[Syrupmakers] Miracle 1

[Ken Christison]

Sam,

Is your pole plate, or more properly, the lever cap, slanted
or is it parallel to the ground?  If it is parallel it would be easy
to fasten a piece of pipe to it with U bolts and suspend it above 
the ground a few inches.  A lead hammer or a sturdy block of 
oak or hickory can come in handy for striking blows to the shaft
from the sides.  You won't need to strike it real hard, but give it
a few forceful whacks every time you go by.  Does the shaft
stick up through the lever cap?  If so, that makes it a little harder
to keep penetrating oil applied.  If there is a recess, you can fill it 
with P-B Blaster or even brake fluid in a pinch.  It doesn't pay to 
hurry.  I have heard of folks lighting up brake fluid in a vertical
cylinder which supposedly helps the fluid to penetrate.  Can't hurt
to try this if you don't have a acetylene torch.

By the way, the lever cap and shaft are a snug taper fit, so no need
for set screws or pins.

The bearings are simply half shells that fit between the shaft and the 
cast iron bearing holder.  They are usually about a quarter inch thick
and in this case probably about 3 inches long.  They can be either 
brass, or one of the nylon derivatives used for bearing material.


We don't allow attachments on the list, so your best bet for sharing
pictures is to post them to one of the free photo hosting services, or
you can contact me and I will be glad to post them temporarily for
the list.

Take care.

Ken Christison
christison at coastalnet.com


> [Original Message]
> From: sam mcbroom <sjmcbroom1 at hotmail.com>
> To: <syrupmakers at syrupmakers.net>
> Date: 12/9/2006 6:39:41 PM
> Subject: [Syrupmakers] Miracle 1
>
> Thanks, fellas. your replies meant a lot to me.
> It is the top pole plate that I referred to.
> I was afraid there might be a bolt or set screw that i couldnt see.
> I have a pressure washer. plan to use it daily, soak with lube, maybe
hang 
> in tree by the pole plate, to let gravity have a shot at it.
> What do the brass bearings look like? are new ones available, or
machinist 
> made??
> am doing my best to not break anything.
>
> I have enjoyed reading this newsletter, but this is my first time on.
> Are there any provisions to send pictures on this site?
>
> thanks again, sam