24 replies to this topic

[Greenman]

Well, as I see i dont have the optimal motor, and niether an easy way for wiring it up. I guess il just head out for another washingmachine. This time, il check how many wires are connected and if the motor is using brushes.

I am to understand that old washingmachine motors perfectly fits my requirments. Most, dont have a 5wire female conductor inn, and can even be wired without a capacitator. If i am not wrong, most old ones doesnt have brushes niether.

[Arthur Brown]

Go to http://rswww.com and search part number 248-3637 It is a little motor that powers typical hobby rock tumblers. 2 wires, mains, use one shaft for clockwise the other for anticlockwise rotation. This if fitted with a small pulley and belt will drive a mill with up to a litre capacity. This should mill 50 - 100g batches

[Greenman]

Go to http://rswww.com and search part number 248-3637 It is a little motor that powers typical hobby rock tumblers. 2 wires, mains, use one shaft for clockwise the other for anticlockwise rotation. This if fitted with a small pulley and belt will drive a mill with up to a litre capacity. This should mill 50 - 100g batches

As i want to make a new ballmill, which can mill more than the old one, i guess this motor is a little too small? My goal for my new mill, is that it can atleast do the big jars from inoxia. I finally got hold on an old washingmachine motor. It has three wires inn, and i found out they were for different spinways (backwards and forwards). Anyways the motor works atleast, and thanks for the tip and help

[knackers]

As i want to make a new ballmill, which can mill more than the old one, i guess this motor is a little too small? My goal for my new mill, is that it can atleast do the big jars from inoxia. I finally got hold on an old washingmachine motor. It has three wires inn, and i found out they were for different spinways (backwards and forwards). Anyways the motor works atleast, and thanks for the tip and help

keep in mind the duty cycle of your washing machine, it's only designed for a load or two of washing and a few hours of continuous use will heat it up very hot, " don't put it on before work in the morning and expect to come home to your house at night "

[Bonny]

I use old "barn" exhaust fan motors for my mill. My old motor was only 1/15 HP (non capacitor start) and easily milled loads that were ~5lbs (including media). The new motor I have is 1/4 HP IIRC. My jars are normally undercharged with media as I don't have enough, but simply milling for longer compensates for that.
The only issue I have is that those motors are designed to have a constant air flow for cooling, so I just run a small cooling fan which works just fine. In winter here no cooling fan is needed as the temps reach as low as -40C.

[Greenman]

Haha, as i now live in norway, we have got pretty low temperatures too. Not often as low as -40C though. Ive thought of using a fan motor, but i belived it wouldnt be powerfull enough (most small fans are the usual 30W arent they?). I guess your fan was a quite large fan?

And, sure phill. I certanly will keep that in mind.

[Bonny]

Haha, as i now live in norway, we have got pretty low temperatures too. Not often as low as -40C though. Ive thought of using a fan motor, but i belived it wouldnt be powerfull enough (most small fans are the usual 30W arent they?). I guess your fan was a quite large fan?

And, sure phill. I certanly will keep that in mind.

The fan I'm referring to is an industrial type used in barns/sheds to exhaust (or intake) air, and are usually mounted to the wall. The blades would measure about 12" or more across.

Edited by Bonny, 22 April 2009 - 01:59 PM.

[Bowerz]

I'm planning to get a 12v DC washing machine motor or similar and buy a speed controller (It's actually a 12v dimmer but it does the same job) then use direct chain drive (parts of an old bike) to a drive shaft/pole which the container will rest on.

[pyromaniac303]

I'm planning to get a 12v DC washing machine motor or similar and buy a speed controller (It's actually a 12v dimmer but it does the same job) then use direct chain drive (parts of an old bike) to a drive shaft/pole which the container will rest on.

Unfortunately I don't think you will ever find a DC washing machine motor. I used to work with my dad through summer servicing washing machines, and they were all AC motors with carbon brushes.

That LED controller looks to be a good find, and if you use this with a motor from an electric wheelchair or mobility vehicle, you should have a suitable mill motor. This can also be direct drive, therefore you only need to connect the motor shaft to the mill jar, no need for a chain or other equipment. One thing I would be careful of with this controller though is that you make sure there is a diode in reverse bias across the motor, called a free-wheeling diode. All DC motors create large negative voltage spikes that will damage your controller, this diode will protect it. These can be picked up from your local Maplins or electronics shop for a few pence (look for something like a 1N4004).

[Bowerz]

That's usefull info, thanks! I will look for a DC continuesly rated motor then, the washing machine was just an idea.