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How to Use a Lathe to Cut a Commutator

Remote control cars have captured the hearts and imaginations of young and old since their inception in the mid 1960s. Modern remote control cars contain high-grade electric motors and 2-speed transmissions that see the cars exceed speeds of 70 miles per hour. The commutator within the electric motor of a remote control car or truck acts as a rotary electric switch that generates power to the motor. If your commutator becomes worn, it is possible to cut away the damage with a lathe to improve conductivity, and in turn improve the performance of the motor.

Things You'll Need

  • Small Phillips screwdriver
  • Brushing oil
  • Safety goggles
  • Permanent marker
  • Small paintbrush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the motor from the remote control car.

    • 2

      Remove the brush and spring attachments from the armature (the longest section of the motor).

    • 3

      Unscrew the two screws either side of the armature that hold the endbell in place. Remove the endbell. Separate the armature from the main section of the motor.

    • 4

      Place two drops of brushing oil on the grooves of the lathe. Position the armature in the grooves on the lathe.

    • 5

      Turn on the lathe. The commutator at the end of the armature will begin to spin.

    • 6

      Place the tip of a permanent marker in the center of the commutator for five seconds as it is spinning. This mark will provide a visual indication of how much you are cutting off your commutator.

    • 7

      Move the blade of your lathe towards the commutator using the "in" and "out" adjustments on the lathe until you see a copper line appear on the commutator. Your blade is now in the correct position to make the cut.

    • 8

      Move the blade across the surface of the spinning commutator in one clean sweep from one end to the other using the "left" and right" adjustment on the lathe.

    • 9

      Turn the lathe off. Repeat Steps 7 and 8 if you can still see permanent marker on the commutator.

    • 10

      Brush away any shavings from the commutator with a small paintbrush.

    • 11

      Put the engine back together and place it in your remote control car.


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