Princess auto ceiling fan, can it be shortened?

[SuperD]

Anyone know if you could shorten the down rod of the Princess Auto fan,
PN
36 in. Industrial Ceiling Fan

SKU: 0771113

Looking to keep the fan about 12 inches from the ceiling, so I would have to shorten the drop rod about 8 inches from the original 16 inches and shorten the safety cable as well.

I know on their website it says no, but I am (like most of you guys) willing to fab, cut weld etc if that is easily done to keep this fan closer to the ceiling. I prefer this type of fan as it is a good industrial quality fan rather than trash no name fans, thanks.

 

[astroracer]

Down rods are down rods. They usually screw into fittings on each end. If it can be taken apart take the old one into Lowes Or HD and pick up a shorter one. White should be a standard carry for those people. If not get one close and paint it.
Mark

 

[manwithtools]

You have a fan. You have a tool box. You should have a tool that cuts metal. Go to your tool box and retrieve the metal cutting tool. Cut the down rod, if you must modify the rod end to match the original end now is the time to do so.

If you cant match the end features, take the down rod to someone who can cut and re-weld the down rod. Thinking more about this, now is a perfect time to buy a welder.

This is your time to apply your knowledge and tools.

 

[SuperD]

I really was not looking for a fabrication lecture.

I have not purchased the fan, so I was not aware of the type of down rod they used and was hoping someone who installed this same model might be able to provide input.

I have a MIG welder, plenty of tools and all kinds of certificates on my wall. Just really wanted to know if anyone had this exact model, and it it was a real pain in the **** to shorten in their personal opinion.

 

[manwithtools]

My apologies. Someone else may be able to answer your question, I can not. My general approach to things such as this is pretty informal. Your question was about a ceiling fan, they fall in the category of "figure it out" IMHO.

I hope someone can answer your question.

 

[Capegls]

I read that the downrod was non adjustable and not removeable. (Taken from Princess Fans website)

 

[bczygan]

You could always reframe a recessed hole in the ceiling and mount it up in there!

Bill

 

[nadogail]

Reverse engineer the down rod to the length you want.

 

[jhelrey]

What's the worst that could happen?!?!? Hah

 

[Dirtydan69]

Can you find a manual or parts bow up online somewhere? Then you could confirm if you can or cannot change the down Rod.

 

[Dragfluid]

OK, what you have here is an INDUSTRIAL ceiling fan. So in this case, the statement made by someone that "downrods are downrods" doesn't apply. It's not threaded on the ends like a home fan in your living room. Look at the pic of mine. It has a hook on the ceiling end, and welded on the other end. You'd have to disassemble it to remove the wires and then cut and drill the hook end.
How high is your ceiling? These things are made a certain length for a reason for optimum air flow.
Wondering about your math, too. You want it to be 12" from ceiling, and the rod is 16". That would be a difference of 4".
Looks like a nice fan.

 

[manwithtools]

Looking at your picture of that down rod, I'd venture to say in less than 15 minutes with a hack saw and a drill one could make it whatever length they desired. If they wished to make it shorter that is. Aren't we making this more complicated than it is?

 

[Train]

If you look at the larger fan on the PA website, it says it can be cut down about 4 inches. Any more than that could cause problems. So that tells us that yes, yours can be modified, but there are consequences. I would guess that those would be airflow, and in the event of the fan being slightly unbalanced, you'd see more sway because of the short rod. I'm not a fan guru, but that's what comes to mind.

As for cutting. If the fan looks like dragfluid's, and I bet it does, I'd try using a tubing cutter first. I don't think that down rod would be that hard, so a tubing cutter would let you cut it without worrying about removing the wire and safety cable first.

 

[The Cobbler]

When the website says it can't be altered, that means for the average user having basic knowledge and basic hand tools. Many of us on here do not fall into that category.

 

[SuperD]

Found the manufacturer of the fan (Canarm) and found a PDF owner's install manual here (http://www.canarm.com/UserFiles/Documents/Product/InstructionManual-M0090 CP fans 031611.pdf) . It looks much like the photo provided by Dragfluid. I will shorten the drop rod, drill and weld as required.
I need this clearance to clear the hood of my car when it is up on the hoist, but still try and have fan to ceiling clearance from the roof. Boy do I wish I had built the shop 26 X 32 instead of 26 X26 feet to make it easier to fit everything in here.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions!!!