Antique Armature Testing Growler [Restoration]

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 16 тра 2024
  • This restoration is on a 1920s armature tester or "growler" made by the the Armature Rewinding Co. I believe this is the patent: patents.google.com/patent/US1...
    0:00 Intro
    0:30 I do the thing
    16:54 How a growler or armature tester works
    Even though this is a simple tool with no moving parts, it proved to be quite a challenge as I have never rewound any electrical components for my restorations, until now. It was really fun to learn what needs to be done to rewind a simple transformer and exciting to see if you did everything correctly or if you perish from electrocution.
    I am having a very hard time finding information on this specific tool as my research has only lead to a few mentions of the company and some advertisements, but nothing on this exact tool ever existing.
    I also have to thank the gracious viewer who helped me source some ORIGINAL wire grommets for this tool that make it look as close to original as possible.
    I do hope to use this tool for testing armatures for many restorations going forward.
    Wrenches, screwdrivers, and socket drivers are now for sale at www.handtoolrescue.com
    Help secure more tools for future videos (if you want):
    / handtoolrescue
    Instagram:
    / handtoolrescue
    Facebook Group - Share your restorations
    / handtoolrescue
    / handtoolrescue
    Reddit - Share your restorations
    / handtoolrescue
    Podcast (with Jimmy DiResta and Andrew Alexander) - anchor.fm/fitzall
  • Навчання та стиль

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,2 тис.

  • @texomatinker414
    @texomatinker414 Рік тому +532

    My father was a partner in an automotive parts rebuilding business. I worked for him one summer and one of my jobs was to check armatures for shorts using one of these. I never thought I'd see one again but here it is. All the tables in the shop were metal and that was the days before everything was grounded. I'd grab an armature off one table to place on the growler while moving the one I'd just checked to another table. You only made yourself the connection between both tables once! To use the thing, I'd run a metal blade around the armature while the growler was energized. If the blade vibrated when over one of the windings it indicated a short. It was usually in the commutator and could easily be remedied by clearing any debris shorting across the segments of the commutator. All the rebuilding took place in that room, including the baking of the armatures in a walk-in oven. Temperatures in the summer were 130 degrees or more. This brings back memories - thanks!

    • @frankierzucekjr
      @frankierzucekjr Рік тому +15

      Sounds like fun as a kid lol. Can you imagine trying to get a teenager to try doing that kind of work in today's world?

    • @texomatinker414
      @texomatinker414 Рік тому +42

      @@frankierzucekjr I do know a few kids who would, including one of my grandsons. They are rare but probably easier to find in rural areas.
      It was hot dirty work. I went home coughing and blowing copper dust from polishing those commutators (even though I wore a paper mask). I wouldn't have missed the experience and, in fact, was disappointed I didn't get to learn every aspect of rebuilding those armatures. When I was even younger, Dad sometimes had to work in the office on Saturdays. On those occasions he would set me up checking valves for some other part they were rebuilding (maybe a fuel pump?). The valves were maybe 1/2" in diameter and I would place them over a small hole in a vacuum table. If the gauge showed the would hold 10 psi vacuum, they were good enough to be reused.
      Dad was blessed to get in on the ground floor with the company. The three men who started it each took on a veteran of WWII to mentor in the business and ultimately become partners. I was disappointed when the business was sold back in the '80s. I always had an unspoken desire to join Dad in the business. The company started with starters and generators. The guy who actually started the company was know as Lec, and the company was Lec Electric. They sold nationwide and had their own truck fleet. When I worked there, they were also doing alternators, voltage regulators, fuel pumps, brake shoes, master cylinders, clutch assemblies, and maybe more I've forgotten.
      The company sold to Southwest Wheel and Drum, and later closed. My guess would be Chinese competition.

    • @GoingtoHecq
      @GoingtoHecq Рік тому +30

      @@frankierzucekjr yes. Many do. Unfortunately though pay has fallen very far behind living costs for decades. This means that people now work harder for years on end than you ever have. Maybe you could listen a bit instead of blowing hot air for your ego.

    • @frankierzucekjr
      @frankierzucekjr Рік тому +16

      @@GoingtoHecq wow man, speaking of egos, lmao, sounds like the shoe fits?
      It also looks like my little comment struck a nerve lol. I've been running my own company for 13 years, but thanks for the laugh and proving my point. Next time try not to be so butt hurt about a comment on the internet.
      You get paid what you're worth.

    • @frankierzucekjr
      @frankierzucekjr Рік тому +2

      @@texomatinker414 that's a great story, sorry it was sold and you could do what you may have wanted. They say everything happens for a reason tho. I bet you went home with spiked hair hahaha. Jk. Take care bud.

  • @Ranger_Kevin
    @Ranger_Kevin Рік тому +63

    I like that back in the day you did not need a fancy name for your company.
    "What do we do?" "We rewind armatures" "All right, call it the Armature Rewinding Company"

  • @dirtdart81
    @dirtdart81 Рік тому +191

    I look forward to the sandblaster gag every time, and this one got me good. Great stuff!

  • @garyjohnson6640
    @garyjohnson6640 2 місяці тому +6

    50 years ago I worked in a shop that did automotive speedometer and electrical work, including rebuilding starters and generators. We had a growler mounted on a bench next to where we made up speedometer cables. That growler got used every day.

  • @rodneydelaney9227
    @rodneydelaney9227 Рік тому +310

    This channel always intrigues me. Never heard of a Growler before today. Proper restorations with knowledge and laughter. 👌

    • @Michigan-Tactical
      @Michigan-Tactical Рік тому +7

      I've heard of it. A small engine mechanic was talking about one. "Taryl fixes all" is his UA-cam channel. You might like his content.

    • @graemephilips847
      @graemephilips847 Рік тому +11

      To me, a growler is a large bottle of beer. So new lessons being taught here

    • @TravisTLK
      @TravisTLK Рік тому +6

      To me, a growler is something I take the day after eating too much.

    • @smitm108
      @smitm108 Рік тому +3

      Isn’t a growler also a communication device - used by Navy, sound (pressure) activated? …

    • @friedrichvonsnatch3501
      @friedrichvonsnatch3501 Рік тому +23

      Here in England a growler is also slang for a hairy lady area

  • @jamesmilos9909
    @jamesmilos9909 Рік тому +43

    Used to have an old machinist/mechanic in my hometown that had a growler. My dad was very good friends with him so naturally took all of our machine work to him. I was fascinated by the lathe, mill and other equipment we didn’t have in our farm shop. The growler mystified me! Every so often when using it sparks would fly and he would get a good jolt! I asked him one time “doesn’t that hurt”, “just a little” he replied, “I actually think it might do me some good “!😅😅 RIP Martin

  • @schroedinbug
    @schroedinbug Рік тому +12

    I genuinely thought he started sanding with a piece of ham for a second.
    That's why I love this channel, it's something he might do.
    Bravo on the sand blasting cabinet skit, I've missed those.

  • @joeylawn36111
    @joeylawn36111 Рік тому +70

    You can touch the two probes together safely (following normal 120V safety, of course), as the light bulb _is_ the load, the probes complete the circuit. There are two circuits here for the device, one is the main ‘growler’, and the other is a light bulb continuity tester in parallel.

    • @mitchellstrobbe7779
      @mitchellstrobbe7779 Рік тому +10

      Yes they would act like a switch, you would still get some sparks thou, just not a dead short

    • @MrNoobed
      @MrNoobed Рік тому +1

      It could depend exactly how it's wired, but the light bulb should be first, so if he wants to switch off that feature. He could unscrew the bulb

    • @jzrgrmm
      @jzrgrmm Рік тому +1

      Even if you make the probes the neutral path to the bulb, the bulb will back feed one of the probes hot.

  • @98grand5point9
    @98grand5point9 Рік тому +18

    I have two homemade growlers that my grandfather made. One for armature, and one for fields. He was an electrician for the C.B.&Q. Railroad. He repaired and rebuilt all of the many motors used in passenger cars. He showed me how they worked and how to use them. I'd like to find a museum or antique motor shop where they would be preserved.

    • @leverettrailfan5414
      @leverettrailfan5414 Рік тому +1

      I don't know how many railroad museums would exhibit them, but I can easily see how a museum restoration shop might find them useful in doing restoration work.

    • @tbobtrasman4875
      @tbobtrasman4875 Рік тому +1

      Try the Spencer Shops in Spencer NC. They have restoration facilities there. It was a huge roundhouse back in the day.
      Supposedly where Cash Jones was trying to get to "on time"

  • @freednighthawk
    @freednighthawk Рік тому +32

    Hey, when winding coils, mount your wire on a spool holder, and use a thick piece of felt to guide the wire and control tension. That's what I do when I re-wind guitar pickups and it works so much better than trying to do it all with the spool.

  • @BencoVintageMachineWorks
    @BencoVintageMachineWorks Рік тому +56

    A "Growler" is not only a handy piece of equipment when testing old motors but that one looks cool while doing it! Great video!

    • @billh230
      @billh230 Рік тому +5

      I've been a car electrician for 40 years. Always wanted one of these simply because they look so cool. The "danger factor" doesn't bother me.

    • @bzuidgeest
      @bzuidgeest Рік тому

      @@billh230 until it electrocuted one of your kids or wife. Or whoever you care for. It's a piece of history and should stay that way. I'm sure a much safer version can be designed that still looks cool.

    • @larrypostma2866
      @larrypostma2866 Рік тому

      @TorpedoX that’s awesome those technical books get harder and harder to come by ever year.

  • @4sl648
    @4sl648 Рік тому +12

    When I started working in a hospital biomedical engineering department in the early 1980;s we had to test the conductive flooring the in operating rooms with a Megger. Two weighted conductive pucks were placed ten feet apart on the floor and wired back to the megger. You would crank the megger and it would put 1000 volts to the pucks and the current would indicate the resistance. If you were sloppy, you could get a hell of a shock. Shenanigans were also common. Shocked more times that Edward Delequois.

  • @jasongardner6533
    @jasongardner6533 Рік тому +5

    Best sandblasting intro to date!

  • @bobjohnson6371
    @bobjohnson6371 Рік тому +12

    I had a severe retraction of body parts watching you demonstrate that. Nice work, and always enjoy your videos.

  • @johnfederkeil9211
    @johnfederkeil9211 Рік тому +17

    Nice job! You could build a nice wooden block with two properly sized holes to safely store the probes. Or you could build a wooden base for the growler to sit into and store the probes in that base with two holes.

  • @Michigan-Tactical
    @Michigan-Tactical Рік тому +40

    When unsoldering old connections like that switch, I find it's easier if you apply fresh solder first. It helps transfer the heat easier. I hope that will help you in the future.

    • @Doramius
      @Doramius Рік тому +10

      @@ralphgesler5110 Yes. So many people don't use flux. USE FLUX. FLUX IS YOUR FRIEND. A FLUXING FRIEND HAS BENEFITS!!!

    • @TS34675
      @TS34675 Рік тому +1

      This is a good point - refloating the solder joint helps in removal.
      Also - solder wick and/or a "solder sucker" helps remove it all together.
      If you have retired infant nose-suckers laying around those work great as well.

    • @tagzedawg
      @tagzedawg Рік тому

      @@TS34675 even easier, just suck it up with a straw.

    • @carebear8762
      @carebear8762 Рік тому +1

      @@Doramius So it's good to have a flux buddy?

    • @bazwillrun
      @bazwillrun Рік тому

      @@carebear8762 yup, and especially good now hes got two new nuts !...

  • @Chief81
    @Chief81 Рік тому +5

    Don’t think I’ve ever skipped your intro once, it’s a good un.

  • @spokehedz
    @spokehedz Рік тому +21

    I remember seeing one of these (or something extremely similar) mounted on a pedestal in the shop class at high school. Same probes and everything. We literally never used it as a tester, it was only ever used to keep pipe from rolling when you wanted to drill a hole in it. I would want to have a push button (or foot switch) for those probes so they were not energized all the time.
    The probes will also cook hotdogs and turn pickles into lightbulbs according to the science class down the hall from the shop class. :D

  • @AlAmantea
    @AlAmantea Рік тому +20

    Those probes should be wired so they only complete the NEUTRAL side of the circuit, AFTER the load (light bulb). While there is 120v potential when they are open, as long as the bulb is good, it acts as the load and draws all the current. The probes are nothing more than a switch on the neutral. If the bulb is bad, the 120v potential is lost by the open circuit of the filament in the bulb.
    Just double check that the bulb has the line side of the circuit, and the probes have the neutral side.

    • @kevinmartin7760
      @kevinmartin7760 Рік тому +2

      This just makes on of the probes (the grounded one) safe, The bulb would still pass enough current to electrocute you if you bridged from the bulb-side probe to the other probe or to ground.
      The only way to make this safe is to add a low-voltage (e.g. 12V) transformer and replace the bulb with one whose voltage matches the transformer. That way the voltage between the probes would be limited to a safe level and would also be isolated from ground.

    • @nathangallagher5112
      @nathangallagher5112 Рік тому +1

      Kevin Martin is correct that the bulb side probe would still likely shock you, but had a bad description of why. A dry hand holding a wire is anywhere from 1000 ohms to 500,000 ohms and inside your body is a few hundred ohms. Since you have much more resistance than a bulb which is usually 10 ohms to 100 ohms, if you grab the probe you can think of the bulb as basically a ~0 ohm wire that doesn't really drop any of the voltage off before getting to yourself. Thus you will get most of the 120V, especially with moist skin, and will still get shocked. In terms of ohms law, since you have much much larger R than the bulb, then you will have much larger IR, or voltage, across you than the bulb. And you can approximate this as you basically having all the 120 volts. A transformer would work well for safety, just any cheapo 12 volt transformer that could maybe even fit inside the tool. Then a GFCI outlet would also be a good idea, as it could sense if current is leaking thru you to ground.

  • @quantumleap359
    @quantumleap359 Рік тому +11

    Years ago, I visited a starter and generator rebuilding facility where growlers were routinely used. Since all starter and generator armatures were rewound as part of the rebuilding process, a growler test was used on each one to make sure the rewinding was done properly. Very neat old device, very nice restoration. Thanks for posting this video.

  • @dimitar4y
    @dimitar4y Рік тому +85

    Definitely felt that aggressive self loathing when that cable restraint snapped. It's aged, cracked and fragile so . . .

    • @jasonkuehl639
      @jasonkuehl639 Рік тому +7

      I know that feeling all too well myself. It usually starts out when I first see the restraint, just because I know it's a 99% chance it'll crumble by looking at it wrong. 😬

    • @metalhead691
      @metalhead691 Рік тому +2

      Honorable gentlemen practicing self control.

    • @Zonkotron
      @Zonkotron Рік тому +6

      I felt way more cringe when he unwound what looked like a perfectly good coil. Jeeeze. High pot test. First. Then Shenannigans....

    • @dimitar4y
      @dimitar4y Рік тому +3

      @@Zonkotron i guess it was busted but he didn't mention it. i mean why else would he just straight up unwind it. Because of potential as best is ?

    • @danielspencer1827
      @danielspencer1827 Рік тому +2

      Those cable restraints are still available new. IIRC, I have bought them at Ace hardware. You just have to know the hole size they go into.

  • @markloving11
    @markloving11 Рік тому +6

    I use a growler nearly everyday at work! We rebuild/restore classic and vintage vehicle dynamos

  • @alakani
    @alakani Рік тому +1

    That little sigh before deciding to unwind the coil... story of my life

  • @mscdorman
    @mscdorman Рік тому +2

    So happy you took the time to explain what it was and did, I had no idea! Thanks!

  • @MadMax-bq6pg
    @MadMax-bq6pg Рік тому +13

    Made me think of a time when just having electricity was potentially risky. I worked for an old electrician running cables once, and he talked of replacing “cabling” in 19th century houses. The original conduit was a U shaped gutter of 3 wooden strips with a bare wire laying each side. Layed in roof spaces with gravity keeping the wires apart, the gutters were about the width of an average rat, increasing the risk of a short & subsequent fire… thankfully insulation technology improved

  • @MisterMsk
    @MisterMsk Рік тому +6

    Wow! Showing us how to use the tool. Thanks. Very informative.

  • @xt001x
    @xt001x Рік тому

    The random and intermittent dry humor makes this channel God tier

  • @MichaelSteeves
    @MichaelSteeves Рік тому

    Good to see you diving in to rewinding. A great skill to add to your collection.

  • @redneck_cowboy7826
    @redneck_cowboy7826 Рік тому +12

    Howdy stoppin by to say you never cease to amaze me with your restorations either way have a good one

  • @jeramiahmeade9770
    @jeramiahmeade9770 Рік тому +4

    I really appreciate your videos. Please keep them coming.

  • @josephpetzke6563
    @josephpetzke6563 Рік тому +2

    Thank you for explaining how this worked at the end! Very interesting tool.

  • @alrio8102
    @alrio8102 Рік тому

    Glad you lived thru this one,
    to restore again another day.

  • @Chris-eu4jw
    @Chris-eu4jw Рік тому +14

    I had a rather rough day today but this guy cracked me up at 2:50. I love this guy, I love the Intro, I love the channel. I just can‘t be in a bad mood after watching this. Awesome work

  • @Lee01Mr
    @Lee01Mr Рік тому +9

    It's like every video tells a secret story :) Well edited as always!

  • @paulcooper2897
    @paulcooper2897 Рік тому +1

    Nice restore on a classic piece of equipment!
    Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

  • @donaldhoot7741
    @donaldhoot7741 Рік тому +1

    You sir are the Norm Abramson of UA-cam. Great video!

  • @rickmcdonald1557
    @rickmcdonald1557 Рік тому +4

    That was so interesting and you have quite a Knack as a Restorer and I have always been a "Tool Nut" since I was a small child 75 years ago and especially like the old time things. Your abilities are rare and very much appreciated by many and thanks for putting out these great videos for all of us to learn from and enjoy~!! 🤓👍👌✌

  • @rayshutsa6690
    @rayshutsa6690 Рік тому +10

    I have never heard of a growler until this video. it is a very simple tool but dangerous. Your explanation of how it works and show us how it works. This video is very educational and your comentary was perfect. love your channel and content. Thank you very much for an amazing video of the Growler. ❤🇨🇦

  • @peebee143
    @peebee143 Рік тому +1

    Another machine which I have never seen before and which I had no idea even existed. As ever, nicely restored!

  • @125spectrum
    @125spectrum Рік тому

    Respect. Taking on an antique electrical gadget is always going to be challenging. Well done. Paul, Scotland

  • @userbosco
    @userbosco Рік тому +4

    Your content is awesome! Thanks for helping me ignore my work and responsibilities!

  • @icsunonova
    @icsunonova Рік тому +4

    nice restauration..i liked the spoken explanation on how the device works..u should do that more,and i think a lot of people like it too

  • @erniewelz
    @erniewelz Рік тому

    What an angelic voice that we get to hear so little of. Awesome restoration as always.

  • @oliverarts4673
    @oliverarts4673 Рік тому

    You sir have a rare talent with your abilities and humor…very entertaining and I always learn something

  • @robertbamford8266
    @robertbamford8266 Рік тому +3

    First completely mysterious (until the end) restoration. Obviously many viewers knew what a growler is. But I appreciated your closing, top-level. explanation.

  • @colinrountree4325
    @colinrountree4325 Рік тому +10

    Love your videos! Historically interesting, technically fascinating and always with a dash of hilarity 👍👍👍

  • @billyhaddock5540
    @billyhaddock5540 Рік тому

    Congrats HTR for redoing the Armature Testing Growler. looks better now, and it works. Good Job..

  • @angelmessenger8240
    @angelmessenger8240 Рік тому +1

    Amazing restoration and thank you for the demonstration and explanation.

  • @chrislewis6050
    @chrislewis6050 Рік тому +3

    At first I thought it was some sort of strange de-gauzing tool. Really neat, and great work.

  • @MicraHakkinen
    @MicraHakkinen Рік тому +15

    12:35 For future reference, you shouldn't tin wires that aren't getting soldered. Stranded copper wires going into a screw terminal would ideally have a ferrule crimped on. Clamp terminals sometimes can take stranded copper wire, but often not. The reason screw and clamp terminals do work very well with solid copper wire is because copper has elasticity: it tries to return to its original shape, pushing back against the screw or clamp. Solder however has virtually no elasticity: it deforms plastically and therefore doesn't really push back against the screw or clamp. This can cause a bad connection, if not immediately then over time.

  • @lisajaworowski1128
    @lisajaworowski1128 Рік тому

    SO COOL.!! I love watching you work and tinker :D it is really interesting to see how vintage machines were made and used and how pristine they can look again after a good "cleaning". Thanks for sharing.!

  • @Marcelo-56
    @Marcelo-56 Рік тому +1

    I had seen this type of device many years ago, but nobody was able to explain to me how it works until I see this video, very useful and now I can already know how it works and what it is used for👍

  • @jpsimon206
    @jpsimon206 Рік тому +8

    When you're wrapping on the lathe, if you drill a hole through a dowel pin held in a tool holder, it does a nice job of keeping the tension equalized and you can even use the power feed if you get the ratios just right. Shadon HKW has a really good video on it making coils for heat treating ovens

  • @dryroasted5599
    @dryroasted5599 Рік тому +8

    Great restoration! I learned to use one of these when I was employed in a automotive electrical rebuild shop many years ago. I don't remember ours having test leads; if we got a "growl" we'd use a multimeter or continuity tester to further diagnose. They're very useful tools and I haven't seen one since. Thanks.

    • @peterstanyon1307
      @peterstanyon1307 Рік тому +1

      As a winder I agree, never had test leads, we always used a mega or flash tester for testing the com to the stack.

  • @philipB31
    @philipB31 Рік тому

    Always risking life & limb for the edification of your public - respect!

  • @azafreak
    @azafreak Рік тому +1

    I'm glad Emotionally Distant Garbage has stayed with the series, even after hitting the bigtime they never forgot their roots.

  • @joeylawn36111
    @joeylawn36111 Рік тому +20

    6:23 Those gaps are there to prevent the magnetic field from saturating the whole core, which would affect operation. Same thing as having laminated plates instead of one solid chunk of metal on a transformer.

  • @AlishaN-yh5nf
    @AlishaN-yh5nf Рік тому +4

    You could make plastick caps for the live pointers it dusent modify the meshine at all but would make it safer to use with out frying your self! Thankyou I love your clips so nice to see how you fix some things!

  • @TheFirstCosaco
    @TheFirstCosaco Рік тому

    My heart skipped a beat each time you grabbed the pointy metal darts XP

  • @CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb
    @CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb Рік тому

    Pure Gold! Looking forward to the next instalment

  • @dejEtack
    @dejEtack Рік тому +5

    Garbage on the floor.
    Socially distant garbage on the floor
    Emotionally distant garbage on the floor.
    A story in 3 parts.

  • @markedis5902
    @markedis5902 Рік тому +11

    120V doesn’t bother me, 240V shocks make me jump and swear, 415V I treat with great respect. The guys who work on the HV networks I think have a death wish, even saying 11,000V makes me shiver.
    Now capacitors are a different matter. I vaporised a 38mm spanner across a capacitor bank. BIG Bang!

    • @mikealbrecht3990
      @mikealbrecht3990 Рік тому +1

      The don't call electricians 'Sparky' for nothing.

    • @DeliveryMcGee
      @DeliveryMcGee Рік тому +1

      Yeah, when I was young and stupid I got bit by 120V. It'll certainly put a pep in your step and make your arm numb for a few hours. Just ... don't be anywhere hear HV, especially if there's current involved. I've had 40kV (no amperage) a couple of times (one in high school with the Van de Graff static generator, and once pulling the coil wire from the distributor of a gas engine that wouldn't shut off). Don't do either.
      It was funny in the HS science lab, teacher told us to hold hands in a chain across the room, then "Jason, put your hand on the generator."
      Everybody's hair stood on end.
      "Now, Jennifer, grab the faucet."
      I was in the middle and had worked with my father in an electrician-adjacent job (HVAC install) during the summer. I said "Don't do it, Jen, you'll ground u-ERK!"
      It's probably that demo in science class that convinced me to wear EH-rated boots and keep one hand behind my back when messing with anything over 12V later in life when I could afford nice boots.

    • @DeliveryMcGee
      @DeliveryMcGee Рік тому

      There were also some pretty hilarious/potentially deadly pranks at the HVAC shop. Charge up the starting capacitor for a compressor motor, wrap tinfoil around it just so with a bubble of empty space around the contacts, yell "THINK FAST!" and throw it at the new guy. Of course he'd reflexively catch it and crush the foil onto the terminals, the cap would dump and the foil would vaporize harmlessly (these are the caps that will melt notches in a screwdriver shaft, btw. I forget the farad rating, but 400V and about the size of your fist) . Or so I'm told, never saw that prank in action, apparently that had been deemed much for hazing when I was hanging around the shop in the late '80s/early '90s. But I believe it, bc that shop was an OSHA inspector's nightmare (or gold mine, depending on how you look at it) when I was there, the ceiling fans in the open-air metal fab shop were scavenged condenser fans from dead A/C units, with very sharp sheetmetal blades, hanging from a very low ceiling. I did see my father walk into one and get an inch-deep notch in the brim of his ballcap (which was flung across the shop, but as a Vietnam veteran, he had catlike reflexes and was on the floor before the damaged hat began to fall), and Dad is a pretty short guy at 5'7" ... his six-foot brother/coworker, otoh, knew exactly where every fan was. Or was just ridiculously lucky, could go either way with that guy.

    • @Buster2058
      @Buster2058 Рік тому

      Note: a electrolytic capacitor does not increase voltage, at any time voltage would be no higher than the voltage applied.

    • @markedis5902
      @markedis5902 Рік тому

      @@Buster2058 I am well aware 8n fact the capacitor that did the damage was only charged to 50V but at 47,000uF it dumped a hell of a lot of power in a fraction of a second hence no more spanner and 2nd degree burns.

  • @ping170
    @ping170 Рік тому

    This contraption is thrilling ! 😱

  • @timothywalsh866
    @timothywalsh866 Рік тому

    I'm glad you explained what that machine was for, because I couldn't figure it out from looking at it

  • @scroungasworkshop4663
    @scroungasworkshop4663 Рік тому +18

    I’d say that before you restored it that growler was still being used in a Pakistani workshop. Great job and I’m glad to see you have respect for eelectrickery. I’m extra careful as well because we have 240 volts so you really know about it if it bites you. Cheers mate, Stuart 🇦🇺

    • @timrankin8737
      @timrankin8737 Рік тому

      Haha. Yes. Pakistani Truck probably has one there using right now.

  • @danschneider9921
    @danschneider9921 Рік тому +4

    I've been a LE officer for 12 years whose "beat" includes a historic but sadly derelict notoriously "haunted" cemetery. Before that I was a qualified jumper with the 82nd AB Div. It's not machismo but not alot scares me or makes me nervous...then there is electricity. I'm terrified of it. My father in law even had to wire the cieling fans in my new house. I won't get near it unless I absolutely have to and this machine may as well be a pissed off T-Rex as far as I'm concerned. Must have been a bad experience in a past life. Always has been that way.

    • @deadaccount6135
      @deadaccount6135 Рік тому

      Just your brain warning you of danger to keep you alive... I'd be a lot more worried for someone who doesn't have it.

  • @wesallen3926
    @wesallen3926 Рік тому

    2:50 NO, you're NOT human garbage. your actually one of my top 3 favorite UA-camrs of all time...

  • @martinphillips5392
    @martinphillips5392 Рік тому

    I used one every day rebuilding heavy equipment starters, nice to see 1 used again! Cheers

  • @HeIsTheHighlander
    @HeIsTheHighlander Рік тому +5

    It's a good idea to use some solder flux when you're going to solder thick wires. Simple rosin or liquid RMA no-clean non-toxic (there're many toxic!)
    It's much easier to make a quality solder joint with soldering tip with large contact area which has lower thermal resistance - like PX-60RT-5K - it's just an example how it may look, it has many names from many makers
    And 16:00 such soldering requires very good heating with powerful soldier with good tip or you may receive so called "cold solder joint" - it looks soldered well but may detach easily from a part with high thermal capacitance.

    • @mathewmolk2089
      @mathewmolk2089 Рік тому

      Rosin core solder Bubba,,,,,,But now they want that worthless lead free crap that really sucks... and you end up with "tin whiskers' blowing out ICs and MOSFET devices that old 60/40 lead never had.

  • @OscarSommerbo
    @OscarSommerbo Рік тому +41

    The light bulb not only limits the current, it also acts like a fuse, making the electrocution machine slightly less dangerous. But heavy gloves and a vigilant mind is advised. Also, you handled the probes correctly by just using one hand, you will still get a nasty jolt and/or burn but the current will just cook your hand, not travel across your heart.

    • @thehourglasswithaman
      @thehourglasswithaman Рік тому +1

      Yeah that makes a lot of sense

    • @kcdebris913
      @kcdebris913 Рік тому +4

      I built a current limiter to test old tube amplifiers I restore. It’s nothing but a light socket with an incandescent bulb, a plug in, a power cord, and a switch. I use different wattage incandescent bulbs depending on the output wattage of the amplifier. You know pretty quickly if you have a dead short. Saves the components from burning up if someone has done something stupid. And sometimes that someone is me! Ha!

    • @barkebaat
      @barkebaat Рік тому +5

      I was taught that trick by my Opa who was forced to check for live wires in the rubble after an Allied bombing raid. "You muss allwayz brink the wires togetter wit EIN hand so dat the volt does not cross your boddy ant stopp your hertz! A burned Hand ist besser !" I already had my first multimeter but thought it most politic to keep schtum.

    • @namAehT
      @namAehT Рік тому +4

      Assuming some pillock doesn't come along and replace it with a higher wattage bulb when it pops. "Well it kept blowing so I put a bigger bulb in it"

  • @itsabughunt6310
    @itsabughunt6310 Рік тому

    I always love learning new stuff.

  • @jimmarshall2757
    @jimmarshall2757 Рік тому

    This bring back a lot of memories from when I was an Apprentice “heavy vehicle technician” back in the 70’s, servicing 12v and 24v starter motors and dynamo’s on trucks. 🇬🇧

  • @mathewmolk2089
    @mathewmolk2089 Рік тому +12

    These things have been in service for well over 100 years and OSHA hasn't shut anybody down for using them. They are quite safe to use for their intended purpose - If this bothers you I suggest you never so much as LOOK at a 1000V megger and forget about the 5000V Hi-Pot testers but there is nothing especially dangerous about them if you follow SOP.,,,,(Fact is my Mom ran Hi-Pot testers at Bendix Radio during WWII)
    Growlers are not dangerous at all but just one thing if working around live circuits bothers you DO NOT trust Playtex gloves for protection from electrical hazards. We have special insulating gloves with leather outers that OSHA requires to be tested at a certified lab and qualified every 6 months. Electrical PPE is no place to use DIY Hacks.
    BTW,,,,,Outstanding job on the restoration.

    • @joshweier
      @joshweier Рік тому

      Mate I'd rather lick a 1000v megger than touch mains power... you do know it's 1000v DC right?
      Also all that stuff about the insulated gloves but one layer of electrical insulation tape is usually sufficient to insulate bare live conductor.
      Not saying you're wrong though.

  • @robertschemonia5617
    @robertschemonia5617 Рік тому +44

    Interesting way to make a taper on a lathe, I generally just turn the top of the compound to half the angle of the taper I want and do it that way. But still, really cool way to do it. And, in the right hands, a growler is indispensable to test and diagnose armatures. You should get a lot of life out of this guy.

    • @jesperwall839
      @jesperwall839 Рік тому +5

      But then you don’t get the torpedo shape 👍😀

    • @tacticalty9693
      @tacticalty9693 Рік тому +1

      This is about the most basic way I learned in machine school?

    • @criggie
      @criggie Рік тому +6

      I can turn tapers without even trying !

    • @robertschemonia5617
      @robertschemonia5617 Рік тому +2

      @@tacticalty9693 I never went to school for machining, the way I learned was a good friend found out I wanted to learn to use a lathe, so he found and bought me a little Atlas 618, that I still have in my garage to this day. I have used much bigger lathes, but wanted to learn on a small one because the big ones are man eaters if you let them be. A little bitty one can absolutely hurt you, but won't rip your arm off or suck you in. I learned through trial and error, and just use my lathe for random crap. Not to make parts for anyone else or anything. I even have a milling attachment for my little lathe. I have a LOT of respect for machinists, that is a lot of math and a lot of knowledge to make parts right.

    • @robertschemonia5617
      @robertschemonia5617 Рік тому

      @@jesperwall839 very true. The torpedo shape is awesome. But, you could in theory cut the taper normally, then use the file like he did to finish it to the torpedo shape.

  • @videomentaryproductionschannel
    @videomentaryproductionschannel 15 днів тому

    Wow that brought back memorys I'm a retired Electro Mechanical Engineer and used one of those at least a couple of times a week when i used to rebuild almond Winding Machines and other Winding Coil Winding machines Nice Job , love your Videos your a old School Like Me When things were made to last and be repaired Great channel

  • @dogleg6669
    @dogleg6669 Рік тому

    That's an amazing old tool, love the resto.

  • @javbw
    @javbw Рік тому +26

    The whole time I was watching this video I was thinking of Lin Guoer, a UA-camr whose special talent is rewinding motors and generators. She lives in rural China and fixes all the motors and engines around her village - usually generators, agricultural pumps, and old belt-driven diesel motors for factories. The old Chinese farm diesels are similar to the old Japanese ones I see Japan. Her engine maintenance is crude, but her motor winding skills are top-notch It’s amazing to watch her fab missing parts with such a small collection of tools. I’d love to see HTR reach out to her for a motor rewinding when needed. There is a lot she could learn from HTR as well! ua-cam.com/channels/NwBSVzAmfDaH2G04bA0jJQ.html

    • @legionofanon
      @legionofanon Рік тому +1

      I love watching her channel

    • @samuelfellows6923
      @samuelfellows6923 Рік тому

      At least she is genuine, unlike the “financially poor” orientals that commit fraud on UA-cam in the same parts of the world. There was another oriental who called his channel “Mr Electricity” who did the motor re-winding thing with the motor working after he had cleaned it and rewound it

    • @SuperAWaC
      @SuperAWaC Рік тому

      Seems like that channel is produced by the state as a form of propaganda... Besides, how would you get that object from canada to rural china and back?

  • @DrHumbertoable
    @DrHumbertoable Рік тому +39

    The lightbulb limits the current depending on the wattage of the bulb. It's still not a modern safety standard but you won't get shocked like touching a 120V live wire without protection. The limited current shows when you touch the bare metal with your probes, no arcs whatsoever

    • @TroubledTimes2024
      @TroubledTimes2024 Рік тому +11

      Yes, and if you touch the two probes together it just lights the bulb, no horrer involved LOL

    • @SpaghettiEnterprises
      @SpaghettiEnterprises Рік тому +4

      There were small sparks. Not 120V ones tho

  • @todddenio3200
    @todddenio3200 21 день тому

    I have heard about growlers and have even seen a few but have never seen one in use or knew how they work. Thank you so much for this video and explaining how they work in terms that are able to be understood.

  • @wildbilly71
    @wildbilly71 Рік тому

    Fascinating!! Never knew those existed. Ingenuity is something to behold.

  • @DSHPerotecH
    @DSHPerotecH Рік тому +8

    As an industrial electrician, I'm fascinated seeing this restoration.
    We're trained on how to use these, but I haven't touched one since then. Usually the whole motor gets swapped out, as it's faster than rebuilding.
    Suppose a motor rebuilder would have more use for one of these? Really cool either way.

    • @krissteel4074
      @krissteel4074 Рік тому +2

      It probably dates back to when shipping a motor took 6 months by boat, rebuilding a motor took a week or two and new, unelectrocuted apprentices where very... very cheap

  • @samec88
    @samec88 Рік тому +4

    A growler is something completely different here in the Uk

    • @Thelurpy1
      @Thelurpy1 Рік тому

      I see what you did there 😏

    • @MrPossumeyes
      @MrPossumeyes Рік тому

      And something else again in NZ. Unless it means more than a pie in the UK....

  • @daemonwhitebeard6590
    @daemonwhitebeard6590 Рік тому

    It is good to see that you put out another video. Was a bit worried you had stopped for good. I still enjoy watching your videos.

  • @andreacrashe9894
    @andreacrashe9894 Рік тому

    *Thank you for today's lesson on how this 'growler' works.*

  • @singJJBplay
    @singJJBplay Рік тому +4

    E Very cool tester, I've never seen or heard of a "growler" before. E Thanks for another very cool video. E (The truth is out there...) E

  • @hairanndo2002
    @hairanndo2002 Рік тому +3

    今みたいに気軽に使えるテスターがなかった頃はこんな危なっかしいテスターだったのか。

  • @max_power8510
    @max_power8510 11 місяців тому

    Love the slap stick style of humor in your videos, especially when always using the media blaster bench @ 6:08. Became a new subscriber. Please keep the sense of humor up. Love watching these old and useful tools being restored back to their glory days.

  • @South-of-Heaven
    @South-of-Heaven Рік тому

    Missed opportunity respooling on the wire wheel.... "wire wheel EVERYTHING.
    Thank you for continuing to make content, I cant get enough.

  • @allensheldon6610
    @allensheldon6610 Рік тому +4

    If you could tolerate a modification for safety, you could reduce the windings on the armature to 1/4 of the original. Use a transformer on the input line to bring it down to 30 VAC from 120 VAC. It would produce the same magnitude of current in the windings and thus the same magnetic field to do the testing. 30 volts is considered the threshold of lethal voltage.

  • @therealjammit
    @therealjammit Рік тому +4

    If you want the continuity tester more safe, replace the light bulb with a 12VAC bulb and add an internal transformer to step 110VAC to 12VAC. If you use an LED bulb (some car tail light LED bulbs don't work on AC, you'll have to test them. Easy way is to wire them up to 12VDC like a car battery and swap the polarity. It should light both ways) the 110V to 12V transformer can be rather small. You'll definitely want an AC and not DC to properly test.

  • @oceanwalter
    @oceanwalter Рік тому

    10/10 on the blasting cabinet entry!!!

  • @carver7689
    @carver7689 Рік тому +2

    Just an idea here, but for safety's sake: you could now build a simple harness and plug the probes into one end. The harness might use a foot switch that requires you to hold the switch down in order to use the new probes at the other end. That way, if you happen to shock yourself, your muscles will contract automatically and release the switch. You wouldn't compromise the original design this way.
    Beautiful restoration job, as always!

  • @rcspud4648
    @rcspud4648 Рік тому +3

    I used a growler years ago in a starter/Alternator rebuild shop. It's just as fast and safer to use a DVOM nowadays.

  • @jadney
    @jadney Рік тому +8

    The growlers I've seen had a neon bulb, instead of an incandescent. That way the current it needs to light up is much less, so there are some rather high value resistors in each handle. That limits the current to something painful but not lethal. There were probably neon bulbs with that base style, but they'd be hard to find today.
    I agree that this continuity tester, as it now stands, is dangerous.

    • @jackking5567
      @jackking5567 Рік тому

      There are indeed neon bulbs with that base fitting. I can't remember where I've seen them but suspect it was in an industrial power control board for a factory.

  • @ronwalsh
    @ronwalsh Рік тому

    Always a great day when we hear (or not hear) from HTR.

  • @dudenamedclem
    @dudenamedclem Рік тому

    That de-winding is about the most chaotic thing I've seen all day... congratulations!

  • @Ayns.L14A
    @Ayns.L14A Рік тому +5

    Google what a growler is in Australia..........................

  • @garymucher4082
    @garymucher4082 Рік тому +1

    Nice project and great explanation of how one works. I agree with you that the probes presents a huge danger issue. You don't even accidently make a mistake...or it could be your last, especially since you use the probes with both hands therefore allowing the circuit path right across your heart! Thumbs Up!

  • @bradleyshane162
    @bradleyshane162 Рік тому +2

    X-Files zoom ins and screwing with those wires has already made my day. Guess I'm easy to please.

  • @Fade_Bloodlace
    @Fade_Bloodlace Рік тому +1

    This one was so fascinating. We watched in awe trying to figure out wth this even was. Thanks for the explanation and demo at the end. I have two major things to say:
    1) your expressiveness with your hands is the most entertaining thing ever
    2) I cannot NOT laugh at your intro. Every time. Without fail. It's 80's perfection.