Volume control pot repair.

Willie Sims · From: PADUCAH, KY, USA

After reading the complaints of defective volume pots from Goodrich, I was curious as to why someone hasn't posted a topics on) reparing the defective pots. I am reasonably sure I am not the only one that knows how to repair volume pots such as,ommite, Allan Bradley, and clarastat, I have been) repairing them far many years. I can post a step-by-step guide on how to repair your used pots if you haven't damaged the resistance track that the tiny graphite brush rotates on. If there is enough interest in this repair. I know the know it all naysayers will find something wrong about this subject. But it does work, the last time I paid for a volume pot, it cost me $2.25 for a ommite pot . If enough interest is shown,, I will post a step by step guide on how to do this repair. It costs next to nothing moneywise to do this repair.

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

There have been several posts over the years, here on the forum, about repairing pots, such as replacing the wiper element (if the resistance element isn't damaged).

Willie Sims · From: PADUCAH, KY, USA

Hey Jack I believe you are right. Seems like I can remember reading a post a long time ago a bout this subject. With these prices they are getting far these pots nowadays, you would think some of the guys that have problems paying for these pots, would try to repair them. Since it is such a simple job by anyone that can use small tools.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

Ken Metcalf · From: San Antonio Texas USA

Larry Dering · From: Missouri, USA

Yes I remember reading something long ago. However it looks like it's time to revisit the subject. Post the procedure and I will copy it in my PC for future use. Thank you in advance for your trouble.

Russ Wever · From: Kansas City

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

Ron Scott · From: Michigan

I would be interested Willie in seeing the repair step by step you have.I have a Franklin pedal with 2 pots.Do you have to take the pots apart to use pot cleaner and lube spray?. Mine is getting old and so far no problems but I'm sure one day I will need to repair it.Thanks Ron
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Jim Palenscar · From: Oceanside, Calif, USA

I have repaired many of the older AB pots as their components could handle it. That being said, I have not been able to successfully repair any of the newer ones for some reason using the same techniques and have given up. The problem is that there are few replacement options that are worth much.

Willie Sims · From: PADUCAH, KY, USA

This is to Donnie Hinson and Ken Metcalf. I agree that a drop of oil on the pots shaft does some good, but it will not prevent the tiny graphite brush from waring down. The little brush that rotates on the resistance track is the only thing that needs to be replaced if the resistance track is in good shape. At the time now I can not post pictures, hopefully so I can. But I can type step-by-step instructions on how to do this repair. Thanks for your interest will be more later.

Willie Sims · From: PADUCAH, KY, USA

This is to Donnie Hinson and Ken Metcalf. I agree that a drop of oil on the pots shaft does some good, but it will not prevent the tiny graphite brush from waredown. The little brush that rotates on the resistance track is the only thing that needs to be replaced if the resistance track is in good shape. At the time now I can not post pictures, hopefully so I can. But I can type step-by-step instructions on how to do this repair. Thanks for your interest will be more later.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

Willie, lubing the pot (not just oiling the shaft) will reduce wear, that's just common sense. Any mechanical friction causes wear, and the less friction, the less wear. This is why I recommend removing the cover and lubing the entire inside of the pot. Also, if you study a pot carefully, you'll notice that the carbon block isn't the only sliding contact. There are also normally metal wipers, or fingers, which transfer the continuity from the wafer supporting rotating carbon block to a contact ring at the center of the pot (which is connected to the pots center contact). To only address the carbon wiper is leaving out the other half of the equation, where a similar wearing and subsequent loss of contact, and resultant noise, occurs. While you can do things to repair or replace the carbon contact block, there is no way to repair or replace these fingers, so it makes good sense to apply a silicone cleaner/lube spray.

Whether or not you choose not to heed my advice is entirely up to you...but it's still good advice! Wink

Willie Sims · From: PADUCAH, KY, USA

Donnie if you will read my post again, you will see that I said I drop of oil would do some good. However it is my belief that any 0il that is between the brush and resistance track that probably affect you, continuity of a signal going through the control. You mentioned the other parts need to be ha lubricated to, I would guess well in the shaft but also on the other part you mentioned. This is just my opinion you're entitled to your own. Thanks for your intrest.

Willie Sims · From: PADUCAH, KY, USA

Donnie if you will read my post again, you will see that I said I drop of oil would do some good. However it is my belief that any 0il that is between the brush and resistance track might effect the continuity of a signal going through the control. You mentioned the other parts need to be oiled too. I would think the oil going around the shaft would be enough to lubricate all the other part you mentioned. Thanks for the feedback. Willie Sims

Willie Sims · From: PADUCAH, KY, USA

Ron you can drill a small hole and the back of the pot, and spray cleaner in that way. Even then it will only be a temporary fix, my suggestion would be to a few drops of OIL around the shaft. If you take the pot a part you might as well go ahead and put a new brush in IT. I sorry I cannot post pictures at this time and it will take a while to post step-by-step guide like I mentioned. My telephone number is 270-442-2106 Paducah Kentucky if you need to talk about the control problem.

Greg Cutshaw · From: Corry, PA, USA

I have repaired many carbon controls. On the old Goodrich pots it is possible to buy a chunk of carbon or use a chunk of old motor brush carbon to make a new pot wiper. If the pot wiper has been gone for a long time though, the wiper's metal carrier will have eaten into the carbon track and either wiped it out or chewed gaps into it, making it very noisy. See some pics below showing a carbon wiper that's just starting to be level with its holder and close to eating into the pot track.

For me, I see no need to go back to repairing carbon pots, even the NOS Allen Bradley ones. The new conductive plastic pots are excellent, have longer life and much less friction. They are a great replacement for carbon track pots. In my experience, they are a perfectly viable alternative. Yeah there's a slight difference in taper, but I expect to see one out soon that matches the old AB taper. For me the difference in taper is a don't care. Even the slight difference in mounting and housing depth is easy to fix:

http://gregcutshaw.com/Goodrich%20120%20Pot/Goodrich%20120%20Pot.html

Jim Palenscar · From: Oceanside, Calif, USA

What pots are you using to replace them with Greg?

Willie Sims · From: PADUCAH, KY, USA

Hello Greg I I read your post and saw your pictures of the volume pot. Thanks a lot for posting the pictures they pretty much explain what needs to be done to repair a pot. in all my years of repairing these type of pots, I have never seen one that looks as rough as the one you pictured. I see no reason now for posting a step-by-step guide on how to repair these volume pots. Your pictures show basically what needs to be done to repair these pots, I use the same method you described how to get the graphite to repair these pots. Thanks again for showing the fellows the pictures of the pot.

Greg Cutshaw · From: Corry, PA, USA

Jim, the Dunlop Hotpotz from Tom Bradshaw!

Greg

Jim Palenscar · From: Oceanside, Calif, USA

Thanks Greg- they have a titch of a bump at the onset but the failure rate seems to be one of the lowest currently available.

Tom Bradshaw · From: Walnut Creek, California, USA

I support "knowledge acquisition" and feel everyone should know as much as possible about everything, including how to repair a pot. The pot I sell is not repairable that I can tell (it's canister is solid plastic!). So, I probably shouldn't hop in on this discussion, because I'm a vender and could properly be accused of prejudice.

But, I'm wondering how necessary it is to know how to repair a pot if the only one you ever install may last you forever? I've shipped about 3300 of the Dunlop pots beginning in 2005. I keep a record of all those sales and who bought my pots. In all that time, only about 4 people have told me that they truly wore out one of my pots (after several years of extreme use). Before I began testing each one, I did ship some defective ones that I immediately replaced. Some could still get past me, but everyone knows that I'll replace them, and replace them even if you didn't buy them from me.

So, at $28.00 each, and a one-time installation hassle, it has cost all but 4 people $3.50 per year to use one of the pots I sell, and the rest may never have to buy and install another pot! That's bad for my business, since it appears that I'll never sell another 3300 of them again. But on the other hand, I revel in the good will! ...Tom

Willie Sims · From: PADUCAH, KY, USA

Tom, I read your post a bout your volume pots, bying one of them would seem the logical way to go if you needed a volume pot. However, if you need one in an emergency when you didn't have time to order one, it would not hurt to know how to repair a used 0ne. Better still, it's better to have a spare pot 0r a extra foot volume pedal. You can be assured that it was not my intention to harm anyone's volume pots sales. Only to Help you fellows that can use the advice of how to repair volume pots.

Tom Bradshaw · From: Walnut Creek, California, USA

Willie: I viewed your intent as educating Forum members, and am pleased that you posted the topic. As I said, knowing how to repair a volume pot is good knowledge to have. I support teaching everyone how to repair one. So, no offense taken. I also agree that having a spare pot on hand is a good idea. In fact, I suggest this on my web site. Frankly, and as a vendor, I'm amazed (but should be disappointed) that the Dunlop pot lasts so long. But, that's the way it is and I'll have to live with it. At my age and stage in life, I'm involved in the steel guitar world for the sheer fun of it. So, sales are not what keeps me going. Please keep up your good work. ...Tom Very Happy

Steve English · From: Baja, Arizona

I installed one of Tom's pots in my Sho~Bud pedal in June 2008 (receipts still in the pedal) and it's working beautifully.

I use this pedal about 2-3 hours every day Very Happy

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