Beseler 45MX - maintaining the motor

[M Carter]

I've read posts here or elsewhere regarding the Beseler elevation motor; people cleaning and re-greasing the gear box claim smoother operation and longer life.

I'd really like to avoid motor problems (I know the thing is pretty bulletproof). Are there any simple procedures for cleaning or lubing the motor? And is it a royal pain to remove and reinstall, stuff to align or things that can leave you with a deskfull of looney-tunes springs and gears?

Mine seems a little sluggish up high, but I need to try tightening the spring tension first. The carriage is level (on the proper teeth), and I checked the angle of the frame with an adjustable angle square (made for installing crown molding) which seems like a great way to verify the frame is square.

 

[Alan9940]

I've used my Beseler 45MX for nearly 40 years and I've never touched the elevation motor; seems to be working fine.

 

[M Carter]

I've used my Beseler 45MX for nearly 40 years and I've never touched the elevation motor; seems to be working fine.

Yes, I know they're believed to be pretty bullet proof. I have no idea regarding the history of mine, or how long it's been used straining to get to the top. I've read posts from people that had heating and smoking motors and cleaned and lubed them and they functioned like new. If it's a reasonable service to DIY, I'd do it, I'd like this enlarger to be my last.

 

[mgb74]

I don't have the info in front of me, but I once googled the model number on the Beseler 45 motor and found it to be an "off the shelf" item. If you're worried, you could see about buying a spare while still available. Of course, you could get a spare Bes 45 and keep the parts most likely to fail (condensers, bellows, motor with carriage, geared tracks).

 

[Leigh B]

Anyone have info on the focus motor gearbox on the Beseler CB7.

Why is this in the 45MX thread rather than in its own CB7 thread?

- Leigh

 

[M Carter]

Why is this in the 45MX thread rather than in its own CB7 thread?

- Leigh

Guess the poster moved it?