The Projects Never End

[DavidBarkey]

@Toolslinger big job . Well done . I don't think that I would be up for such a task any more . Hopefully now it is repaired there will be now further issues for you .

[Harry]

I’m with David on this project. I would not think about diving into this. I took a course at the Lincoln Electric Company in Cleveland Ohio. It was on welding machine equipment repair. It was just the basics but I learned a few things from it. Like leave the electrical equipment repair to the professionals. Harry

[Toolslinger]

So far, while I was really concerned about doing it, based just on looking at that spaghetti, it hasn't been terrible. Hardest part is that it's an awful height to work at so my back really starts talking to me, and then trying to read those itty bitty numbers on all that 20ga wire. I'd still be working on the first wire without a lighted magnifier. If you can survive the way the military writes technical manuals, they are extremely good. You could build one from a pile of parts without too much difficulty just following the book. Along the way, they even explain the theory of operation so it might actually make sense. Currently, I'm ok with it being magic, so long as the magic works.

[Eugen]

@Toolslinger your generator project realy tweets my interest. A phasequest unit that converts 208/240 volt to 3 phase with computer grade power on all thee legs is part of my tool box. It will handle a 5 horsepower 3 phase moter plus a bit more. When the new shop is complete a 3 phase generator is on the wish list. During the winter the generator engine heat could be captured for shop heat while powering an engine lathe, mill, compressor, and plasma cutter. 3 phase industrial equipment cast offs are cheap compared to single phase unites. Typical 3 phase equipment will have greater capabilities and options. Finding a suitable genset with clean windings and control wiring is one criteria that is high priority. Searching for browned wires is something to add to a checklist. After purchase checking that all connections are tight is a must.

I admire your tenacity and trouble shooting skills.

Funny you should mention the 3 phase issue. I just got this device delivered as many devices around here are 3 phase but currently have only one phase . I've yet to test it. I got the 2.2kW unit.

[sdunt]

Depending the model - brand, you might find this helpful
3 PHASE in the shop https://monarch14.blogspot.com/2014/03/ ... -shop.html

[Toolslinger]

VFD would be great on either a single machine, or one that you want the variable speed. For my application, I'd prefer a rotary phase converter. I have a 5 gorse unit that would do most of my machines. A 10 would be perfect. Kick it off, feed a small 3 phase panel, and then run out to the machines. In that case I don't need to adjust anything, or tailor it to the specific machine.

[FUTZ]

@Toolslinger your generator project realy tweets my interest. A phasequest unit that converts 208/240 volt to 3 phase with computer grade power on all thee legs is part of my tool box. It will handle a 5 horsepower 3 phase moter plus a bit more. When the new shop is complete a 3 phase generator is on the wish list. During the winter the generator engine heat could be captured for shop heat while powering an engine lathe, mill, compressor, and plasma cutter. 3 phase industrial equipment cast offs are cheap compared to single phase unites. Typical 3 phase equipment will have greater capabilities and options. Finding a suitable genset with clean windings and control wiring is one criteria that is high priority. Searching for browned wires is something to add to a checklist. After purchase checking that all connections are tight is a must.

I admire your tenacity and trouble shooting skills.

Funny you should mention the 3 phase issue. I just got this device delivered as many devices around here are 3 phase but currently have only one phase . I've yet to test it. I got the 2.2kW unit.

Screenshot 2025-01-13 at 10.27.29.png

I put one on our lathe and my neighbours car hoist 10yrs ago. At that time it wasn't well known that they could convert 1ph to 3ph. There was no instructions on how to do it. The lathe unit failed, but my neighbours car hoist is still working and he loves it. It was like magic to him. We switch the lathe to 1ph motor and I haven't needed one since, but I bought a newer one that boasts the conversion so I can switch lathe back to 3ph.

[Toolslinger]

Had great weather yesterday...

Stripped that chains off the 8N, 444, and Gator. Back blade off the 8N too. Didn't drop the blower off the 444 as I didn't want to move things around enough to get it to it's storage spot. No hurry there, it doesn't have work assigned until the fall leaf season.

Next was fire up the Walker. It was a little cranky after its long winter nap. Low pressure in tires makes a zero turn real unhappy, so up the hill to the barn, and aired them up. Nowhere near needing to mow, but it's now sitting in front of the 8N for when it get the call. Will probably do the annual fluid change and greasing in a couple weeks. It's mostly good for a whole season after that other than a litle grease in some of the low hour fittings.

I decided to play with the new JD backhoe a little... I had it stashed over in my uncles field for the winter. I ran it over there when things were frozen so I wouldn't make a mess in the spring mud. The plan was/is to pull apart the boulder storage pile and pick some nice ones to line the road to keep folks from running in to my barn. Didn't get to that, but I did get disgusted with some of the dead ash trees that keep dropping along the field edge. I was able to push a few over in to the woods, and several more I was able to just snap off a few feet up. It is a sloppy old hoe, but it apparently can get the job done. I do think I should pull all the circuit relief valves, and rebuild them. Feels like they are bypassing a little. Cylinders could use rebuilds too, but they're not weeping, just a little internal bypass on some. Guess it could be either, or both... Should make that winter work when I don't need the hoe, but who wants to mess with that in the cold.

Also managed to rebuild the carb on a Husky 435 chainsaw. That's a miserable thing to get out of the body... Rebuild was fine. Couldn't get the screw out that holds the needle valve, so it just got all the diaphragms, and gaskets. Kinda disappointed I could do the needle, but that's life I guess. Saw fired up ok. Didn't have enough time left to go cut anything, but it will need a little adjustment on the carb by the sound of it. Close, but not quite right.

[DavidBarkey]

Pulled the Caster off the 446 and move the suitcase weights to the front bracket . Hooked up a trailer and gathered up saws to do a little clean up of downed limbs . That lasted about an hour until the cold winds took the wind out of my sails .

[Toolslinger]

That lasted about an hour until the cold winds took the wind out of my sails .

Hang in there... The good weather is coming... We're playing the game of 80 degrees one day, and 40 the next, and then back to 70... Too early for that heat, and kinda late for 40... Mother nature has gone off her meds again.