Wolf Cub Drill Restoration Question

[Jonnie_L_Plate]

Hello
I was just wondering if anyone could help me identify a small electrical part from my Wolf Cub Drill? I am pretty much a novice but I suppose we have to start somewhere. The bit was just detached from one of the brush wires.
Thanks

[G6Tanuki]

That's a suppression choke, designed to control the interference caused by sparking between the brushes and the commutator as it rotates. In times-past, this interference - if unsuppressed - could wipe out TV/radio reception over a wide area.

Yours looks like it's come to the end of its useful life - I'd suggest maybe something like this:

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/leade...ctors/8807161/

as a replacement?

[Ed_Dinning]

Hi John, it should work witout it but may give radio and TV interference.
Spare brushes are still available, if you get over this way I may be able to find you something suitable.
These drills, if serviced occasionally will go on forever.

I also have its bigger brother, a real "gut buster" that has done a very serious amount of work over the yeas and is still going strong.

Ed

[Jonnie_L_Plate]

Many thanks for your replies. I have ordered some of these chokes.
As we speak I am putting it back together so when it's done I'll post a pic and results.
Got 2 B&D drills to look at after this, both absolutely filthy, quite enjoying this new hobby.
Thanks guys, keep you updated.

[mark_in_manc]

You might find you want to build a speed-controller next, which greatly increases the range of things these can do in metal (otherwise they go a bit, or a lot, too fast). Then the folks on here will really get their electronic teeth into you

[Techman]

If you like old drills then I suggest you have a good look through all the pages of this thread - you might be surprised, then add your drills, with pictures, to that thread:-
https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?t=148750

[jamesinnewcastl]

That brings back memories - my dad had one in his tool cupboard - didn't work and it weighed a ton! Hmm, or was I just small and weedy?

I have a big SDS drill now and walls simply tremble at its approach!

James

[rambo1152]

Personally I would not want to use a metal-clad power tool like that.
At the very least, fit an RCD plug .

[Heatercathodeshort]

Agree. Many of these old tools required an earth and were lethal when used outdoors or on damp surfaces. The earth wire could be cut, pulled from the plug or come into contact with the live wire due to cuts etc. It was the same problem with early electric lawn mowers. They are all double insulated these days or run from a 110v isolation transformers for safe use for outdoor applications such as building contractors.
Enjoy your old tools but only use them through an RCD.

[Argus25]

Wow, I haven't seen a Wolf Cub drill like that for over 45 years. Well worth restoring, very cool drill. I remember trying one out after I graduated from a push/telescopic style hand drill and thought all my Christmases had come at once.

The modern world of plastic double insulated drill enthusiasts would probably frown on that lovely metal body. I think its great, just make sure its properly earthed.

[Techman]

If I'm worried I always run them via an isolation transformer.

Have you seen that other drill thread I linked to, Argus?

[Station X]

Thread reopened at member's request.

[mark_in_manc]

Thanks Graham

I have been playing with one of these - it works, but despite the (plain) armature bearings feeling and looking OK when pulled apart and turned by hand, it makes a racket like those bearings have had it, when under power. I wonder if anyone has ever tried to (for example) sit the bearings one one of these in hot oil - not sure if they are plain plain, or sintered. Cleaning and re-greasing made it a little better, but it still sounds fairly horrible.

Just for fun - I don't really need it to work. But it's a nice little thing.
M

[The Philpott]

It's the sort of vintage that could well have sintered bushes....even if they're not an oil bath won't do them any harm. Sintered brass has a slightly speckly finish when new but not sure if they become shiny with wear.
It's not gear chatter is it?
Dave

[mark_in_manc]

That's an interesting suggestion. I could try to run it with the gearbox detached - though with no load on the armature at all perhaps I should do so powered through a variac, in case it really spins away!

[McMurdo]

I would prefer to use a metal drill with a good earth rather than through an isolation transformer. The case could soon become live again when you drill through a hidden ring main cable.

[bionicmerlin]

I remember during the 70s there was a public information program of a man using a metal drill and the wires held in a cooker socket with matches. As he’s working the earth wire pulled out and touches the live wire ,thus making his drill live and electrocutes him.
I believe as there was quite a few round pin plugs about people couldn’t be bothered to keep changing plugs to suit the socket. Also no 30ma RCDs in them days Andy

[pmmunro]

Originally Posted by rambo1152

Personally I would not want to use a metal-clad power tool like that.
At the very least, fit an RCD plug .

I have three very similar Wolf drills which are double insulated, all with metal cases. The first was bought for me around 1963 so I don't know if that makes it an early example of Class II appliances; it was certainly the first I had seen.

The body casting has a tapped hole for an earth connection so it is quite possible that the same casting was adapted to make the insulation double, or possibly reinforced. That insulation is a dark green polymer coating and looks quite thick.

It is one of a few types of Class II appliance which can be tested as well as inspected.

PMM

[barrymagrec]

I seem to remember that the Wolf Safetymaster was the first or at least one of the first double insulated drills back in the early sixties.

I have been using earthed metal cased drills for sixty years - still here.....

[mark_in_manc]

Things have moved on - I found an ebay seller who seemed to have done one of these up for sale (there were useful 'in bits' photos in the listing), who has been very helpful and turns out to hold some spares and lots of knowledge - his father worked for the firm in the '70s. I have suggested he might enjoy this thread, and the 'show us your drills' one linked above.