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Anyone have (or seen) a "Power Converter"?

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2021 11:20 pm
by hwy8
I run my machines all of the time but since I don't have any of them hooked to a well, I'm always looking for something to do with the mechanical "power" I'm producing. About as far as I've gotten is that I've fooled around with a regulator to show folks how a machine can "run itself". (I figure I'll put a float in a small stock tank and make it work as it should by draining and re-filling it with a circulation pump.)

I've always liked the idea of running a line shaft, etc. and now that winter is coming, I'm headed to the workshop! This ad came up on Google: I'm kind of doubting I'll find a "Little Giant Power Converter" for sale, but I'd sure like to see one! Any thoughts or a direction you can send me? (Anyone got parts or something like this for sale?)

I'm hoping to be making BURT'S 'AUTHENTIC' AERMOTOR ICE CREAM by mid-summer and when that happens, you're all invited!!! (Oh, and if I can find a complete Little Giant Power Converter, we'll saw some wood, shell some corn, chop some feed, churn some butter, and sharpen some knives too!!!)

Re: Anyone have (or seen) a "Power Converter"?

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2021 5:33 am
by Windcatcher530 Dan
First thing you have to do is get a power mill if you don't have one already

Re: Anyone have (or seen) a "Power Converter"?

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2021 5:48 am
by Windcatcher530 Dan
I forgot to add this i dought you'll ever find a power converter but that would be super cool.

Re: Anyone have (or seen) a "Power Converter"?

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2021 7:17 am
by Todd
I have some info on the Little Giant Power converter in my files, I'll see what I can find.

These converted "pumping" reciprocal movement to rotary, no power mill required.

I was going to try and build one of these 10 years or so ago, and haven't found the time yet...

Re: Anyone have (or seen) a "Power Converter"?

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2021 7:55 am
by Windcatcher530 Dan
When i bought my 14ft power mill these parts came with it I wonder if he was going to build one originally.
20211117_084457.jpg

Re: Anyone have (or seen) a "Power Converter"?

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2021 8:25 am
by Wayne
Look Cool!

Re: Anyone have (or seen) a "Power Converter"?

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2021 10:23 am
by hwy8
A different ad and maybe a different model/design.

If that is the wooden pump rod on the right, would you say that it is connected to the "Y"-shaped casting with the pivot point in the "crotch", and then each "arm" connects to the rods with the springs?

Re: Anyone have (or seen) a "Power Converter"?

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2021 10:36 am
by hwy8
It looks like the rods with the springs operate a wheel that maybe has some "ratchets"....I'd like to start by building just the drive part of the mechanism and skip the feed grinder part for now. Basically, I'd like to get a flywheel going with a belt pulley on it.

Re: Anyone have (or seen) a "Power Converter"?

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2021 10:46 am
by hwy8
Here's a list that showed up on Google....So far I haven't found illustrations that go along with the makers...

Re: Anyone have (or seen) a "Power Converter"?

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2021 11:07 am
by hwy8
Take a look at this YouTube:


In principle, could I run this thing backwards with my pump rod? It seems like it has an up and down to rotary action that I'd want, and that clutch on a heavy flywheel would run a belt to my ice cream maker for sure....just thinkin'....Doesn't it look like they used a few windmill parts to make this thing?