candelabra, spinster, updates, and whatever else I think of

[zeeprogrammer]

Hi all. It's been a while.

I just wanted to provide a little update and ask a question about my latest wild hair...

As most of you know, I had surgery a few months ago to remove part of my liver that had atrophied due to an old injury. I'm fully recovered from that.
Next step is surgery on my shoulder but that won't be for a few months. I can't lift my arm in one direction. Doc says bone spur and calcium deposits.

You may also recall that while I was in the hospital, my grandson was born just down the hall from me.
When it was time for daughter to go back to work, we offered to provide daycare during the week. As much of a joy as it is, it feels like I'm back to work and looking forward to weekends off.  This will continue for several months.

I did manage a little machining. Miniature candelabras I'm giving the kids for Christmas. Picture attached.
I need to rework a part or two to remove some machining marks.
They could have been made from a single bar of 1.25" brass but I opted to make them out of parts. Partly to reduce the waste but also because I don't have the skills (yet) to make cutters for the round parts. So it was mainly turning, filing, threading, and tapping.

As for the wild hair...some of you may recall my Spinster project (a metal spinning wheel). I'm thinking of doing another larger (better) model.
The issue is the brass rim. A plate of brass of the required size is on the order of several hundreds of dollars.
One possibility is to buy an appropriate flywheel but I'm concerned about the look and I worry that unless it's brass, it's not heavy enough.
Another approach is to build it out of segments (I think Chris did a similar thing for his Marion).
I like the segment approach. I can do a similar thing as the original spinster with the hub and spokes.

What are the chances I can make it run true? Any other suggestions?

I have my doubts I could actually spin yarn or even spin threads together to make a larger thread. It's basically a dual-finger treadle but pulling the thread through and spinning the bobbin is likely too much. A backup idea is to mount the thing on a box with a motor inside and linked to the pedals. It may at least move properly then.

Again, this may just be a wild hair and end up as another unfinished project (like the Monitor, the Popcorn, et.al.). But it's fun in any case.
More likely I may do a couple of finger treadle engines for next year's Christmas (a more likely project for success). 

So hello again. I hope to keep a better presence. Perhaps I can live up to Chris's statement...I quote..."Ah, Zee has ruined us all...!    "

[b.lindsey]

Good to hear from you Zee. The candlesticks are lovely and I am sure will be much appreciated.

So what size flywheel would the larger spinster require? A segmented one could be made to run true if it's machinable once fitted together, but depending on size, a cast one may be a good option as well. Once we know the diameter, I know someone can point you toward some cast ones.

Bill

[mklotz]

Fill a brass tube with lead, bend into circle, and use that as the rim of the flywheel.  A copper tube would do as well and provide a color variation; copper might be easier to bend.

It's nice to see you back; I need a target foil for my sarcasm.

[crueby]

Neat spinner!  The segmented flywheel I did is on my Mem corliss thread. Worked out well.


Hope they get all your bits remachined and working again soon!

[zeeprogrammer]

Thanks Bill.

I don't have exact dimensions yet but I'm thinking 8" diameter and a 1/2" rim width (all -ish).

I have to do some drawing of other parts to see if the scale is workable. The smallest parts are the rings that are mounted on the flyer. Most likely they will be made from wire but I'm not sure how they'll be attached. Perhaps glued.

I'm hoping to make it look like a real spinning wheel. The original model is too blocky and the legs should be at an angle to the base. The spinning wheel is a major component and I want it to look really nice. I was fairly happy with the looks of the original but it can certainly be better.

Materials will be brass, aluminum, and stainless steel.

Just saw some new posts...

Thanks Marv. Keep in mind there is a groove along the rim to hold the belt that spins the spinner. Your sarcasm is most welcome. It helps people work their brains to produce come-backs. 

Thanks Chris. I'll check that out.

P.S. I saw a thread earlier about MadModder and some concerns about security. I've just noticed a 'Not secure' message next to the sites URL.

[Kim]

Hi Zee,
Great to hear from you!
Nice candle holders!  Thats a great idea!
Kim

[zeeprogrammer]

Thanks Kim.

You posted while I was catching up on your A3 thread. A very enjoyable read and good learnings for me.

Trying to catch up with everybody is impossible. There is so much great and interesting work here.
I don't mean to leave anyone out...but it's hard when I have just minutes at a time. (Even today I was surprised to find myself taking care of grandson.)

I was also reading Chris's Marion Valve Winding Engine thread.

I'm having no luck finding Chris's Stanley Steamer project. I know he promised so it must be here somewhere. 
If anyone can point me to it...I'd appreciate it. 

(He forgets I'm not that far away...and I personally know some of his elves.)

[crueby]

.......


I'm having no luck finding Chris's Stanley Steamer project. I know he promised so it must be here somewhere. 
If anyone can point me to it...I'd appreciate it. 

(He forgets I'm not that far away...and I personally know some of his elves.)

You forgot the alternate universe I live in (with the 37 hour days for better productivity). Over HERE it has been posted, but it wont show up in your silly universe for a while!   
And good, those double-agent elves have infiltrated your shop.   Muwhahahahaha!

[Art K]

Zee,
I knew there was a reason I was missing your banter. It's good to hear you are doing well after your surgery. And anxiously awaiting the next. A little sarcasm is good for the soul. Looks like you have some great projects going.
Art

[wagnmkr]

Would polished aluminum suit as a wheel rim? If you went with the 8" or so diameter, the mass would be there to keep up the spinning momentum. If the aluminum was polished it could be a nice contrast to the rest of the piece. Your double treadle arrangement would easily keep it all going.

Tom

[bent]

Wondering if you could bend a brass U-channel to form the rim.  Would need a set of rollers that would hold the sides true, unless you were okay with splayed legs.

[Flyboy Jim]

I was thinking a person could cut segments out of 1/4" sheet and then laminate two thicknesses together, staggering the joints and pinning them with brass rod. Much like a wooden wheel would be built.  Pockets for the spokes could even be milled into the segments before assembly. In fact the hub and spokes could be assembled and then the rim assembled over the spokes. 

Jim

[crueby]

I was thinking a person could cut segments out of 1/4" sheet and then laminate two thicknesses together, staggering the joints and pinning them with brass rod. Much like a wooden wheel would be built.  Pockets for the spokes could even be milled into the segments before assembly. In fact the hub and spokes could be assembled and then the rim assembled over the spokes. 

Jim

Sounds like that would work well. Good use for the rotary table.

[zeeprogrammer]

Thanks all. Some interesting ideas.
I do want to stick with brass for both the inertia and looks.
I hadn't thought about staggering the joints. I need to think on that.

Daughter is bringing her spinning wheel over in a couple of days to let me take measurements. But it probably won't be until next year that I can start.

[Flyboy Jim]

I was thinking a person could cut segments out of 1/4" sheet and then laminate two thicknesses together, staggering the joints and pinning them with brass rod. Much like a wooden wheel would be built.  Pockets for the spokes could even be milled into the segments before assembly. In fact the hub and spokes could be assembled and then the rim assembled over the spokes. 

Jim

Sounds like that would work well. Good use for the rotary table.

I love my rotary table. I can't help but think that the world would be a better place if everyone had a rotary table...................or maybe a banjo! 

Jim