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Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Paul, my dear friend,

Now we are really getting into the arcane nuances of 'exhibit building.' 
McMaster is a fabulous resource. It's my 'go to' bible for standard 
parts. My take on the McMaster handles/hand wheels is that their primary 
strength, if you can excuse the turn of a phrase, is not their strength, 
but that that are easily replaced!

Most of those handles and hand wheels with handles are made to be used 
around people who know what they are doing. Little kids just haven't 
developed the dexterity and control that those wheels/handles are 
designed for. Another problem is that a robust McMaster handle, is 
usually big and beefy. You would think that is an attribute, but in a 
way, it is too much handle to handle

So, when I decide to use a McMaster handle, I choose the most robust 
small one they have - and one that's easily replaced.  I know it's not 
going last very long, but as long as a cheap replacement is readily 
available, I'm good to go.

Now, when I really need a handle to last a long time, I try to follow 
the example of bicycle pedals. They seem to have it figured out. They 
have real bearings in-board and out, and obviously, they can take some 
real abuse. But - if a bicycle pedal can't be adapted for handle use, 
and often they can't be in a particular situation, making a custom one 
is a real pain.

Or, how about no handle at all. I'm really loving the little finger divot.

Obviously, this only begins to scratch the surface of this topic. We can 
talk about all kinds of torque limiting techniques; slipping belts,  or 
the diameter of the wheel.  This topic probably deserves a listserve all 
it's own!

Joe R.
TheExhibitGuys.com


On 3/9/2013 10:27 AM, Paul Orselli wrote:
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
>
> I agree with previous posters that the issue is more likely the handle
> configuration than the generator itself.
>
> To that end McMaster-Carr sells nice "hand wheels" that are very robust:
>
> < http://www.mcmaster.com/#hand-wheels/=lt011j >
>
> Make sure you choose the "solid" style rather than the "spoked" style.
>
> Happy cranking!
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> Paul Orselli, President and Chief Instigator
>
> Paul Orselli Workshop (POW!)
> World Headquarters
> 1684 Victoria Street
> Baldwin, NY  11510
>
> (516) 223-1043
>
> POW! website
> <http://www.orselli.net>
>
> www.TheExhibitGuys.com

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