Hand Mixer Help (My Wizard Stopped Spinning!)

[moderncleveland]

My favorite hand mixer, a Wizard, just stopped working today in the middle of mixing some eggs! The beaters just abruptly stopped turning and it only made a weak humming sound, which was a bit louder when it was pushed on High. Inspection inside didn't show much of anything, but the two cylinders that the beaters fit into don't budge. Anyone know what might be going on or how I can fix it? Here's some pics of the damage ...

 

[moderncleveland]

Wizard Portable Mixer

 

[moderncleveland]

Top side

 

[mixfinder]

Iona

You have what appears to be a rebadged Iona.  IMHO there are stronger choices but yours might be salvaged.  It is possible the mixer has seized and needs lubrication.  Most likely it will be one of the beater spindles and sleeves.  Worse would be a gear that stripped, lost a tooth or is too worn to engage although yours look to be in good shape.  From the position shown in the picture, bathe both spindles with something like WD40 or a penetrating oil.  It almost looks like there is a felt wick at the bottom of the spindle to help absorb oil.  Let it set over night.  With one of the beaters in place and the mixer unplugged, wiggle the beater back and forth to see it you get any momement.  Look at the opposite end of the mixer where the fan is.  Use you finger to see if you can get the fan and armature to move.  There is likely a bushing there under a metal strap that could use a shot of lubrication as well.  Give it whirl and call back in the morning.  Have you wondered if this site is a good thing since your blender and mixer have both decided to have issues since you joined?  GE made a very good governor controlled mixer in the 60's and early 70's and often seen on ebay.  I have an old Sunbeam hand mixer with a large motor and infinite speeds.  I never hold a mixer unless I have to but when I do this one can play with the big boys.

 

[wiskybill]

Well done, Kelly!

I have an almost identical Iona mixer. Mine has a beater ejector button beside the speed control.

I've never used mine, is it possibly a worn out motor carbon brush?

Bill

 

[mixfinder]

Carbon Brush

I could be the brushes if the mixer is DOA.  If the motor hums then the problem is more likely an obstruction or bind.