Have a floor fan that starts slowly. Blades barely turn for a few minutes.
Then it starts and runs okay for the rest of the day. Someone told me its
The starter capacitor. Fan only cost $13.00. Just curious about the problem.

I just fixed one w/ same prob. The spindle is probably dirty (dust mixed w/ grease). Remove blade (probably lock on front turn clockwise to loosen), and try some WD40 or penetrating oil where spindle enters housing. (I had to take mine apart and move shaft 'in & out', cleaning and relube... but it was a bit more expensive fan... )

Do NOT use WD40 as an oil, it will ultimately cause problems.

For oiling, follow these instructions:

Oiling your ceiling fan - Ceiling Fans N More (http://www.ceiling-fans-n-more.com/ceiling-fan-oiling.php)

To the original poster, what make/model is the fan?

General ceiling fan troubleshooting and help FAQ- Ceiling Fans N More (http://www.ceiling-fans-n-more.com/ceiling-fan-general-troubleshooting-and-FAQ.php#4)

I do know there are some places WD40 can cause probs (in a lock... ) but since there was grease on the spindle in my fan anyway, what prob would WD40 cause?

BTW - is not ceiling fan

WD40 is not an oil. It will in fact dry up all the existing oil in the bearings, causing metal-on-metal contact. I use it to clean bearings and then thoroughly replace with fresh oil.

Sorry about the incompletion in comments... fingers flying over keyboard too fast... As I tried to ask, didn't the WD originally stand for "Water Displacement"? I just didn't realize it would also displace oil.

Yep :) It is a "penetrating oil" which means it eats through pretty much everything. I used to use it to clean brass plating until I learned it ate through lacquer.