Armature growler tester homebrew help

[notallbad]

Any ideas how to make one using stuff thats easy to hand and not buying expensive parts?
In the UK so will run on 230v.
This is the motor stator that I shall be using mounted on a timber base, grooves cut out ready, I have a switch but what would be needed to prevent high current draw?

 

[404]

Can limit with a light bulb, or a motor run type capacitor in series with the power lead.

 

[notallbad]

Thanks, Ok tried that and the bulb (42w energy saving lamp) lights but no grrrrrrowl, as I would expect to hear!

 

[Alan Douglas]

I think the coil should have many more turns.

 

[notallbad]

You may well be right!
I have replaced the in series lamp with a 75w 105mA lamp and now have a speed control triac pcb taken from a belt sander or similar power tool. Adjustment of the dial either causes the lamp to distinguish and no coil hum or lamp lights and coil hums, not really a growl as expected sounds more like motor hum you get when an armature is jammed and unable to turn, but still it seems like I am getting closer.
Perhaps I will try increasing the field coil length and compare the results.

 

[404]

IT only growls when you put a bad armature on it.

 

[zkling]

Look up old popular mechanics and the like magazines (electrical version of that mag), homebuilt growlers were very common plans back then.

 

[Alan Douglas]

The one I used at the motor shop had two poles with somewhat adjustable spacing, and a series ammeter that I recall read 6 or 7 amps. I never paid much attention to the noises it made; what was important was equal current as you rotated the armature. I was also taught to place a hacksaw blade on top of the armature, where it would be attracted and would buzz, but there again it wasn't the noise, but the variation in noise/attraction. Variations would indicate a short in one of the coils.

 

[larry4406]

I'm curious - what does this do? Testing device with audible features?

 

[Dagny]

It's for testing wound rotors.

 

[notallbad]

Doesnt look like this core is going to be appropriate as I am unable to wind sufficient windings or the wire winding I'm using is not of the correct gauge.
I doubled up the windings with no change.

Won't be as much fun or have the excitement with the element of danger but might be quicker and easier to use modern test gear to check the condition of this armature.

 

[notallbad]

http://www.themagnetoguys.co.uk/Using_the_Growler.php

This is the best explanation I have found that explains how a growler works and should be used.