Self propelled positioner, Dont laugh

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I started another thread about this looking for input, this is what I came up with using stuff laying around my garage. It will work, but will take some technique.I am working towards having non-everyday used tools on receivers, it is working out pretty well with my vices, presses and such. Attached ImagesLast edited by riceburner; 07-01-2009 at 08:41 PM.
Reply:That'll work , kinda redneckish, get yourself a low speed 1/4 horse electric motor hook that up to it with a foot pedal control.  or I would put a round wheel on the bottom and turn it with your knee or to the floor and use your foot as your welding
Reply:I tried a wheel on it, the single rods are easier to control.
Reply:Interesting.If you're not using your foot for a tig pedal, maybe you could use it to operate a foot powered rotator drive. Maybe  wrap a belt or cable around the rotator's post, and then anchor the other end to a foot operated affair to manually turn the table.Or maybe a cable wrap to a motor??Thanks for posting the build.Good luck
Reply:pedal right foot, left knee on the positioner
Reply:That is indeed a great idea!  Astoundingly eloquent in it's simplicity.  Reminds me of The Junk Yard Wars!   Did you think to apply for a patent before publishing those photographs???'cause I like it so much I'm gonna copy that in a somewhat similar manner!-MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:what is the intended use?  I don't think you're gonna get a good bead all the way around in one shot, but it might help a lot if you weld in fourths.  You know weld, rotate, weld, rotate, etc.  I think welding while rotating is going to be more difficult than you think.  Let us know how it goes.
Reply:If I can clamp it down, run a bead then rotate it without having to jack around the setup then it is a success. I did do some practice welds where I was rotating and welding at the same time, like you say it will take some practice. But, in the end I think it will work.Last edited by riceburner; 07-02-2009 at 11:50 AM.
Reply:Put a bracket on the opposite side away from the insert to the table, and make an adjustable arm rest, so you can position your arm or a holder for the torch!I wonder if you couldn't use 2 gears and a crank handle, one large gear at the bottom in place horizontally the same as the top rotating plate, and another gear small with a crank handle attached on the side vertically fit together like the ring gear and planetary gear in a car rear end.It would allow you to be cranking the handle at a faster rate than the top will be spinning.'In this way, it would allow you to better control the rate of spin or turn if you will!#1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!
Reply:Thanks for the input, for holding my arm and supporting my hand my chair has arms on it for support.
Reply:Pretty cool design. After using it for a while any additional thoughts on it?
Reply:This vision just popped into my head (that happens sometimes)I'm seeing a small rodent with a small string..................... Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:hamster powered positioner? Nice..."...My pappy was a pistol I'm a son of a gun...""...God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy..."
Reply:A thought i just had looking at this post, i wonder if you could use an air motor and foot valve.   possibly a flow regulator to set the max speed.    If you had a big enough compressor it might be a viable option.    I really didn't think ANY of this through but it could work.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:I say use a bungee cord and add a bolt somewhere that way you can add some resistance.
Reply:Could extend it down to the floor, similar to a potters wheel. I've considered making something similar. just haven't had a need yet.
Reply:Now I have had a chance to use the positioner a couple of times, (like I say it wasn't for everyday use) I have to say that overall it does work OK, it has required learning more coordination between my knee that turns the table, the torch and peddle - but that was to be expected.Only problem so far that hasnt really turned out to be a problem is that when I move my knee over to catch the next ratchet on the rotary the part stops turning, then the puddle has to be minimized, when my knee is back in place then welding can begin again. Again this is all part of the coordination that I have found necessary to make this a useful tool.Last edited by riceburner; 04-18-2010 at 03:16 PM.
Reply:What about a new idea on the bungee/elastic cord long expansion spring etc theme, for light items you could wind up the cord/spring around the  shaft to pre-tension, refit the round hand wheel to the bottom and control it with your knee acting as a friction brake.!!! sounds crazy but dafter things have been known to work.Lincoln SP-170 MigHypertherm powermax 45Lorch T220 AC/DC TigButters FM 215 synergic MigKemppi 180 adaptive mig RULES ARE FOR THE OBEDIENCE OF FOOLS AND THE  GUIDANCE OF WISE MEN.
Reply:I know this is redneck, but thats just how I am. I have found that the front wheel drive assembly on Craftsman lawn mower is about a 7:1 gear ratio. There are many of these mowers at the curb often. I have used the gear reduction for many projects, maybe it could help motorize your project.
Reply:this may sound like a dumb question but what the heck is a positioner for?
Reply:Originally Posted by c203862this may sound like a dumb question but what the heck is a positioner for?
Reply:I have been looking for some ideas for a rollout wheel for my truck.Buying a positioner for $500.00+ is not really in my budget. Thanks for bumping this forward.Classic 1D 200SAE 30086 SA 200Hyperthem 45Jancy Mag Force O/A Victor-GossCable's remote2-12" Mathey Dearman bevelersLN 25Miller Auto Set 211Wendy's Pancake/Jackson PipelinerNew Holland LS 180Great story man....tell it again!
Reply:ah ha makes sense very coolthanks scott
Reply:Surely I am not the only one???  Some years ago interviewed / tested (and failed the test) at a shop that made large tank lids.  They had bays set up (by memory-4 or 5 in a row) where welders sat and welded on a lid that was mounted on a device that turned.  Man it was slick, the device not only turned (variable speed) but it would also slope to your desired degree!!  Like I said, surely I am not the only one to have ever seen such a contraption.As I understand it the pattern was crank up the heat, wire feed speed and rotation speed and let her rip.  Basically only having to work the wrist.  O and they all / each had the "tunes" cranked up really loud.  Ever heard of "heavy metal" (could not resist!!).  later
Reply:All I know is a few years ago I fried a 1/2 hp 14-1 gear reduction motor that I could have possibly used for a similar setup  I fried it trying to reverse the polarity to make it run backwards But hey. is'nt there a recent thread about uses for old treadmills?Positioners Attached ImagesMillermatic 200Hobart Handler 120Victor O/A & Ramco BandsawLincoln 225 ACSnapOn AD HoodMiller XMT304/22AHypertherm Powermax 1650 G3Lincoln Idealarc DC600 w/Extreme 12 VSMiller Digital Elite "Joker"
Reply:Originally Posted by riceburnerNow I have had a chance to use the positioner a couple of times, (like I say it wasn't for everyday use) I have to say that overall it does work OK, it has required learning more coordination between my knee that turns the table, the torch and peddle - but that was to be expected.Only problem so far that hasnt really turned out to be a problem is that when I move my knee over to catch the next ratchet on the rotary the part stops turning, then the puddle has to be minimized, when my knee is back in place then welding can begin again. Again this is all part of the coordination that I have found necessary to make this a useful tool.
Reply:Originally Posted by Grimm1Could extend it down to the floor, similar to a potters wheel. I've considered making something similar. just haven't had a need yet.
Reply:I like it, I don't do a lot of work that would need a positioner but I love homemade stuff like this.  I think a treadmill variable speed motor would be great for this project.
Reply:im wondering if maybe you could rig it up to some gears and bike chain with some type of pedal to move it ??350P 30A spool gun cut master 51  syncro 250 other stuff " take a dog off the street and make him prosper and he will not bite you sad the same cannot be said for man" i didnt use punctuation just to piss you off
Reply:Originally Posted by umahunterim wondering if maybe you could rig it up to some gears and bike chain with some type of pedal to move it ??
Reply:I tacked one up the other day...I want mine to be horizontal.I ride mountain bikes and have parts laying around. I have 2 old cogs and a chain I can't find..Did 2 x country races last year... 16 miles- 3rd place in my bracket 12th overall....11 miles-1st place 3rd overall..I had 800 mountain miles logged down before the 2nd race. I even smoke a pack a day.Classic 1D 200SAE 30086 SA 200Hyperthem 45Jancy Mag Force O/A Victor-GossCable's remote2-12" Mathey Dearman bevelersLN 25Miller Auto Set 211Wendy's Pancake/Jackson PipelinerNew Holland LS 180Great story man....tell it again!
Reply:mine can work horizontally, I would have to build another mount to go into the receive under the table. It is only a matter of how the receiver is set up
Reply:I missed a posistioner for $206.00 on ebay saturday because of dialup..I might be adding a 8" 4 jaw cushman lathe chuck when it gets here.Classic 1D 200SAE 30086 SA 200Hyperthem 45Jancy Mag Force O/A Victor-GossCable's remote2-12" Mathey Dearman bevelersLN 25Miller Auto Set 211Wendy's Pancake/Jackson PipelinerNew Holland LS 180Great story man....tell it again!