buying a buffer off ebay question

[grommit]

hello all again,
i am bidding on a buffer,i emailed the seller to see if he would have it running so i could check the bairings, it is a couple of hundred miles journey i dont want to get there and it is a complete load of ****, this is his reply:

Yes You can see it running, I've just checked the bearings for you and there is a slight bit of play, I suppose a bit of wear on a used machine is expected, in my oppinion it won't make any difference.

is he for real,do you suggest b4 i go further to telll him i want the bearings changed, or should i just tell him i refuse to buy it as he has not put the bearing fault in his advertisement,if he has lied about that what else is wrong with it. item 7605184464.

the add says this:

Item Specifics
Condition: Used
Floor Standing 3 Phase Metal Polishing Machine.
This is a powerful 3 BHP motor by Beacon & BTH.
3 Phase, 4.1 Amps.
2920 RPM.
Push button start/stop.
On fitted floor stand.
Comes with a big crate of polishing mops.

any help would be appreciated, my current bid is 50 pound so far.
cheers
brian

[mpierich]

Sounds like a lot of motor for little money, relatively speaking.

I don't know how much play is acceptable in an electric motor. I would just call a local motor-repair shop and ask them if any play is acceptable. Or perhaps one of the equipment wonks on here will know. If the exchange rate is what I think it is, at that price you could probably put new bearings in yourself and still be ahead.

[grommit]

many thanks,
i would have to take that chance,yes little money to pay but when someone doesnt put everything in the add on abay, i become weary.lets face if i can get him to replace the bearings that would be fine,but it has really put me off i am not willing to travel a few hundred miles just in case.
any other advice out there as i need my mind made up.
thanks guys
brian

[pickleboy]

normally speaking from my limited experience with motors in that fashion, when the motor is running there should be no visible movement in the shaft. even with worn bearings the shafts that extend out should dynamically find a center to turn n and spin true. if they have any visible woble in them the bearings are wasted. my other concern is the 3 phase power. is this something you have available at your home, since in the us this is very rare i thought i would ask. if not it will be tiresome and expensive to get and install a phase converter to make it work on single phase. these things aside it sounds like a real good deal.

[mikekozura]

Like guru said 3 phase in the US is only commercial. You better check on that.

[grommit]

many thanks again guys,i think he isnt too impressed with me as i wasnt to friendly when i emailed him,but as you all say sounds a bargain,i'll just have to wait n see if he emails back,as i am the highest bidder..oh well we live and learn i'll keep you up dated.
thanks
brian

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by mikekozura

Like guru said 3 phase in the US is only commercial. You better check on that.

Europe has some funky voltage standards compared to ours, maybe GB does too...it may be that 3-phase is standard. Anybody who's traveled over there might know. Or hopefully grommit will clue us in.

[jimcarry]

These motors are relatively easy to work on and the bearings are not very expensive but in my opinion you should really be looking at a motor that will turn 3450rpm this will give you the best polishing results

[grommit]

hello all,
i dont think the seller is talking to me ha ha i am still the highest bidder and 3 days left,i know sweet *A about phase 3 electrics but i will ask a guru at work.what i can do if i win it i will submit pics for you,i have ordered some compounds from Caswell Europe so hopefully in the next week or so i can start practicing under your expert guidance, i have the tools to bolt it to the floor alread.
kind regards
brian

[pickleboy]

Originally Posted by jimcarry

These motors are relatively easy to work on and the bearings are not very expensive but in my opinion you should really be looking at a motor that will turn 3450rpm this will give you the best polishing results

true jim but with 10" wheels it will still give 7300 sfm