Call Me Crazy: Cheap Winder Build

[Cadorman]

Just to be real nerdy I am working on an idea to use an H.O. freight truck for the wire guides since they roll really well, have no sharp edges and you can adjust the spacing by twisting the wheels.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

This was Leo Fender's winding rig in the early days...

 

[Mitch Pearrow SJMP]

I had 4 of the ones that were called tech 2, the cheapest of the lot, I had one layout set up to run 4 trains, with a simple panel layout of linear lines, and DPT switch’s to route power.
I modeled the Southern Pacific..
Cheers

 

[Cadorman]

Interesting counter. I wonder if it had any slippage issues.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Interesting counter. I wonder if it had any slippage issues.

Hard to tell from that angle, but I think he probably ran two belts.
Maybe even plain old rubber bands.

 

[Cadorman]

This whole thing would be really cool to do with an Erector Set. But no, probably poke an eye out.

 

[Far Rider]

This whole thing would be really cool to do with an Erector Set. But no, probably poke an eye out.

I loved my Erector Set when I was little. Also Girders and Panels. God I'm old.

 

[Cadorman]

I had my dad's Erector set and also acquired my uncle's Meccano set which was older.

 

[Far Rider]

We don't have children so I'm completely out of the loop on kids toys today. Do they make anything that makes a child actually use their minds instead of a computer display?

 

[Cadorman]

Not anything that also teaches caution, so you don't maime yourself. Everything must be safe now. Takes all the fun out of it.

 

[Far Rider]

I'm glad I grew up when I did.

 

[aon]

Nice!

I have a source for small DC motors and servo amplifiers (and a bunch of crappy or broken tele bridge pups) so I've been occasionally thinking of building something similar. Must.. resist.. starting another unfinished project..

 

[Cadorman]

Originally I was going for a friction fit for my bobbin mount, but was unable to achieve a perfectly square fit. This morning I loosened it up by filing out the hole some and ground a couple of flats on the bolt flange for clearance. Now I will attach the bolt to the block with duct tape. Just kidding, I'm using liquid nails.

 

[Cadorman]

Here's the wire guide. You can twist the wheels to adjust the width of the wind. Centering can be done by moving the bolt in or out of the chuck.

 

[Cadorman]

Here is the nearly completed setup. I still need to replace the 2032 batteries in the computer and sending unit and zip tie the sending unit to the base and stick a magnet on the chuck. Then it will be ready to test. Also thinking about adding a light tensioner of some sort ahead of the guide.

Does anyone know what a normal rpm range is for a winder? I have a hi and low gearbox on the drill motor.

 

[SG John]

 

[jtcnj]

Looking good, right up my DIY from salvage stuff alley.
I had the same idea with an old sewing machine but chose to step past the rabbit hole.

 

[Cadorman]

I like rabbits and the holes don't seem to bother me much either.

 

[eSGEe]

YOUR CRAZY

 

[SG John]

This is the winder that Brian May and his dad built while making the Red Special. He said they later improved it by adding a mileometer from a bicycle to count the windings. He still has it today.