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power sander poop out

K

Kefferpl

Joined
May 26, 2004
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Location
Fleetwood ,PA
About 1 year ago I purchased a Millwaukee angle drill used it about 6 months and the dust was building up maybe 150 hrs on it ….So I opened up and cleaned it worked fine for about another 6 months but today it started to make noise. Opened up again and found the rear bearing spun in housing and melted the holder. I tried a dab of ca to hold it still but it didn’t last. Should I not have opened it up to clean ? Are others getting better service? I run a 5†dust collector when sanding. To add insult to injury – the 29.95 craftsmen still works fine. The Millwaukee was on sale and about the same price as a Sioux. What kind of power sander are folks using, and do you clean it?
 
We're supposed to clean those things?

I bought el cheapo harbor fright. At the end of each couple of sessions I kinda vacuum it off with the dust collector hose. If it dies I'll just get another one.
 
Kefferpl said:
About 1 year ago I purchased a Millwaukee angle drill used it about 6 months and the dust was building up maybe 150 hrs on it ….So I opened up and cleaned it worked fine for about another 6 months but today it started to make noise. Opened up again and found the rear bearing spun in housing and melted the holder. I tried a dab of ca to hold it still but it didn’t last. Should I not have opened it up to clean ? Are others getting better service? I run a 5†dust collector when sanding. To add insult to injury – the 29.95 craftsmen still works fine. The Millwaukee was on sale and about the same price as a Sioux. What kind of power sander are folks using, and do you clean it?
Click to expand...

Paul,

The identified problem with both the Milwaukee and the Sioux is the bearings. They are only "shielded" bearings rather than "sealed" or "double sealed" units. They were fine for drills, but not for sanders which operate in dusty/abrasive enviornments. Unfortunately you waited too long, because you could have replaced the oem bearing with sealed units and avoided the problem. Once the bearing has seized and spun in the plastic housing, the info I have is that it's pretty much toast. The bearings for the 1/4" shaft units are available from ENCO for about $2.25 each. There are, however, a number of the Milwaukee units, model/catalogue No. 0375-1, that have 3/16" shafts. Those bearings I have not found a source for in the sealed variety. All of the bearings are pressed onto the motor shafts so first you have to remove them, and then put the new ones in place. Removal can be done by either squeezing in a vise to crack the races or carefully grinding through the race with bench grinder or small cut-off wheel. The new bearing can then be pressed/forced on using a deep 3/8" drive socket and a small hammer.

If you get a new drill, I'd suggest that you consider replacing the bearing right from the start. Sorry to hear about your problem.

Mark
 
Paul, your drill is still under warranty http://www.milwaukeetool.com/us/en/customers.nsf/vwPages/met-warranty?OpenDocument&nav1=ps. If you can put it back together so it does not appear tampered with, I’m sure they will repair it. I had to send my drill in after 1-½ years and they repaired and returned it. I just got the new bearings from Enco that Mark suggested and will replace the bearing BEFORE I use it this time. Hopefully this will increase the longevity.
 
Mark,
Thanks for the bearing advise - the next one will be changed
George,
I will follow up on warrenty I didn't even think about that. Da!

I will be blowing out whatever I get more offten. Thanks for the help
 
Paul,
I am using a Pistol Grip Air sander. This unit has no bearing and dust does not create issues as with drill sanders. The air sander is more quite then drill. I have it hooked up to my 26 gallon air compressor and away I go. I still blow the dust off of it just for good measure. I used a 3/8 angle drill for years before but I will not go back know. This unit I have is great. If you care too email me at WoodNWonders@excite.com and I will send you a pic. Hope this helps, Vince
 
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