gear reduction box

Hi, I get the scrap metal where I work, and have been holding onto something that was thrown away. It is a gear reduction box that was tossed when they took out our carousel in the parts room. It's heavy and will turn real slow, was wondering what kind of applications this could be used for. I know it was special made and cost a couple thousand to do so. Would this be something that's worth hauling to a show to trade for something? It was placed just about a month before they tore the system out, so there's not much wear on it. Reading the postings on the ice cream maker got me to wonder about it. Later, David.

Hi guys, with the exception of one gentleman ( thanks Jim ) who gave me some helpful suggestions, I got some e-mail that wasn't so nice. I put the price that it cost to show it wasn't some piece of cheap junk. That's just the way Du pont works, special order, special made is going to be costly on anything. I am not wanting a couple thousand for it, may use it myself if I find something to run with it. Or if I come across someone who has a engine they are tired of and has a use for this, part of the fun of this hobby. Have a nice day.

David, I think the key to your question is already answered in your description - a carousel! Build a carousel for a couple kids to ride on, run it with a gas engine and you will probably be the center of attention at any show!

Mark

Hi Mark,

You know, that's not a bad idea, and I've definitely got the scrap metal around here to build it. Gonna have to sit down and do some figuring on that one. Instead of some horses I could put a couple little pedal tractors on it. I've even got all the track and wheels the carousel ran on. Thanks.

If you can imagine it and you got a engine to run it go for it!!!! love see engine doing something making ice cream,running buzz saw, feed grinder, blowing bubbles, smoke rings or anything else one can come up with!!ENJOY BobRR

The carousel this gear box ran had 44 racks, each rack was 1 and 1/2 foot wide, 12 tall with 16 shelfs. It was ran with 2 of these gear boxes with a 1/2 hp electric motor on each box. I mean this thing is POWERFUL. I could easily run something with one of my, dare I say, Maytags. That's why I've been having trouble trying to figure something with one of my bigger engines, I think they would be to much for it. Later.

You could use a larger than necessary engine to power something through the gear box as long as you did not overload the output of the gear box. With a half horse electric motor, and the slow output speed, this gear box ought to have a high torque rating. Consider some sort of a clutch that would limit the initial torque loading when you start the load allowing the engine to ease into the load. The gear box would like that.

The electric motor probably had a speed rating of 1750 RPM and remember that the typical old gas engine speed will probably be a lot slower then 1750 RPM when you work up a use for the gearbox.

I think that there are some real possibilities for such a gear box and that you have a real find there.

Thanks guys, I've gotten some good input and ideas. I believe you're right Russ, wasn't thinking about the RPM's on the electric motor. Gives me a lot to think about and try to figure where to go from here. Later.

If you build it,they will come.

Hey, seen the movie, don't need to mow down the cornfield, everyone already thinks I'm crazy.

And THEY will have little tin badges, and clipboards to fill out zoning complaints, because the yuppies around you are jealous of your machine.

I read all your letters regarding the courasel,the only thing no one else has said is the Insurance/Authorities.Maybe its not an issue in your area but out here in Australia even a rotary saw is a NO-NO with our engine insurance.

Regards Phillip

Hi Phillip, actually I did talk to my insurance carrier, and they told me even though I was not planning on charging any kids to ride on it, I would need a hefty policy. That idea is out. She told me I'm taking a risk just going to the show, if someone walked up and stuck their hand in a running flywheel, I could be held responsible. Whatever happened to accepting responsibility for your own actions? I was planning on a public show at the end of July, but the insurance cost was outrageous. Had to cancel 'cause I can't risk losing everything to some Joe Public with a lawyer in his backpocket looking for something to happen. I still plan a private get together, no public invited, with some friends of mine. Just sit around, shoot the bull, and listen to old iron. Ain't to worried about fellow hobbiest suing me. Anybody close to southeastern Ohio like to come, your welcome, plenty of camping room, fishing, just bring your own food and supplies, just remember, this will not be open to the public. Hmmm, a Smokstak Get Together?