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Forum Index : Windmills : Welding complicated/alternate mounting?

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madteckhead
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Joined: 04/07/2008
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Posts: 6

Posted: 05:42am 04 Jul 2008

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Hey everyone,
So inspired by what I've seen around here I'm setting up the F&P wind turbine. Few questions though.

I just got a quote (to make http://www.thebackshed.com/windmill/fp2a.asp) and it came back at AU$380 ex GST. For that price I figure I can take a few welding courses and be on the way. (If your interested in working on the project together in the Brisbane region message me)

How hard is it to learn to weld to the standard required for the designs found herehttp://www.thebackshed.com/windmill/fp2a.asp. Also where should I start?

Alternatively, how much have others paid? Is this quote alright? My background is more in electronics than the mechanics at this stage.

Any advice appreciated,

regards,

Nathan

Edited by madteckhead 2008-07-11

brucedownunder2
Guru

Joined: 14/09/2005
Location: Australia
Posts: 1548

Posted: 07:01am 04 Jul 2008

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Hi Nathan,, u got a quote for what? $380 for what?..

Bruce

Bushboy

Gizmo

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Joined: 05/06/2004
Location: Australia
Posts: 5116

Posted: 08:06am 04 Jul 2008

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$380 sounds like the price for one of those Chinese windmills.

Welding is easy, but good welding takes time to learn. I was lucky in that my friend was a boiler maker by trade, and taught me the basics on arc welding. I later bought a mig welder and he was around then too. If you can afford it, a gas mig is the way to go for home projects. Gasless migs are cheaper, and you save on gas bottle rental ( a sham that is too I tell ya, you pay more to rent the bloody bottle than you do for the gas you use ), but the gasless wire is more expensive, and the weld isn't pretty. An arc welder is cheaper again, but not as easy to use.

I would try welding a few other projects before taking on a windmill. Make some steel shelves, a gate, that sort of thing, then you'll be ready.

Glenn

The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now.
JAQ

madteckhead
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Joined: 04/07/2008
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Posts: 6

Posted: 07:29am 10 Jul 2008

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Thanks for your responses,

Sorry I wasn't that clear. I am looking to build a mounting solution for a F&P motor. I was interested in the design at http://www.thebackshed.com/windmill/fp2a.asp. However it now seems this solution might not be ideal.

I've decided that the design is to hard for a newbie to put together (mechanically), and too expensive to have fabricated, at more than AU$300. I'd also like a design that doesn't include a furling mechanism, as I want to implement electronic breaking using PWM.

I would very much appreciate any alternative mounting design ideas, as I would like to get to work on prototyping a MPPT with electronic breaking for over wind speed conditions (more my area).

Thanks in advance for your ideas,

Nathan K

robbo

Regular Member

Joined: 25/03/2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 71

Posted: 11:57am 11 Jul 2008

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Hey madteckhead,

I am in South Brisbane, (Loganholme) and have been looking for a partner to play around with these mills. I already have one made, that is a little different in the way it is mounted, and starting on another. Plus different props, and a few motors. etc.
I also have an small arc welder, if I can get it back off of my brother.
However, I am not as capable in the electronics department as you seem to be, so maybe we get in touch ?

Where abouts are you ?

Robbo.

"the Earth was not given to us, by our fathers, rather, it is lent to us by our children".

madteckhead
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Joined: 04/07/2008
Location:
Posts: 6

Posted: 12:23pm 12 Jul 2008

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Hi Robbo,
Thanks for getting in touch. Yes I would be very keen to catch up in person (perhaps at your place since you seem to have some stuff working). It would be great to bounce some ideas around with someone mechanically minded. As for the electronics, more than happy to collaborate. I'm basically trying to set up any old turbine (direct drive), so that I can start messing around with the electronics - as I've larger skill set in that area.

I've been toying with the idea of creating a clean technology group around Brisbane to share knowledge with a focus on projects, perhaps just a once monthly info sharing bbq/talk. Would like to know what others think of the idea, and if similar things are done else where?

Anyhow, I'm at Highgate Hill and my number is 0413 381 270. Website is www.madteckhead.com, and you could send me a message through that... (don't like listing my email because of SPAM). I'm on holidays for the next 10 days or so, so perhaps we can organise something soon.

I got another quote, take a deep breath, AU$800!!!! -ex GST!!!! Seems there is a need for a solution with less welding involved (don't mean to step on toes), well at least to make DIY more accessible for non welding types. Any ideas?. I like fillo's (?) mounting solution, his turbine is listed in the articles section and looks like it may be a bit simpler.

Alrighty,

Looking forward to your response,

NathanEdited by madteckhead 2008-07-13

robbo

Regular Member

Joined: 25/03/2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 71

Posted: 11:09pm 12 Jul 2008

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Hey Mate.
Yes the welding and mechanics involved is a little heavy on the website, but I believe would be very strong and reliable. If you have really big winds, then probably a must. I have a smaller unit with a 2.2 metre prop. Very little welding was done to put it together. My little workshop can only do so much .... But getter bigger all the time.
No need to get the unit made up. Lets see what we can work out.
I will contact you on your mobile, or alternatively, you can email me direct thru my Profile.
I too have some time up my sleeve, as I am in between jobs, but spending more than 38 hours a week looking for one. (GO FIGURE ?)
Probably best to catch me in the next ten days of your holidays, as the mill is done at the moment for alterations. Better to see inside, etc.

Also, have some scotchy diodes here that came with the Oatley Regulator kit. I was hopeing you might help me learn how to use these.

Call you soon.

Rob.

"the Earth was not given to us, by our fathers, rather, it is lent to us by our children".

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