[LtBadd]

Can anyone understand what is being said at the 1:04 mark? Or do you recognize what this is?

I took a screen shot as he zooms in on this device which I believe is how he is grounding the shaft

snip_20161229152458.jpg (59.29 KiB) Viewed 606 times

Here is the YT video which is short, if you can figure out what he is saying

Thanks

[ldbtx]

He says "there's my commutator" and then I can't make out the next word. Sorta sounds like "gear" or "there". The device looks like a commutator frame and brushes from an electric motor, and it's definitely being used to ground the shaft.

[LtBadd]

After that he says "gar" which is short for Gary, if you look in the comments there is a post by someone named Gary with the OP's same last name

Ok so I looked this commutator up and it seems o transfer power to a rotating shaft, thanks for that Idbtx.

I'm making my own rotator and am looking at how I'll ground this, I like his design but haven't settled on this yet.

I thinking maybe he removed this from a motor (?) as I haven't seen this as a stand alone item for sale.

[ldbtx]

You might check a local electric motor rebuild house for a new commutator and brushes. Also, for another way to ground a shaft, I'm including a link to Adam Booth's, Abom79 on YouTube, series for his rotary welding table build. This episode has him forming his contacts, and I don't remember which of the following episodes shows the install. Probably the next one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNTzn4n ... XU6fYcTQDt

Larry

[noddybrian]

At least this side of the pond the commutator is the segmented copper part on the armateur of a motor - the part in the video is simply a 4brush holder / backplate from a starter motor but only has 2 brushes in use oddly - normally 2 are earthed via the plate & 2 are insulated from the motor body but used this way all 4 could be used as the entire unit will be earthed - I would silicon bronze the shaft or add a brass / copper slip ring to transfer the power - nearly any scrap starter motor can be used but it's a service item & can readily be bought new - if you have nowhere local try Ebay has plenty or go to an automotive electrical / reconditioning place - even a smallish one will stand a few hundred amps as seen on lock draw by the motor it comes from.

[Keith_J]

Technically, a commutator is a rotary switch used in DC and universal motors to switch polarity of the rotor windings..in the fashion employed by this device, it is a slip ring. Some alternators (nearly all automotive) use these on the rotor.

Delco SI alternators have a cartridge slip ring brush holder which could be used if you cannot find a scrap starter. They are dirt cheap new but you eould need at least 4.

[LtBadd]

I'll investigate this further, thanks guys for the leads.

[exnailpounder]

Sounds to me like you're getting serious about welding beer cans

[LtBadd]

Sounds to me like you're getting serious about welding beer cans

I'm gunna kill that sh!t.

[exnailpounder]