Carbon Brushes -- need source.

[Shade Tree Welder]

Franz, Pile Buck, JT, Scott V et al,

I am going to build my own welding positioner, a smaller bench top one. I have a DC gear motor with variable speed drive, and the remaining materials including some copper plate to make one. However I can't find HD carbon brushes. Where is a good source? The one's in McMaster-Carr look too light duty for welding.

TIA,

[JTMcC.]

"Thomas Register" is the first place to look for that kind of thing imo.

For my homegrown stuff, I always look at the price/availability of the store bought parts as most manufacturers sell replacable components. And they've done your engineering and capacity rating type work for you. So I'd go to the positioner manufacturers and see if they sell brush assemblies.


JTMcC.

[Franz]

If I don't have em in my barn, they're in Gus Sim's barn.
How big are you looking for? I think we should have either ½ or 3/4 x 2 someplace in the inventory.
Pete might have some over in Postenskil too, I didn't watch what he carried off from Alvinar.

[david_r]

Ron,
You might want to try these guys. This is where a motor shop in the LA area sends a motor they can't handle.
http://www.eurtonelectric.com/parts_brushes.html

[Shade Tree Welder]

Originally Posted by Franz

If I don't have em in my barn, they're in Gus Sim's barn.
How big are you looking for? I think we should have either ½ or 3/4 x 2 someplace in the inventory.
Pete might have some over in Postenskil too, I didn't watch what he carried off from Alvinar.

physical size no clue, 300 amps would be nice, I figured I would need several to handle the load.

[stovepoker]

Try Helwig Carbon, Shade. I forgot their number, but they have a website.
I have deat with these guys nd they would be my first choice.

[stock z/28]

Hi,

I am probably missing the the point, but if you are building this, couldnt you just use some large diameter carbon electrodes? I dont use many of these but I think they are available in pretty large sizes.

A good friend of mine goes through a ton of them in old searh lights that he restores and rents out. They are pretty large in diamater as well as very long. Those old search lights are a pretty neat machine, a lot of parts.
He does a beautifull job on the restoration, they look brand new.

Good luck

Jeff

[Franz]

OK Shady, I found the biggest we have in stock in Hilton are 3/8 x 1¼ x 2" long. All measurements are ±my eyeball unaided by glasses.
I have 8 of them and can box them up & ship if you need them.
We have bigger, probably in the Pa warehouse, but I haven't checked yet.
4 of these brushes under your table should carry 400 amps easily.

[Shade Tree Welder]

Originally Posted by Franz

OK Shady, I found the biggest we have in stock in Hilton are 3/8 x 1¼ x 2" long. All measurements are ±my eyeball unaided by glasses.
I have 8 of them and can box them up & ship if you need them.
We have bigger, probably in the Pa warehouse, but I haven't checked yet.
4 of these brushes under your table should carry 400 amps easily.

Thanks ship 'em!!!

[DaveD]

Found this with a google search
http://www.advancecarbon.com/index.html