US grinder - Mazzer Major

[giffsa]

So, I've had a Mazzer Major sitting in a cupboard for about 2 years that I acquired years ago when living in the states, and have never tried to use out here. Obviously it's a 120V machine. I have run it though a 240-120 transformer to test it out and it seems to work fine, but I have no interest (read: my wife has no interest) in a whopping big transformer sitting on the kitchen bench.

So, question is - does anyone have any clever ideas what I can do with it? (Other than a very large doorstop)

I am entirely unsophisticated in electrical matters. Is there a way to rewire a machine like this to run from Australian power points?

Welcome any thoughts.

Cheers
Sam

[Andy]

No easy way to rewire it although it is possible to get it rewound by a small coil rewinder (but maybe not cost viable).

The biggest problem with using a US grinder on a transformer is the frequency, we cycle at 50 times a second, they at 60 so even when you do get it running on a transformer the burrs will be running at 20% the wrong speed.

Nice door stop though.
;-)

[blend52]

A Modern 1kW 220-110 step down transformer is not huge and if necessary could easily hide under the bench top.
Further, if that Mazzer is not an electronic doser, IE just a motor drive unit, you may well be able to use one of the "electronic" step down units that are just a large wall socket adapter.
but if you dont want to bother,...i will take it off your hands !:-)

[Hildy]

Sell it to someone who doesn't mind the appearance of the transformer... like me!

[Javaphile]

Rather than using it as a door stop you can ship it to me.


Java "Heck, you might even talk me into paying the postage! " phile

[giffsa]

Maybe I will just ditch it then. I should probably put it up in the for sale section I guess?

[Pangeek]

Why not try contacting Mazzer first and see what the difference is and if they can perform the part swap for you.

[Dimal]

Why not try contacting Mazzer first and see what the difference is and if they can perform the part swap for you.

Probably wouldn't be economical to do really...

Would require a new Stator and a new Start/Run Capacitor at the very least; maybe even wiring replacement depending on the insulation rating of the existing. And then, you have to do the swap out, and most likely pay someone to do it for you since someone with requisite skills, qualifications and license is required.

I think it would make more sense to to sell it as a parts-only machine for the mechanical bits...

Mal.

[blend52]

I don't understand why you don't just put the transformer (<$100). Under the bench, in a cupboard ,in the garage, etc ..any where out of sight, and run the grinder as normal.
within a month you will have forgotten that it is 110volt.
....unless of course, you just don't want it anymore ?

[00mick00]

+1 for the transformer can get quite small ones these days

[Dimal]

+1 for the transformer can get quite small ones these days

This would be insufficient on its own.

The Start/Run Capacitor would probably need changing too, due to the difference in line frequency involved - 60Hz to 50Hz... Operating it with the original capacitor would probably lead to shorter motor life due to poor starting and running torques, which ultimately lead to higher than normal operating current. Higher current over a long period leads to over temperature and deterioration of the winding insulation. Higher rotor currents will also lead to higher temp's which need to be dissipated, etc...

How long before this combination will lead to early motor failure in service? It's difficult to say but ultimately the motor will fail earlier than it should.

Mal.

[blend52]

"" ultimately lead to higher than normal operating current. Higher current over a long period leads to over temperature and deterioration of the winding insulation. Higher rotor currents will also lead to higher temp's which need to be dissipated, etc...

How long before this combination will lead to early motor failure in service? It's difficult to say but ultimately the motor will fail earlier than it should.

Mal.

Mal, it's a grinder ! Commercial design, in domestic use .
it probably would run for 10 secs at a time , 2-3 times a day !....overheat ????
put a 6 amp fuse in line if you really think it could ever draw that much !

[giffsa]

Appreciate all the input guys.

The reality is it's not worth me going to any substantial effort to rewire it (even if that it possible) and I've got another grinder so I'm not going to bother setting it up on the kitchen bench with the transformer. I just wondered if there was an easy solution. I think the easy solution is sell it!