beeman wrote:
>
> At 03:20 PM 9/28/97 -0400, you wrote:
> >I am going to motortize my hand cranked extractor.  What should the rpm
> >of the extractor be?
> >--
> >Ken Coyle
> >If you can't fix it with duct tape, why bother?
> >[log in to unmask]
> >http://www.hookup.net/~kcoyle
> >
> Dear friend, I'm not sure you are aware of the problems associated with
> "home improvement" on your hand cranked extractor. #1 Most motors have only
> 1 speed, therefore damaging the frames and combs because of the suddent jolt
> given them.  I once saw one that a friend did that resembled an air plane. I
> was afraid to go near it!
>
> Jeff
> Jeff Barnett
> [log in to unmask]
> retired(for now) queen producer.
 
Well I'm glad Jeff wasn't around when Columbus was getting ready to sail
!-).  PUN INTENDED...
 
Ken Jeff is correct in that you can't just hook a motor up to the
extractor.  You will need a motor of 1/2 to 1hp at least to handle the
torque. I would check you bee equipment supplier catalog to see what
size they use on the store bought ones.
 
The hard part is in varing the speed.  You can try something like a
variable pitch sheave.  It is a pully that opens and closes to vary the
speed by about 30%.  Most of the ones I see in catalogs use a set screw
or flange to set the speed one time.  You need to find one that can be
adjusted while on.
Good luck.
 
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