Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

How to Balance a Motor Armature

A motor armature is the central spindle in an electric motor that contains three wire windings wrapped around metal poles. It is essential that each pole and wire winding is the same weight, otherwise the armature will be out of balance, resulting in a vibrating motor. Although motor armatures are vibration tested and balanced during the manufacturing process, it is possible that after a repair to the windings, the armature needs rebalancing.

Things You'll Need

Wooden or metal blocks (the size depends on the size of the armature)
Drill and drill bit

Instructions

- 1
  Put two same-size wood or metal blocks on a table. Separate the blocks so there is room to place the armature between them. The table needs to be level.
- 2
  Place the end spindles of the motor armature between the two blocks. This means the central poles and wire windings are in between the blocks. The armature will rotate on the blocks and the heaviest pole will face downward. This is the first pole you need to balance.
- 3
  Remove the armature from the blocks, keeping an eye on the pole that needs balancing. Place the armature on the table with the pole that needs balancing facing upward. Make a small hole in the center of the metal pole using a drill. Don̵7;t drill out too much metal, just a small amount to start.
- 4
  Put the armature back on the blocks. Roll the armature slightly on the blocks. The armature will roll evenly, if it̵7;s balanced. However, if it isn̵7;t balanced, it will always roll to the same position with the heaviest pole facing downward.
- 5
  Repeat the procedure by drilling out a little more metal from the heaviest pole, if the armature remains unbalanced. Retest it on the blocks as before. Continue to drill more metal from the pole until the armature doesn̵7;t roll on the blocks on its own. When you can place the armature in any position and it remains still, then you know the armature is balanced.

Other Hobbies