18 replies to this topic

[Cc2014]

Hello, I am looking to get into pyrotechnics and I was just wondering what type of motor I should get for my ball mill? What rpm for direct drive? Also, would I be able to wire the motor directly to my mains (230v AC)?

I prefer to make things myself when possible, it's more fun that way so I was going to make a ball mill to make my own aluminium powder and ground down charcoal. I am not sure of the jar size, so recomendations for that would also be greatly appreciated (This is only a starter mill, so nothing too big)

I would prefer a direct drive system, so a motor suitable for such would be best.

(Sorry if this is the incorrect sub forum for this)

Thanks

Edited by Cc2014, 03 October 2014 - 05:20 PM.

[Arthur Brown]

DIY milling of metals is unduly hazardous for amateur purposes. I've heard of a few mills going bang. It's also very time consuming -one success story included a week of mill time to get foil to dark pyro ali.

[Deano 1]

First of all, welcome to the forum Cc2014.

Arthur is right about milling metals, they're a pain in the arse.

5 years ago I made a temporary mill using a sewing machine motor with the sewing machine belt, a wooden drive wheel attached to the drive roller (10mm steel bar) which was wrapped with 2 rolls of insulating tape to increase the diameter. 4 bearings with 10mm i.d. a wooden box, and Asda slimming drink HDPE jars. a couple of pound of different sized lead balls which I sell for catapult ammo, and i'm still using it now to mill my everyday powders.

Oh I forgot about the speed control, a light dimmer switch. well away from the mill obviousely.

[Cc2014]

I just remembered I had an old motor for windshield wipers laying in my shed. I've seen a guy that used one of these to make a mill, but I was just wondering the best way to power it? I have a car battery laying around too, but I'm not sure if it still works. If the battery doesn't work, would there be any way to connect it to mains? The connectors look just like this one: http://www.scary-ter...r/terminals.jpg

I have next to no experience in electrical work, but I was thinking that I would just connect ground to ground, and power to high speed (labels in the picture linked above) on a generic power cable and that would theoretically work, correct?

Would this type of motor even have enough power to mill powders even somewhat efficiently?

Edited by Cc2014, 03 October 2014 - 10:17 PM.

[David G]

I just remembered I had an old motor for windshield wipers laying in my shed. I've seen a guy that used one of these to make a mill, but I was just wondering the best way to power it? I have a car battery laying around too, but I'm not sure if it still works. If the battery doesn't work, would there be any way to connect it to mains? The connectors look just like this one: http://www.scary-ter...r/terminals.jpg

I have next to no experience in electrical work, but I was thinking that I would just connect ground to ground, and power to high speed (labels in the picture linked above) on a generic power cable and that would theoretically work, correct?

Would this type of motor even have enough power to mill powders even somewhat efficiently?

You would need a transformer and rectifier circuitry. The motor is likely a 12V DC one and mains is 240V AC

[NeilB]

Hi, would I be able to use a drill for a ball mill with a 240v voltage controller? I was going to use an m10 bolt through a small bucket into the drill. As it's variable speed I can use a bigger bucket in the same way for a star roller.

Thanks guys.
Neil.

[cooperman435]

It's likely to burn out very quickly as they aren't intended for long duration use Neil. Something with an excess of cooling is better intended for under load long term use.

[NeilB]

Ahh, yes good point. I also didn't think about drill motors tend to "spark" quite a bit.

Back to the drawing board lol.

Neil.

[cooperman435]

Wheelchair 12v/24v dc motors are sealed for moisture protection and for direct drive are the correct speed

Or the bigger ones I use are from a food factory so hermetically sealed 1/2hp 240vac units at only £75

[NeilB]

These any good phill?

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/372080693936

I was thinking to mount the buckets directly on where the wheels are and use a seporate speed controller (to reduce down from 115 rpm) and I already have a few 24v power supplies.

I do apologise for bringing up these old threads with newbie questions.

Thankyou for all the help, hopefully I can contribute in some way in the near future.

Neil.

[cooperman435]

Yep they would be ideal, I'd run it on 12v car batteries or a psu and be done with it as the rpm will reduce from the intended 24v anyway perfectly .

Hard mounting the lid to the wheel (with bras bolts or screws to avoid sparking) allows you to detach the mill jar too and if you choose something like the wide red lidded mill jars they don't need any other support other than that from the lid!

[NeilB]

Thankyou phill.

Looks like a very long drive down to Chelmsford on Saturday lol, good job me and the partner enjoy road trips like this.

Neil.

[cooperman435]

My Hermes!

[NeilB]

My Hermes!

Can't believe I didn't think of that ( Palm to face)

[digger]

Just a thought, have you considered an ATEX zone 1/21 motor as they are rated for explosive atmospheres if you have an accidental spillage or build up of dust?

They should not run hot either.

They can be controlled with a cheap inverter for speed control (single to three phase).