Old Brent C - Potentiometer Problem?

[Bubba]

I have an older Brent C - not sure of age, but I'm 3rd owner - in good condition.  The two dials inside the pedal that are supposed to control the speed are not allowing me to adjust the speed to the reccomended RPM.  The "HI" (red) adjustment will allow me to adjust to correct speed, but when I use the "LOW" (blue) adjustment to create a proper "stop" when the pedal is in the "off" position, the speed drops by half.  From all the reading I've done on this forum, I think these "HI" and "LOW" adjustments are called potentiometers?  They look worn and may need to be replaced?  My questions are: 1) could the problem be anything else?  I did the Amaco/Brent reccomended cleaning of the motor brushes with no change to the problem, 2) if this is the problem, can a person with "decent willingness to try but no skills" replace this part, or should I seek professional help?  3)  if I am seeking parts/ professional help, who would I call - Amaco? 

[neilestrick]

Yes, you need a new potentiometer for the pedal. It comes with both the high and low settings, and all the necessary wiring terminals to install it.  However, there's a problem you have to deal with- Brent has recently switched to a different potentiometer model (the old one is no longer made), and it's about 1/16 of an inch taller than the old one, which means it's too tall for the pedal. Their solution is either to get a whole new pedal ($$$) or grind out the metal to make room for the taller potentiometer. Another solution would be to get a piece of rubber or silicon or something like that and cut a gasket to shim up the pedal cover.

[Mark C.]

you can also try this cheaper fix if you are handy

 

[Hulk]

see Mark's post:
Replacing potentiometer inside Brent pedal - Page 2 - Equipment Use and Repair - Ceramic Arts Daily Community

 

[Bubba]

I very much appreciate the responses here - I read previous posts on same/similar issue of replacing potentiometer(s) on old Brent pedals.  What I am concluding is that "repair" is beyond my ability and I'll have to order a new pedal.    I just wanted to say thanks and even though I may not understand all that I read in this forum, I am always learning from the posts and answers and I appreciate ya'll!  Happy New Year!

[neilestrick]

29 minutes ago, Bubba said:

I very much appreciate the responses here - I read previous posts on same/similar issue of replacing potentiometer(s) on old Brent pedals.  What I am concluding is that "repair" is beyond my ability and I'll have to order a new pedal.    I just wanted to say thanks and even though I may not understand all that I read in this forum, I am always learning from the posts and answers and I appreciate ya'll!  Happy New Year!

Talk to Brent to confirm before buying anything.

[Bubba]

Thanks, Neil.  I plan to buy directly from them and will touch base with their handy Tech-Folks before I give them my $$$.  

[Bubba]

I really appreciate the advice I got here and I wanted to tell ya'll that my story has a happy ending.  SUCCESS!!!  I got the new pedal installed and it works like a charm!  WHEW!  Even though I ended up with the less-creative solution of just replacing the pedal, I really did learn a lot in the process and I am grateful.  Also, if you factor in all that I learned and that I was successful in solving the problem and now I have a fully functioning "antique" wheel (1978), it really didn't cost so much.  

Also, www.Clay-Planet.com had the best price on the replacement pedal - Amaco manufacturers suggested retail price was $304, distributor prices elsewhere were upwards of $318 plus shipping, and Clay-Planet sold it for $289 + $18 S&H.  I did check with Amaco first to be certain of the part #, etc.