Thurman
Full Member
- Aug 27, 2014
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HELLO ALL: I have briefly reseaerched this forum but still have questions. First, I am building a small (12V battery powered) puffer. The bellows will move about 8 in. and will be driven by a rotating cam instead of a U joint and linkages. (May have to revisit the usual approach after some experiments) Please consider that my interest in the design/construction is at least as important as the time spent drywashing, as I live in Florida. I am not necessarily interested in the lowest cost or effort; but new ideas, materials, crafrsmanship/appearance, simplicity, and mechanical/electrical efficiency are a high priority.
RIFFLES: The riffle tray is approx. 9 in. x 24in. I expect the adjustable tray angle wil be approx. 30 degrees to horizontal. I need advice on riffle height, dead zones, and angle to tray bottom material. The aluminum riffles will have a .062 x.062 void at the front bottom of the riffle for small stuff to call home.
SILKSCREENING: I have been looking at the aluminum frames used in silkscreen printing. High quality products. Not to mention the open material used on silkscreen frames - a wide variety exotic materials and "threads" per inch (how open). Has anyone tried these materials?
MOTORS: Motor recommendations: Looking around, it seems a puffer cycle should be approx. (1 puff per second); or 60 rpm. I know that motor rpm will depend, of course, on the load. Which makes me consider a motor with what they call pulse modulation to control rpm. Watching videos and talking with Keene Engineering makes me very partial to their small DW212V puffer and motor (the motor alone costs $250.00 with controller). I see tons of motors online for much, much less. I have seen that many use windshield and other geared motors (forget what they are called), (and have not counted them out), but I would like to buy the motor one time and have it work.
WHERE IS THE DOG: Several years ago I was on the verge of sending a check to Whippet Engineering to get on his list to buy his new drywasher! Regretably, other things got in the way. I mention this in admiration of his innovative approach to design and materials. Mine will not be that good. If someone has one for sale, let me know. Then I can forget this!
FINALLY: In the long run, I am sure that I should just buy the Keene drywasher. But that would not cure my itch for a great winter project with some innovations I am interested in. It could also be an exciting failure! Please be generous with your advice on any aspect of this post. Any thing will put me ahead of where I am. Science, experience, leads, philosophy (but politics are not allowed, and I am happy in that department) are all welcome!
Best retards to all, Thurman
RIFFLES: The riffle tray is approx. 9 in. x 24in. I expect the adjustable tray angle wil be approx. 30 degrees to horizontal. I need advice on riffle height, dead zones, and angle to tray bottom material. The aluminum riffles will have a .062 x.062 void at the front bottom of the riffle for small stuff to call home.
SILKSCREENING: I have been looking at the aluminum frames used in silkscreen printing. High quality products. Not to mention the open material used on silkscreen frames - a wide variety exotic materials and "threads" per inch (how open). Has anyone tried these materials?
MOTORS: Motor recommendations: Looking around, it seems a puffer cycle should be approx. (1 puff per second); or 60 rpm. I know that motor rpm will depend, of course, on the load. Which makes me consider a motor with what they call pulse modulation to control rpm. Watching videos and talking with Keene Engineering makes me very partial to their small DW212V puffer and motor (the motor alone costs $250.00 with controller). I see tons of motors online for much, much less. I have seen that many use windshield and other geared motors (forget what they are called), (and have not counted them out), but I would like to buy the motor one time and have it work.
WHERE IS THE DOG: Several years ago I was on the verge of sending a check to Whippet Engineering to get on his list to buy his new drywasher! Regretably, other things got in the way. I mention this in admiration of his innovative approach to design and materials. Mine will not be that good. If someone has one for sale, let me know. Then I can forget this!
FINALLY: In the long run, I am sure that I should just buy the Keene drywasher. But that would not cure my itch for a great winter project with some innovations I am interested in. It could also be an exciting failure! Please be generous with your advice on any aspect of this post. Any thing will put me ahead of where I am. Science, experience, leads, philosophy (but politics are not allowed, and I am happy in that department) are all welcome!
Best retards to all, Thurman
