the original RPC and ensure that it still powers the MG up correctly. If it does then check it's earthing properly and if it is then check the wiring arrangement on the bigger one.

Click to expand...

Thank you Peter, will do and report results.

Henri

Hello Peter,

I connected the previous RPC and the M/G unit ran well.

I was tempted to raise the speed for the spindle, but decided not to do so, to avoid tripping that 20 amps breaker again.

Now I am just starring at my 8HP Westinghouse motor, wondering how to match it to the smaller RPC.

Is it just a matter of setting the order of the leads to match those of the smaller RPC?

Apologize for my lack of knowledge, I was a desk jockey for too many years before I retired.

Henri

Thank you,

Was lucky to find Carl’s post years back that gives good info on the size of the breaker recommended as well as the 10 gauge wires.

The Westinghouse unit clearly indicates 8 eight HP.

Runs beautifully but I have so far no way to confirm that it is putting out that quantity.

At least, now, I understand that it is the correct amount of juice that will keep the 10ee operating.

Am much further ahead than last week because of the help received so far.

If the RPC will start the machine on the 20A circuit, then it should be able to run at any speed. The motor/generator (MG) only draws about 12A at full power. The problem that you usually have with a 20A circuit is that the starting current to power up the MG is around 100A for about a second and that will often trip the breaker.

Get a clamp-on ammeter and check the current on each phase, at idle, with the spindle running at minimum speed, and as you increase the speed. HF has an inexpensive unit that's good enough for what you need here (link). You shouldn't see over 12A on any phase. Also check the phase-to-phase voltages, make sure that they're fairly well balanced.

Cal

Yep,

I saw that posting years back as well. You guys put out lots of important information that helps owners of the older models like myself.

Steve can no longer provide technical assistance on these older 10ee.

It is all on you and lucky us you guys are still around to help.

Cal,

Any idea what that rectangular black switch, next to the reset red button is for?

Seems that if turned clockwise it activates something.

That is it.

Should have known.

Thank you

henri, a couple pics of your EE would be nice if you have time.

Photo

Only have one on file.

Will add some more in the am. Was struggling with a vertigo episode today.

I think the tag shows a figure 8.

It is larger than the RPC that cranks up the lathe. But maybe I am wrong.

RPC size

Thank you for having me focus on the possibility that my reading of eight might be a three.

Seems more likely the harder I focus. That would explain the non start.



QUOTE=thermite;3437849]Your 8 HP is an odd size, BTW. Are you sure it is 8 HP, not 3 HP?.

It would make more sense to FIX the control box on the 8 HP unit. New capacitors? Bum relay? Bad wiring or failing terminal? Nothing in there is all that expensive.

If it really IS 8 HP, then properly restored to good health - can be dedicated to the 10EE and should do just fine. Otherwise, go find a 7 1/2 or 10 HP idler.

That way you still have two RPC.

A 10EE needs "about" 7 1/2 HP RPC idler, minimum, for "comfortable" operation, all speeds and loads.

Be aware that while there is nothing exactly space-age-complicated anywhere in an MG 10EE, it DOES have lots of brushes that need to be renewed, commutators to clean-up, many wires and terminals, some switches, relays, resistors, and such that age and need attention ... but only every ten to seventy years or so!

IOW - buy the manual from Monarch. Learn also from here on PM. Order a few parts such as brushes.

Put it to rights.

Once in good order, it stays in good order ....and for a very, very long time.[/QUOTE]