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getting rid of chirps in wheels

updated sun 19 nov 00

 

pam easley on mon 13 nov 00


On June 11, 2000 John Rodgers wrote on this subject. You can look in the
archives for all of his posts, then choose the one titled “pacific and
lubricant”

The jist of what he said was to first check the tension on the belt. If that
seems okay, hold a block of paraffin against the belt for a few seconds as
it runs. It, theoretically, should be chirp free for an extended period of
time.

I’m glad you brought this up again, as my Brent C had developed The Chirp,
and I am going to try this trick tomorrow.

Yours, in getting colder and colder Seattle. But it’s not raining yet, and I
even washed my car yesterday, which usually brings on a good shower!

Pam Easley

Andrea Grez on tue 14 nov 00


I don't think my wheel's problem can actually be classified as a chirp.
What it does is really not audible at all. I'll try to describe it...

I have a Brent C. It's about 5 years old. Running at full speed, I can
detect nothing at all amiss. However, as I slow down the wheel head, I
can *feel* a motion in the machine that I can only describe as a
'heartbeat'. By this I mean I can sense the movement with the inside of
my knees as I brace them against the wheel. It reminds me of my washing
machine just before it shuts itself off because the load is not evenly
distributed. It is more noticable the slower I go. It seems to be coming
from the motor, but does not seem to translate into any detectable
motion in the wheel head.

Is this something I need to be worried about. If it is, is it something
I can correct myself or should I hire a professional. I have a somewhat
decent mechanical sense and feel that, with the proper directions, I
would like to tackle the job...but, then again, maybe all wheels have
'heartbeats' and I just never noticed!

Regards, Andrea in Richmond

Earl Brunner on tue 14 nov 00


This can cause a problem if you make really wide things
because a little quiver in near the center of the wheel head
isn't much but out on the rim of a wide thing it can
translate into something significant. I have also had this
movement problem on very tall things.

I am not an electrician, but if it is not the bearings then
I would suspect the motor bushings. DC motors tend to wear
these out from time to time. If that is the case, on most
Brents it is a relatively simple fix and you should be able
to do it yourself.

Call Brent and talk to someone in the service department.
Have your model and serial number handy, that should give
them some idea on the motor.

Andrea Grez wrote:
>
> I don't think my wheel's problem can actually be classified as a chirp.
> What it does is really not audible at all. I'll try to describe it...
>
> I have a Brent C. It's about 5 years old. Running at full speed, I can
> detect nothing at all amiss. However, as I slow down the wheel head, I
> can *feel* a motion in the machine that I can only describe as a
> 'heartbeat'. By this I mean I can sense the movement with the inside of
> my knees as I brace them against the wheel. It reminds me of my washing
> machine just before it shuts itself off because the load is not evenly
> distributed. It is more noticable the slower I go. It seems to be coming
> from the motor, but does not seem to translate into any detectable
> motion in the wheel head.
>
> Is this something I need to be worried about. If it is, is it something
> I can correct myself or should I hire a professional. I have a somewhat
> decent mechanical sense and feel that, with the proper directions, I
> would like to tackle the job...but, then again, maybe all wheels have
> 'heartbeats' and I just never noticed!
>
> Regards, Andrea in Richmond
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.

--
Earl Brunner
http://coyote.accessnv.com/bruec
mailto:bruec@anv.net

David Hendley on tue 14 nov 00


I think lubricating wheel belts applies only to newer
Pacifica wheels. Instructions that come with the wheel
tell you to lubricate the belt.
Older Pacificas and Brents are different. They use
automotive type belts. I would not use a lubricant
on these belts.
Has anyone used paraffin on these belts with
good results?
--
David Hendley
Maydelle, Texas
hendley@tyler.net
http://www.farmpots.com/






----- Original Message -----
From: pam easley
To:
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2000 11:48 PM
Subject: Getting Rid of Chirps in Wheels


On June 11, 2000 John Rodgers wrote on this subject. You can look in the
archives for all of his posts, then choose the one titled "pacific and
lubricant"

The jist of what he said was to first check the tension on the belt. If that
seems okay, hold a block of paraffin against the belt for a few seconds as
it runs. It, theoretically, should be chirp free for an extended period of
time.

I'm glad you brought this up again, as my Brent C had developed The Chirp,
and I am going to try this trick tomorrow.

Yours, in getting colder and colder Seattle. But it's not raining yet, and I
even washed my car yesterday, which usually brings on a good shower!

Pam Easley

Cleo on tue 14 nov 00


I also have a Brent C. I've had it for way over 5 years and recently have
picked up on just the thing you explained. It doesn't seem to affect the
motion of the wheel but does have a thump or "heartbeat". Yesterday I went
out in the studio and sat down to throw and ........nothing, dead, stepped
on the pedal, jiggled the wheel and it started but was really loud. I
thought it was the brushes but they seem to be okay. I think it may of
gathered moisture and was just cutting out. After the heat was on and it
wasn't so damp it quit. I haven't ever had one minute of trouble with that
wheel. I have always taken it for granted that it would just hum along
smoothly, I've sort of decided it's the conditions in the studio and not
the wheel mechanics that are causing the trouble. I would recommend it
highly. If you do find out an answer to this mystery let me know, I'd be
interested in what the true cause is myself.
Cleo
----- Original Message -----
From: Earl Brunner
To:
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 7:42 PM
Subject: Re: Getting Rid of Chirps in Wheels


> This can cause a problem if you make really wide things
> because a little quiver in near the center of the wheel head
> isn't much but out on the rim of a wide thing it can
> translate into something significant. I have also had this
> movement problem on very tall things.
>
> I am not an electrician, but if it is not the bearings then
> I would suspect the motor bushings. DC motors tend to wear
> these out from time to time. If that is the case, on most
> Brents it is a relatively simple fix and you should be able
> to do it yourself.
>
> Call Brent and talk to someone in the service department.
> Have your model and serial number handy, that should give
> them some idea on the motor.
>
> Andrea Grez wrote:
> >
> > I don't think my wheel's problem can actually be classified as a chirp.
> > What it does is really not audible at all. I'll try to describe it...
> >
> > I have a Brent C. It's about 5 years old. Running at full speed, I can
> > detect nothing at all amiss. However, as I slow down the wheel head, I
> > can *feel* a motion in the machine that I can only describe as a
> > 'heartbeat'. By this I mean I can sense the movement with the inside of
> > my knees as I brace them against the wheel. It reminds me of my washing
> > machine just before it shuts itself off because the load is not evenly
> > distributed. It is more noticable the slower I go. It seems to be coming
> > from the motor, but does not seem to translate into any detectable
> > motion in the wheel head.
> >
> > Is this something I need to be worried about. If it is, is it something
> > I can correct myself or should I hire a professional. I have a somewhat
> > decent mechanical sense and feel that, with the proper directions, I
> > would like to tackle the job...but, then again, maybe all wheels have
> > 'heartbeats' and I just never noticed!
> >
> > Regards, Andrea in Richmond
> >
> >
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> > Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
> >
> > You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> > settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
> >
> > Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
>
> --
> Earl Brunner
> http://coyote.accessnv.com/bruec
> mailto:bruec@anv.net
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
>

Kim Marie on wed 15 nov 00


When I got my pacifica wheel, it came with a silicone spray lubricant. When
the birds start singing, I just spray the belts while the wheel is turning
at a medium speed.
kim
in 'rainy and turning to snow' Spafford NY

Craig Dunn Clark on wed 15 nov 00


I don't currently have a Brent, however, I used one for a number of
years while I was in school (more time than I'm willing to admit on this
thread.)
If memory serves me correctly, the wheel that was my favorite was an old
CXC model that had a belt drive from the moter drive shaft to a large drive
disk affixed to a shaft to which the throwing head was attached. The shaft
passed through a "pillow block" type bearing. I suspect that the bearing is
what is giving you your problem, if I understand it correctly.
An occasional chirp is definitely a sign of bearing fatigue or failure.
However, if no such sound exists, then pay attention to whether or not the
speed of the wheel is actually fluctuating or is the "heart beat" that you
are feeling a lateral movement of the clay (as if it were suddenly falling a
little off center.) If this is the problem it should become more pronounced
as you throw taller, wider objects. Try slapping a 25# block of mud on the
wheelhead, pull up a nice big bowl and see what happens. If there is a lot
of movement rather than speed fluctuation replace the bearing (compared to
other potential culprits they are inexpensive.) Hope this helps........
-----Original Message-----
From: Cleo
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 10:40 PM
Subject: Re: Getting Rid of Chirps in Wheels


>I also have a Brent C. I've had it for way over 5 years and recently have
>picked up on just the thing you explained. It doesn't seem to affect the
>motion of the wheel but does have a thump or "heartbeat". Yesterday I went
>out in the studio and sat down to throw and ........nothing, dead, stepped
>on the pedal, jiggled the wheel and it started but was really loud. I
>thought it was the brushes but they seem to be okay. I think it may of
>gathered moisture and was just cutting out. After the heat was on and it
>wasn't so damp it quit. I haven't ever had one minute of trouble with that
>wheel. I have always taken it for granted that it would just hum along
>smoothly, I've sort of decided it's the conditions in the studio and not
>the wheel mechanics that are causing the trouble. I would recommend it
>highly. If you do find out an answer to this mystery let me know, I'd be
>interested in what the true cause is myself.
>Cleo
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Earl Brunner
>To:
>Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 7:42 PM
>Subject: Re: Getting Rid of Chirps in Wheels
>
>
>> This can cause a problem if you make really wide things
>> because a little quiver in near the center of the wheel head
>> isn't much but out on the rim of a wide thing it can
>> translate into something significant. I have also had this
>> movement problem on very tall things.
>>
>> I am not an electrician, but if it is not the bearings then
>> I would suspect the motor bushings. DC motors tend to wear
>> these out from time to time. If that is the case, on most
>> Brents it is a relatively simple fix and you should be able
>> to do it yourself.
>>
>> Call Brent and talk to someone in the service department.
>> Have your model and serial number handy, that should give
>> them some idea on the motor.
>>
>> Andrea Grez wrote:
>> >
>> > I don't think my wheel's problem can actually be classified as a chirp.
>> > What it does is really not audible at all. I'll try to describe it...
>> >
>> > I have a Brent C. It's about 5 years old. Running at full speed, I can
>> > detect nothing at all amiss. However, as I slow down the wheel head, I
>> > can *feel* a motion in the machine that I can only describe as a
>> > 'heartbeat'. By this I mean I can sense the movement with the inside
of
>> > my knees as I brace them against the wheel. It reminds me of my washing
>> > machine just before it shuts itself off because the load is not evenly
>> > distributed. It is more noticable the slower I go. It seems to be
coming
>> > from the motor, but does not seem to translate into any detectable
>> > motion in the wheel head.
>> >
>> > Is this something I need to be worried about. If it is, is it something
>> > I can correct myself or should I hire a professional. I have a
somewhat
>> > decent mechanical sense and feel that, with the proper directions, I
>> > would like to tackle the job...but, then again, maybe all wheels have
>> > 'heartbeats' and I just never noticed!
>> >
>> > Regards, Andrea in Richmond
>> >
>> >
>___________________________________________________________________________
_
>__
>> > Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>> >
>> > You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>> > settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>> >
>> > Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>melpots@pclink.com.
>>
>> --
>> Earl Brunner
>> http://coyote.accessnv.com/bruec
>> mailto:bruec@anv.net
>>
>>
>___________________________________________________________________________
_
>__
>> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>>
>> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>>
>> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>melpots@pclink.com.
>>
>
>___________________________________________________________________________
___
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
>

Wood Jeanne on sat 18 nov 00


Hi,
My Dad swears by Fels Naptha (sp?) bar soap rubbed on
automobile fan belts to get rid of noise. Possibly
this could be a cure for a wheel with an automotive
type belt?
Cheers,
Jeanne W.
In Idaho where I find frozen buckets of glaze even
more annoying than frozen clay.

--- David Hendley wrote:
> I think lubricating wheel belts applies only to
> newer
> Pacifica wheels. Instructions that come with the
> wheel
> tell you to lubricate the belt.
> Older Pacificas and Brents are different. They use
> automotive type belts. I would not use a lubricant
> on these belts.
> Has anyone used paraffin on these belts with
> good results?
> --
> David Hendley
> Maydelle, Texas
> hendley@tyler.net
> http://www.farmpots.com/
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: pam easley
> To:
> Sent: Monday, November 13, 2000 11:48 PM
> Subject: Getting Rid of Chirps in Wheels
>
>
> On June 11, 2000 John Rodgers wrote on this subject.
> You can look in the
> archives for all of his posts, then choose the one
> titled "pacific and
> lubricant"
>
> The jist of what he said was to first check the
> tension on the belt. If that
> seems okay, hold a block of paraffin against the
> belt for a few seconds as
> it runs. It, theoretically, should be chirp free for
> an extended period of
> time.
>
> I'm glad you brought this up again, as my Brent C
> had developed The Chirp,
> and I am going to try this trick tomorrow.
>
> Yours, in getting colder and colder Seattle. But
> it's not raining yet, and I
> even washed my car yesterday, which usually brings
> on a good shower!
>
> Pam Easley
>
>
______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change
> your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be
> reached at melpots@pclink.com.


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