1967 Wards Signature blender: oil motor before use?

[dnastrau]

My wife picked up a clean 1967 Wards Signature blender at a yard sale. It is in very good shape for its age. My question is: Should I oil the motor bearings with turbine oil before I use it? It turns smoothly - my concern is mainly the age. The motor does not look very easy to remove or open up.

Thanks for any advice. I'll post a picture later.

Andrew S.

 

[panthera]

Andrew,

That is always a conundrum. Sometimes, it is best to leave vintage appliances alone. Sometimes they just need some TLC.

If you do decide to oil (I would), I would follow Rich's advice - non-acid, non-oxidising 20W motor oil, sparingly applied.

Neat blender, pictures? Please?

 

[dnastrau]

Here it is...

Hi Keven:

Here is the Wards blender - built in July of '67 based on the date stamped on the motor.

 

[dnastrau]

Pot metal coupler

This is why I may leave the motor alone. If I break this getting it off I am hosed...

 

[dnastrau]

Bottom of motor is one piece with case

The bottom of the motor looks like it comes off but that is just a rubber gasket. The bottom of the case is one piece with the case itself.

 

[dnastrau]

ID tag

The bottom plate is still like new.

 

[norgeway]

This is a ....

Westinghouse, if it runs ok I would leave it alone!

 

[tolivac]

Appears to have sealed bearings-leave it be.Motor is sealed too.

 

[dnastrau]

Thanks for the advice and information

I will use it as-is since it runs fine. My 6-year-old son loves it and can't wait to make some shakes!

 

[panthera]

Hmm,

sealed. You might well do more harm than good if the lubes are incompatible. I'd not do anything unless warranted by funny noises. If you do have to lube, remove the brushes first and make sure the commutator is absolutely oil/grease free before you put the brushes back.
What a beautiful piece of machinery. They don't make 'em like that anymore.
Thanks for sharing - and thanks Norgeway for the tip it's a Westinghouse.

 

[dnastrau]

Used it twice today...

...and it ran like new. I am going to leave well enough alone.