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Need a source of small carbon brushes
I work part-time for a non-profit medical equipment supplier, repairing
and maintaining electric wheelchairs, scooters, etc. I've repeatedly had to consign an otherwise perfectly sound machine to junk simply because the manufacturer no longer stock motor brushes for their older models. The brushes that _are_ available cost anywhere from $13 to $20 dollars each -- not each pair, each, dealer cost. I've been measuring and recording brush sizes from as many different pieces of equipment I can and am looking for a source of generic carbon brushes for 24 VDC motors. I doubt there's much difference in the composition of the brushes as nearly all the motors have very similar current loads and power ratings. -- I.e. no copper-impregnated carbon compounds, etc. All seem very similar that way. Of course, I'm also comparing the brushes that are currently stocked with the older versions as well. Sometimes we get lucky and a newer model's brushes fit the older machines. Still pricey as all heck, though. I'm looking for a supplier to get the prices down for folks who have no funding source for repairs, etc. Anybody know a good source for small quantities? (25-50 pairs) I can FAX or email pictures of the brush assemblies and their dimensions. Most incorporate the contact plate and springs. (for plain ol' screw-cap brush holders) Most are about 1/4 X 7/16 X 1/2 to 3/8 X 1/2 X 5/8 Thickness, width, length. |
Check out those hardware store racks with all the odd size bolts, keys,
clips, etc. Lately I've seen bins with brushes are quite reasonable prices. ($2 range) You might also want to think about getting slightly oversize ones, use a belt sander to knock them down to the required sized. Need to make sure they are still rectangular but they should work. Johan wrote: I work part-time for a non-profit medical equipment supplier, repairing and maintaining electric wheelchairs, scooters, etc. I've repeatedly had to consign an otherwise perfectly sound machine to junk simply because the manufacturer no longer stock motor brushes for their older models. The brushes that _are_ available cost anywhere from $13 to $20 dollars each -- not each pair, each, dealer cost. I've been measuring and recording brush sizes from as many different pieces of equipment I can and am looking for a source of generic carbon brushes for 24 VDC motors. I doubt there's much difference in the composition of the brushes as nearly all the motors have very similar current loads and power ratings. -- I.e. no copper-impregnated carbon compounds, etc. All seem very similar that way. Of course, I'm also comparing the brushes that are currently stocked with the older versions as well. Sometimes we get lucky and a newer model's brushes fit the older machines. Still pricey as all heck, though. I'm looking for a supplier to get the prices down for folks who have no funding source for repairs, etc. Anybody know a good source for small quantities? (25-50 pairs) I can FAX or email pictures of the brush assemblies and their dimensions. Most incorporate the contact plate and springs. (for plain ol' screw-cap brush holders) Most are about 1/4 X 7/16 X 1/2 to 3/8 X 1/2 X 5/8 Thickness, width, length. |
In article et,
RoyJ wrote: Check out those hardware store racks with all the odd size bolts, keys, clips, etc. Lately I've seen bins with brushes are quite reasonable prices. ($2 range) You might also want to think about getting slightly oversize ones, use a belt sander to knock them down to the required sized. Need to make sure they are still rectangular but they should work. Thanks. That just might work. There aren't many real old time hardware stores around here anymore, but there's one. :) |
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"RoyJ" wrote: (clip) You might also want to think about getting slightly oversize ones, use a belt sander to knock them down to the required size. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I usually do exactly that, 'cause it's easier than searching the the exact size. Never had a problem. |
Johan,
Get a Serv-A-Lite catalog. They are the supplier to ACE hardware (the last real hardware store with all the bins of nuts, bolts etc.) The catalog I have has 15 pages of bruses with the dimensions of the generic brushes. "List" price on the generics are $4 per but when you buy direct it is about 1/2 that. I purchased a couple of trays of Metric nuts and bolts and it is unbelieveably cheap to get 'em in bulk like that and it even comes with a nice tray to keep them in. Servalite's number is 1-800-447-6760. Only interesting note is that the brushes come in packs of 5. Hmmmm everything I've wanted to put brushes in needs 2. Is this like the hot dog bun packaging vs hot dog packaging conspiracy? ;-) -- Bart D. Hull Tempe, Arizona Check http://www.inficad.com/~bdhull/engine.html for my Subaru Engine Conversion Check http://www.inficad.com/~bdhull/fuselage.html for Tango II I'm building. Remove -nospam to reply via email. Johan wrote: I work part-time for a non-profit medical equipment supplier, repairing and maintaining electric wheelchairs, scooters, etc. I've repeatedly had to consign an otherwise perfectly sound machine to junk simply because the manufacturer no longer stock motor brushes for their older models. The brushes that _are_ available cost anywhere from $13 to $20 dollars each -- not each pair, each, dealer cost. I've been measuring and recording brush sizes from as many different pieces of equipment I can and am looking for a source of generic carbon brushes for 24 VDC motors. I doubt there's much difference in the composition of the brushes as nearly all the motors have very similar current loads and power ratings. -- I.e. no copper-impregnated carbon compounds, etc. All seem very similar that way. Of course, I'm also comparing the brushes that are currently stocked with the older versions as well. Sometimes we get lucky and a newer model's brushes fit the older machines. Still pricey as all heck, though. I'm looking for a supplier to get the prices down for folks who have no funding source for repairs, etc. Anybody know a good source for small quantities? (25-50 pairs) I can FAX or email pictures of the brush assemblies and their dimensions. Most incorporate the contact plate and springs. (for plain ol' screw-cap brush holders) Most are about 1/4 X 7/16 X 1/2 to 3/8 X 1/2 X 5/8 Thickness, width, length. |
Also keep an eye on Ebay. There was a huge maintenance assortment up for
sale about a month ago. I bid on it but lost. Something like 50 assorted sets went for about $20. There is a lot for sale right now but they seem to all be the same. "Johan" wrote in message ... I work part-time for a non-profit medical equipment supplier, repairing and maintaining electric wheelchairs, scooters, etc. I've repeatedly had to consign an otherwise perfectly sound machine to junk simply because the manufacturer no longer stock motor brushes for their older models. The brushes that _are_ available cost anywhere from $13 to $20 dollars each -- not each pair, each, dealer cost. I've been measuring and recording brush sizes from as many different pieces of equipment I can and am looking for a source of generic carbon brushes for 24 VDC motors. I doubt there's much difference in the composition of the brushes as nearly all the motors have very similar current loads and power ratings. -- I.e. no copper-impregnated carbon compounds, etc. All seem very similar that way. Of course, I'm also comparing the brushes that are currently stocked with the older versions as well. Sometimes we get lucky and a newer model's brushes fit the older machines. Still pricey as all heck, though. I'm looking for a supplier to get the prices down for folks who have no funding source for repairs, etc. Anybody know a good source for small quantities? (25-50 pairs) I can FAX or email pictures of the brush assemblies and their dimensions. Most incorporate the contact plate and springs. (for plain ol' screw-cap brush holders) Most are about 1/4 X 7/16 X 1/2 to 3/8 X 1/2 X 5/8 Thickness, width, length. |
On Sat, 18 Dec 2004 17:20:47 GMT, "Leo Lichtman"
wrote: "RoyJ" wrote: (clip) You might also want to think about getting slightly oversize ones, use a belt sander to knock them down to the required size. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I usually do exactly that, 'cause it's easier than searching the the exact size. Never had a problem. I use a surface grinder with the brushes stuck to a bit of carpet tape. Makes getting them to size easy. Any wheel works fine. Gunner "To be civilized is to restrain the ability to commit mayhem. To be incapable of committing mayhem is not the mark of the civilized, merely the domesticated." - Trefor Thomas |
Kinda simple... I went to Google and did a search...
This is the link... http://www.ehobbies.com/associated-c...cessories.html |
In article ,
Bart D. Hull wrote: Johan, [ ... ] Servalite's number is 1-800-447-6760. Only interesting note is that the brushes come in packs of 5. Hmmmm everything I've wanted to put brushes in needs 2. Is this like the hot dog bun packaging vs hot dog packaging conspiracy? ;-) Well ... some DC servo motors (with tach feedback) have four brushes, two for the motor and two for the tach generator feedback. This allows you to drop, crush, or otherwise lose or destroy one and still have enough for the job. And if your machine uses five servos (X, Y, Z, rotary table, and knee lift perhaps?) four packs will do the job, baring damage to one of the brushes. :-) Enjoy, DoN. -- Email: | Voice (all times): (703) 938-4564 (too) near Washington D.C. | http://www.d-and-d.com/dnichols/DoN.html --- Black Holes are where God is dividing by zero --- |
Nah, these racks are now found at the Home Depot COMPETITOR places!
Johan wrote: In article et, RoyJ wrote: Check out those hardware store racks with all the odd size bolts, keys, clips, etc. Lately I've seen bins with brushes are quite reasonable prices. ($2 range) You might also want to think about getting slightly oversize ones, use a belt sander to knock them down to the required sized. Need to make sure they are still rectangular but they should work. Thanks. That just might work. There aren't many real old time hardware stores around here anymore, but there's one. :) |
On Sat, 18 Dec 2004 10:31:27 -0700, "Bart D. Hull"
calmly ranted: I purchased a couple of trays of Metric nuts and bolts and it is unbelieveably cheap to get 'em in bulk like that and it even comes with a nice tray to keep them in. Yes, bulk is the ONLY way to buy any kind of hardware. Servalite's number is 1-800-447-6760. Only interesting note is that the brushes come in packs of 5. Hmmmm everything I've wanted to put brushes in needs 2. Is this like the hot dog bun packaging vs hot dog packaging conspiracy? ;-) Surely it's part of Doug Goncz's "parts replicate in storage" theory. Proof that 2 pair make 5+. -- Sex is Evil, Evil is Sin, Sin is Forgiven. Gee, ain't religion GREAT? --------------------------------------------- http://diversify.com Sin-free Website Design |
McMaster Carr carries carbon motor brushes this size. See
www.mcmaster.com and search for "carbon motor brushes." I ordered some to replace ones on my Sears treadmill (Sears wanted over $200 for a replacement motor). You may be able to get better prices on larger quantities elsewhere, but McMaster Carr is very reputable. |
Our local hardware stores now have a better selection of oddball items than
Home Depot. They didn't have it till Home Depot moved in though. Karl "RoyJ" wrote in message nk.net... Nah, these racks are now found at the Home Depot COMPETITOR places! Johan wrote: In article et, RoyJ wrote: Check out those hardware store racks with all the odd size bolts, keys, clips, etc. Lately I've seen bins with brushes are quite reasonable prices. ($2 range) You might also want to think about getting slightly oversize ones, use a belt sander to knock them down to the required sized. Need to make sure they are still rectangular but they should work. Thanks. That just might work. There aren't many real old time hardware stores around here anymore, but there's one. :) |
Bart D. Hull wrote:
Get a Serv-A-Lite catalog. They are the supplier to ACE hardware ... Will they deal with individuals, or do you have to pretend that you're a store? Bob |
They deal with individuals just fine. Just charge us tax instead of resale.
Bart Bob Engelhardt wrote: Bart D. Hull wrote: Get a Serv-A-Lite catalog. They are the supplier to ACE hardware ... Will they deal with individuals, or do you have to pretend that you're a store? Bob -- Bart D. Hull Tempe, Arizona Check http://www.inficad.com/~bdhull/engine.html for my Subaru Engine Conversion Check http://www.inficad.com/~bdhull/fuselage.html for Tango II I'm building. Remove -nospam to reply via email. |
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