Moving / taking apart a blower?

[CarillonBells]

Greetings everyone,</p>

I'm looking for some expert advice - I've finally been able to get back to cleaning and moving pieces of the Barton as well as the carillon I acquired in the meantime, out of the garage and into the house. This has been a very time consuming process, but none the less it is going again. The biggest problem I currently have is that I know I'll need help to move the blower. The two of us simply cannot lift it.</p>

I'm wondering if (really, meaning is it incredibly difficult / worth it) the motor can be separated from the turbine portion of the blower for easier moving and what generally is required to do so. It is a Spencer Orgoblo, if that matters. Otherwise, any hints or tips for getting the beast moved would be greatly appreciated! :)</p>

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Thanks!
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[Guest]

Re: Moving / taking apart a blower?



It would be best to avoid taking it apart. I have used a furniture dolly with two people to move my 3 hp Spencer blower. Lifting directly is not the best way. If you take it apart, be sure to mark the fans and the shaft so that they go back together in the same orientation. Also, getting the fans the right distance on the shaft to avoid interference with the stationary part is tricky.</p>

Generally, moving it as a unit is best. Two people can tip up the blower to get it on the dolly. You can also use a block &amp; tackle with an A frame to lift the blower.
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[castaway]

Re: Moving / taking apart a blower?



If you need to lift the blower vertically during installation, see the the "howto" I wrote for this process -- based on the kind suggestions of members of the organforum:</P> <A title="Building a gantry lift for organ blower" href="http://organforum.com/forums/permalink/80772/84581/ShowThread.aspx#84581" target=_blank mce_href="/forums/permalink/80772/84581/ShowThread.aspx#84581">Building a gantry for lifting an organ blower
</A>

[CarillonBells]

Re: Moving / taking apart a blower?

Thanks to both of you for the information - the biggest problem is the blower has to go downstairs, so that is going to be the most difficult part of the trip. To get inside, it just needs to go up a few concrete steps in the garage, and I have some furniture dollies that it is currently resting on. It is just very hard to lift due to the weight, especially since the motor makes the weight so uneven.

[VaPipeorgantuner]

Re: Moving / taking apart a blower?



Echoing what AllenP had written...it is best if you can move the blower without dis-assembling it. some thoughts here:</p>

the fans of the blower are mounted on a long shaft, and the fans are carefully balanced, so IF you decide to remove the fans and seperator baffle plates, you need to measure and mark the EXACT position of all the various internal parts, both those mounted on the motor shaft and the ones mounted to the shell of the blower.</p>

the orientation of the fan hubs to the shaft should be maintained as close as possible to minimize balance problems after re-assembly.</p>

you CAN NOT (MUST NOT) handle the motor by the shaft (not never ever!!!!!), because the slightest deflection at the tip of the shaft will cause vibration that you will not be able to eliminate. When you move the motor, use strap-down ties to make a strong sling (your blower will most likely have a Century induction-repulsion motor with a semi-open frame) to carry the blower motor.</p>

if there are any shims on the motor mounting, they must be returned exactly back to the location they were in before dis-assembly or you run the risk of mis-alignment of the motor/baffles/fans.</p>

One other consideration...those motor shops that are knowledgeable on how to repair the old induction-repulsion motors are becoming fewer, as are parts availability... take good care to not damage the throw-out mechanism or the armature.</p>

Have I scared you yet? taking apart an Orgoblo is not for the inexperienced (at least not without guidance from someone that has done it a few times) or faint of heart. Having said that, you can probably do it...measure everything twice, keep really thorough notes about every single detail, no matter how seemingly insignificant, lots of photos (because having been down this road, I can guarantee you that when you re-assemble the machine, you will NOT be able to remember all the details of how it came apart...) that means labeling and bagging ALL screws, bolts, pieces. being obsessive/compulsive in this area is a plus!![:$]
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Rick in VA
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