Bench Stator Growler, 120V

A growler is the old-school way to find a shorted turn in a motor stator before you tear the whole winding out. Set the stator on the curved face, energize the coil, and drag a thin hacksaw blade across the slot openings. Over a healthy slot the blade lies flat. Over a shorted turn the blade buzzes and jumps. Nearly free diagnostics — no electronics involved, no software to update, no calibration to chase.

Specifications

• Input: 120V AC, 60 Hz, 3 ft cord with switch
• Magnetic face: Curved laminated iron, 4 in radius
• Fits: Small to mid stators up to 6 in bore
• Hacksaw blade: Included, plus a spare
• Weight: 11 lb / 5 kg
• Case: Black powder-coat steel
• Fuse: 2 A slow-blow, accessible

How to use it

Set the stator on the curved face so the laminations seat against the iron. Switch on. Hold the hacksaw blade flat and drag it slowly across each slot opening in turn. A healthy slot — no shorted turns — produces no reaction. A slot with a shorted turn pulls the blade down and buzzes it against the laminations. Mark the slot, move on, test the rest. You now know exactly which coil to pull before you touch anything else.

Honest note

A growler is loud — that hum is the laminated iron core working. Run it in short bursts, not continuous duty; it warms up quickly and is not rated for extended energization. Heavy for what it is at 11 lb, but that mass is the laminated iron core doing the job. A light growler is a weak growler.