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General => Chatter => Topic started by: Scruff Bag on November 09, 2017, 08:48:57 PM

Title: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Scruff Bag on November 09, 2017, 08:48:57 PM
Anybody got any ideas on what I can repurpose a knackered upright vacuum motor into?

Already stripped it out of it's plastic vacuum frame as I was curious. Shame to throw it away.
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: julianf on November 09, 2017, 09:17:34 PM
blower for some sort of burner thing?
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Julian on November 10, 2017, 03:11:37 AM
blower for some sort of burner thing?

Speaking of which ... did you ever get any further with your foundry project?

I've just picked up a job restoring some small bronze windows from a cathedral for which I need to get some bronze "cock spur" latches cast.

I 3D printed the patterns ... what a time saver the printer was compared with carving the things from wood.
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: julianf on November 10, 2017, 11:58:21 AM
Sadly, no more progress.  Its nothing more than i always have somthing more pressing to buy than some cement for a project that i have no instant need for.


Anyhow, i assume youre planning on casting the parts yourself?  Or were you looking for someone?  As we have discussed, and, as above, if you need something with not an instant time frame (i have all the other stuff sorted, just not the lining) than that may be the motivator i need!
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Julian on November 10, 2017, 01:39:08 PM
Sadly, no more progress.  Its nothing more than i always have somthing more pressing to buy than some cement for a project that i have no instant need for.


Anyhow, i assume youre planning on casting the parts yourself?  Or were you looking for someone?  As we have discussed, and, as above, if you need something with not an instant time frame (i have all the other stuff sorted, just not the lining) than that may be the motivator i need!


Alas no, my furnace fell apart years ago, but I have found a sculpture foundry very close to home ... amazing what you find when you look.  The guy quoted silly money to cast a couple of handles, but having chatted and told him I've played with casting in the past, he said if I brought the mold in when he does a pour, he'll use the dregs for my handle.


I think he may be regretting the offer, I appreciate little jobs like this are a pain in the backside for a business, but he's not answered his phone or returned my calls so I visited in person and he had very little time to talk saying he'll try on Tuesday.  So I'll see what happens after the weekend ... if all else fails, I may be building a furnace in a hurry.

If it works out I'll post some pictures of the pattern and casting.

Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Scruff Bag on November 10, 2017, 03:08:47 PM
Think I've found a use for the vacuum motor due to the type of motor it is. It's a one way air flow 1600w motor with a rotating shaft that would normally have been used to drive the front brush wheels via a rubber pulley belt.

I've salvaged as many of the vacuum parts as possible, such as screws/hoses, pipe fittings.

Large capacity DIY table saw with built in sawdust collector.

I watched this video about repurposing a vacuum motor into a DIY cyclone collector:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arB59ilKkvA

Then saw this one about a small DIY table saw:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-iFqTaR1Dw

And got the idea for a larger table saw and dust collector. Hence the combination of both motor features - motor driven shaft and air flow capability.

I'm going through a few ideas of having the motor adapted to include a belt drive on the shaft that then connects to the main bar that drives the circular blade. Then boxing off the section of the circular blade so that, via a cyclone style collection bucket, saw dust can be drawn out of the sealed section straight into the collection bucket.

Or maybe a style of generic dust collection system like this chap's, but with added features to connect other power tools - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weQOy1D_8HI

Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Scruff Bag on November 10, 2017, 04:33:21 PM
This is virtually an exact copy of the motor I have, though I've managed to strip the motor out of my old Argos Simply Value vacuum in one piece with the power cord still connected. I'm guessing the external TOC thing is the yellow component stuck on the side?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/YDK-YV2200-Type-Motor-Unit-for-DYSON-DC27-DC33-Vacuum-Cleaner-Hoover-TOC-240V/191626391080?epid=2255999086&hash=item2c9dd2ae28:g:wnAAAOSwu4BVniC2
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Julian on November 10, 2017, 04:47:29 PM
Before watching the videos, I'd have said the motor was way under powered for a table saw, but the one in the video is even smaller, so I guess if you are only cutting thin stuff you may get away with it.

I recon the cyclone dust collector would be the most suitable use.  If I was going to the trouble of building a table saw I'd get a more powerful motor and make one that would handle bigger timber.

Similarly with the dust extraction system, you'll get a large pressure drop in long pipe runs, especially with the size hose he's using.  Serious systems use circa 4" pipe, but the cyclone idea is pretty much using the motor for it's intended purpose.

You could build a furnace and send it down to the sunny South for testing!
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Tony on November 10, 2017, 05:15:38 PM
Some of the more sophisticated shop vacs detect the table saw motor's current draw and only start the vac when the tool is running, which sounds great to me.  Just not sure how to detect current to the saw in order to start the vac.

That said if your vac and saw are all one and the same motor then you've got that bit covered already :)

When I was a student a mate had five vac motors blowing into a box with a single outlet tube (it was ferocious) which he used to spin up his turbo-based jet turbine.
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Scruff Bag on November 10, 2017, 07:38:05 PM
Before watching the videos, I'd have said the motor was way under powered for a table saw, but the one in the video is even smaller, so I guess if you are only cutting thin stuff you may get away with it.

I recon the cyclone dust collector would be the most suitable use.  If I was going to the trouble of building a table saw I'd get a more powerful motor and make one that would handle bigger timber.

Similarly with the dust extraction system, you'll get a large pressure drop in long pipe runs, especially with the size hose he's using.  Serious systems use circa 4" pipe, but the cyclone idea is pretty much using the motor for it's intended purpose.

You could build a furnace and send it down to the sunny South for testing!

Could be an option to only use the motor as a DIY cyclone vac collector so I can use it with a variety of power tools.

That furnace idea sounds interesting though. I've always fancied knowing the art of metal casting and black smithing. No idea how I'd do that though.
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Julian on November 16, 2017, 11:54:11 PM
Well, wonders will never cease! I managed to get my casting poured at the local foundry today and these are the results ...


(http://www.palmergroup.co.uk/3D/Hande pattern.JPG)

Pattern ... a flippy over job so you get "two for the price of one".  All parts were 3D printed, doing the double curve bit in sketchup was rather taxing!  The prints were filed flat and swamped in primer to get a finish.



(http://www.palmergroup.co.uk/3D/Handle as cast.JPG)

As broken out of the mold with the riser cut off.


(http://www.palmergroup.co.uk/3D/Handle components.JPG)

Components as cut from the riser.

Really pleased with the result and amazed that some of the little wires I added to use as filler rod actually filled with metal.  Bronze must be incredibly runny when molten.

Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Jamesrl on November 18, 2017, 02:33:44 PM
What draft angle did you use?
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Julian on November 19, 2017, 12:02:06 AM
In the end, minimal ... have you tried to put a draft on complex shapes in Sketchup?  If I was able I'd have gone for 1° as there's no great depth to any of the parts.

I ended up printing with no draft and then filed out the printing laminations and added a draft at the same time (probably could have made it a bit more as there's a lot of flashing on some parts).  I used decorators caulking to add a small radii around the base of the shapes and to smooth the transitions on the runners ... seemed to work OK.

Here's a photo of a finished handle fettled, welded and riveted together.  I know ... I could have made it more shiny but there seems to be a trend on G1 listed buildings not to "over restore" which suits me down to the ground ... saves a massive amount of work!


(http://www.palmergroup.co.uk/3D/Handle finished.JPG)

I have to admit I cocked up the pattern for the base.  I placed the little stop lug below the top screw too low so I had to cut it off, file up a new one and silver solder it higher up ... think I'll get away with it though!
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Jamesrl on November 19, 2017, 12:47:52 AM
I reckon you've done a cracking job, well done geezer.

It does look like a Crital Hope window catch though.
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Julian on November 19, 2017, 02:03:27 AM
Thanks, but aren't you blowing the wrong trumpet there!

It is quite similar to the standard Crittle handles, but there are some subtle differences, the biggest being the handle's on the outside and the window opens into the building!
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Jamesrl on November 19, 2017, 12:42:41 PM
I'll blow any trumpet if credit is due and in this case it truly is.

If the handle is out side doesn't that present a security risk?
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Julian on November 19, 2017, 02:08:47 PM
I haven't been on site to see the arrangement, but as I understand things these are high up somewhere on the roof and allow access into an otherwise inaccessible void space.   I don’t think they are even visible from the ground, so all my efforts will only ever be seen by a few maintenance workers!

Have to say I'm liking this bronze stuff to work with.  The leaded glass is held in with 3/8"  square, bronze retaining beads, screwed in place with 3/16" Whitworth brass, slotted, raised countersunk screws ... you try buying them these days.  I managed to persuade them to accept normal countersunk screws but still had to have them made at considerable expense.  Anyway, where screws had broken or, in some places been replaced with oversized m6 screws, it's really easy to weld the holes up then redrill and tap.

Similarly where corner joints on the frames had broken, it's possible to make an almost invisible repair if you grind it back carefully.  I've found backing the holes and sharp, external corners with rusty steel works quite well, otherwise if you get things too hot, big lumps melt and drop on the floor!

Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Jamesrl on November 19, 2017, 05:20:27 PM
How sad that such a masterpiece is not on display to the general public or at least to those who would appreciate such work.

Bronze fastenings are very common in the boat building/refurbishing world, might be useful for future reference.
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: knighty on November 20, 2017, 02:14:49 PM
James is right (for a chance)

cracking job there, they look really good

I'm impressed they came out so well :-)
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Jamesrl on November 20, 2017, 03:28:21 PM
James is right (for a change)

cracking job there, they look really good

I'm impressed they came out so well :-)

I'll have that carved on me 'ead stone, "He was right just the once in his life".
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Julian on November 20, 2017, 06:34:09 PM
James is right (for a chance)

cracking job there, they look really good

I'm impressed they came out so well :-)

I was shocked!
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: dgs on November 22, 2017, 06:51:42 PM
James is right (for a chance)

cracking job there, they look really good

I'm impressed they came out so well :-)

I was shocked!

Make that Twice, Jim. You were right some years ago when you told me to drill out my eductor to 8.9mms!
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Jamesrl on November 23, 2017, 12:48:43 AM

Make that Twice, Jim. You were right some years ago when you told me to drill out my eductor to 8.9mms!

I was ALWAYS right when it came to venturis.
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: K.H on November 23, 2017, 08:08:38 PM
Some of the more sophisticated shop vacs detect the table saw motor's current draw and only start the vac when the tool is running, which sounds great to me.  Just not sure how to detect current to the saw in order to start the vac.
According to here
http://www.woodworkersinstitute.com/forum/power-take-off-switch_topic14085.html

This will work
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Intelli-plug-Desktop-Computer-plug-for-surge-protection/152664694448?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

will let you know as ive just got one for £2.99
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Tony on November 24, 2017, 09:35:22 AM
Wow that's a great find, didn't know such a thing existed.  Let me know how you get on but if it's true that they can handle 2990W then it sounds perfect for a big mitre saw and vacuum.  :)

Got a diamond blade for my mitre saw, going to be trying it out on floor tiling soon.
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Tony on November 24, 2017, 09:42:17 AM
Found a bunch of them for £4.81 delivered so also ordered one:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/e-on-DSK105EON-PowerDown-Intelligent-Power-Management-Adaptor/172958450760

DSK105 is rated for 13A

Much cheaper than an expensive shop vac with auto-on :)
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Scruff Bag on November 26, 2017, 07:32:56 PM
Got most of my parts now for my little diy table saw.

As I was hunting through my attic last week I found an old knackered 1960's Singer sewing machine I bought yonks ago for a couple quid at a car boot. Never got round to using it for it's purpose, but yesterday I stripped it down to take out the main shaft, extra bearings (binned them as then were worn as foof) and toothed gear pulleys and belt.

I was thinking of keeping the electric motor but it was completely exposed so binned that too.

Only thing I need now is a few extra bearings and I'm set to stick it all together so I can cut my hands off at the first attempt!

Can anybody recognise the part shown in this chaps hand at 0:48. That's one of the last bits I need to source and I don't know what it's called. It's the bit that will hold the blade in position once the corresponding lock nut is screwed on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-iFqTaR1Dw
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Julian on November 26, 2017, 07:55:25 PM
It's called an arbor.

Quite common to get them with a male shaft for hand drills, but females like those shown may be more difficult to come by.

Try looking at different types of hole saw arbor, some have the centre drill running right through.
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Tony on November 27, 2017, 01:36:50 PM
Shame that angle grinder arbors look like they are 7/8" and most saw blades 20 or 30mm.

I guess you might find an old saw at the tip that the arbor could be taken from?

I love my compound mitre saw but I do wish I had a table saw for long runs (IE cutting kitchen plinths down to height)
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Julian on November 27, 2017, 05:44:32 PM
(IE cutting kitchen plinths down to height)

Set the height of the units to accommodate the plinth at the highest part of the floor and have a gap at the top on the rest ... no one will ever see it!
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Tony on November 28, 2017, 09:12:23 AM
Well, OK, maybe a bad example, but there have been countless times being able to slice down the length of something would have been useful.

Did debate not bothering with the plinth and just having legs, but no-one would ever bother cleaning under the units so it would look awful in short order!

Might be wondering off topic slightly...
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: Julian on November 28, 2017, 10:15:52 AM
Completely agree, table saw would be super useful but it's the space it takes up is the problem.  Next best is a couple of saw horses with a couple of 4x2s laid over them and a circular saw set to a fraction more than the sheet your cutting.

And yes, this probably gets the  award for the most off topic thread we've had!
Title: Re: Vacuum motor uses
Post by: K.H on December 04, 2017, 08:38:33 PM
Found a bunch of them for £4.81 delivered so also ordered one:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/e-on-DSK105EON-PowerDown-Intelligent-Power-Management-Adaptor/172958450760

DSK105 is rated for 13A

Much cheaper than an expensive shop vac with auto-on :)
Mine arrived today, works a treat