OT: Western Electric For Your Collection or Use

[bowtie427ss]

Somebody go get this, i'm all road tripped out. Almost got this on my way back from Seneca Falls yesterday, but i would have had to take the really long way back home around the other end of the lake.

110v DC Generator 375 W-build your windmill or hydroelectric - farm & garden - by owner - sale

[BillWojo]

It's cool but I don't think there is much value in that. WE made lot's of stuff back in the day.
The coolest motor apparatus that I own is a 1/3 HP electric motor built by Emerson. Open frame with beautiful figured end bells. Unique in that when you plug it in the rotor will spin up to speed but the shaft doesn't rotate until a centrifugal clutch engages with a snap. It's designed like that since it has very low starting torque.
I think it's going on about 100 years old. Still works a charm.

BillWojo

[Audio_by_Goodwill]

That's really cool. Guys that rebuild and use old wood working and metal working machines love old motors that age. I know this isn't designed as a motor, but it's still really neat. I had a motor marked with Western Electric at one time, but I was told it was actually manufactured by another company..... GE, I think.

[bowtie427ss]

Bill, and anyone interested, if you like old motors with unique starting schemes you simply MUST see this:



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I had a motor marked with Western Electric at one time, but I was told it was actually manufactured by another company..... GE, I think.

By the looks of the casting it wouldn't surprise me if this one is a re-badged Century. An antique engine guy will eventually grab it i'd guess.

[BillWojo]

Thanks, that was a neat video. I understand what was happening but have never seen a motor built like that. Makes sense when trying to get a big load up to speed, like my Emerson it just doesn't make enough start up torque.
For those who don't understand what your seeing, the outer frame of the motor, usually held stationary in a normal design, is allowed to spin up to the rated speed of the motor and the rotor is stationary due to the large load imposed upon it.
The wheel that the fellow is turning is causing a large band brake to slow down the outer motor frame, the magnetic field imposed on the rotor starts the rotor to slowly accelerate. The differential of the speeds between the frame and rotor is the motors rated RPM and at that RPM it produces it's fully rated HP. As the frame slowly grinds to a halt, the rotor is now up to full speed.
Very ingenious idea!

BillWojo

[Audio_by_Goodwill]

Wow, I've never seen anything like that. I wonder what it's running.

[bowtie427ss]

Wow, I've never seen anything like that. I wonder what it's running.

Flour mill.

FWIW, while i cannot find any clear patent history, i believe the alternating current synchronous motor was invented by Laurens Hammond.

He developed one of the first well regarded electric clocks using the principle, and by the 1930's would be using his invention to develop the tone wheel, draw bar electronic organs we all love.

We've got one of these in the workshop. Apparently Mr Hammond sold a boat load of em to uncle Sam: