Dixie M1 Magneto

[jopeter]

I have a Dixie M1 magy .It seems that the base on these magneto have the reputation for being absolutely shity . Mine is in pieces ,all there but in about three bits . Has anyone experience in repairing the base . I have been thinking about an adhesive and strengthing the base with a steel plate .I would welcome any idea .
Another question ......what is the direction of rotation?

[Scott]

I emailed this guy about replacement bases, but haven't heard back from him. Surely someone is making bases for this mag. Its clockwise rotation.

http://indianpowerplus.com/mag.aspx

[cobbadog]

Hi Scott, You have had some wonderful replacement parts made very well there. Maybe Jopeter was hoping for the parts to be a bit closer to home (Oz). I hope he does at least contact you to let you know for sure and offer thanks for your troubles.
Cheers

[jopeter]

When I get some time I am going to make a pattern and get a friend here to cast me a base . Being alloy I will make the pattern simple and leave quite a bt for maching.
Thanks for that info on rotation.
Why oh why did they use such crappy material for the base?

[jopeter]

Read machining and thanks Scott and Cobadog.

[Scott]

I see there is a dixie M1 on ebay right now and it shows counterclockwise rotation???

[Dempster]

Good aluminum was more of a precious metal then still and the alloys we have today weren't available then. Plus during war years aluminum was used for other things and manufacturers were not allowed anything but more zinc mixes or pot metal types for use.

[jopeter]

Thanks Dempster .....a good reason !

[Dempster]

I also should have also mentioned a lot of the older mag housings then had higher magnesium content too. Can usually tell by the weight as those with more magnesium and zinc mix are heavier and the metal is a darker color than more pure aluminum and alloys. Problem with the mag housings with more magnesium is you can't repair those by tig or heliarc welding as can catch the magnesium on fire and can't put it out nor weld it. Can tell if they have more magnesium in the mix by testing with a drop of silver nitrate and if it turns black too much magnesium. Another way to way to test is take some filings off and if can make those flare up or produce white sparklers with a torch flame lightly it's magnesium. More methods to test for magnesium are a drop of vinegar on the filings will make it expand and fizzle if positive. Also positive if use fresh squeezed lemon juice will bubble upon contact. You can tell when trying to start a arc will get a green arc if magnesium.