Bench Motors

Bench Motors... You're not really a repairer unless you have one!

We have options...Ferrees, Votaw, Allied. Which is better, which is worse? They all spin a rod screw...right?

Well, lets talk about them. What makes a bench motor a "bench motor" is the shaft that the motor spins on is drilled through, like a lathe. You can insert a rod all the way through. 

To quote the Ferree's web site:

"With a N99 Bench Motor, you can make quick work out of jobs such as; straightening bent clarinet and saxophone rods, turning hollow and solid hinge tube cutters, pivot screw counter bores, and pivot screw reamers. Add a few inexpensive accessories and you’ll be able to sand the corks on clarinet mouthpieces, mount a small buff to finish color buff clarinet and flute keys while they’re on the horn. You can spin drills of all sizes. The N99 motor comes complete with hollow extended shaft, precision ground with a 3/8” (9.5mm) Jacobs chuck ensuring true center, an aluminum hand brake and foot switch. 1725 speed."

Much of the time, we use a bench motor when it is not under power. For example: Tapping and Die work. Slotting a rod screw. Holding a valve stem on a piston to unscrew it when it becomes corroded into the piston. It is an essential tool for any shop.

The Ferree's and Allied Supply motors are AC, one speed. On or off. Functional, and ones I have used for over 42 years. The smaller version (N97) is basically a washing machine motor on rubber mounts. I find it workable, but not as stable as its bigger brother the N99. My choice here is the N99.

But what if you want variable speed? In comes the Votaw Tools 2621 DC motor bench motor. Basically what you are getting here is a Sherline Mini Lathe head mounted on an adjustable base. I like it! With or with out a foot pedal you have total control of the speed. Pinning a clarinet? No more rotating the chuck by hand. Set the speed slow and let the motor do the work.  To quote the www.votawtool.com...

Variable Speed Control ... turn dial to adjust speed from 70 to 2,800 rpm.

Motor ... 1/2 hp, high torque, with smooth quiet operation. Current draw 0.5 - 15.0 amps depending on load. No voltage converter required - this motor will work on any voltage world wide from 100 to 240 volts AC, 50hz to 60hz. Equipped with USA style 3 conductor power cord and plug.

Versatile Positioning ... by loosening one set screw, the unit can be rotated on the mounting base to any position in a 360° range.

Röhm Keyed Chuck ... Röhm precision keyed chuck made in Germany. Holding capacity: 1/32" to 1/2" (1-13mm). Thru-hole diameter: 3/8" (9.5mm). Keyless Albrecht chuck also available - see item #2620 UNIVERSAL BENCH MOTOR - KEYLESS CHUCK. (Note: Albrecht keyless chuck is shown in above picture)

Full Sized Hand Brake ... provides comfortable control for bringing chuck to complete stop after motor has been switched off, or use to rotate chuck for manual operation.

You might see where I am leaning, and in a price comparison, Votaw's 2621 is a great value.

No matter which motor you end up wit, you cannot go wrong. All are great quality, and will last for years!  I have all three in my shop. 

And remember...If you repair, you need a bench motor!