Ben,
thanks for sharing. this is really cool. may i know the enclosure/pot diameter and length? and also the inner lip (dog dish) diameter and length?

Thanks, but you should really be thanking Leon - His concept made me brave enough to jump into this (that, and the $2,200 price tag of the turn-key system).

The pot I found measures 14 7/8 at the top lip. It is tapered just slighly at the bottom (~14), which I regret as i could really use a full 15 inches to make room for the leg sockets. I had a leg failure last night (JB Weld sheared). I decided to through-bolt the legs and epoxy the inside nuts to prevent leaks. I completed that last night and feel that this new approach is much better. I will put up pictures. It was a tight fit as the bolts (I only managed three per leg socket) get very near the splash wall.

The pot is also VERY tall: 15 inches. I was looking for something shorter because all the designs I have seen (including Leon's) are rather short. However, I think the height might help with oil mist issues. Time will tell - I am almost ready to fire this thing up. I just need to cut my clear acrylic lid and figure out a way to body and oil inlet through it. Everything is a workaround when you can not weld.

I just received the immersion heater last night - HOLY COW that thing is big. Leon's pics make it look like the element that goes in your electric hot water heater. In fact, I was thinking "why is it nearly 200 bucks" before i ordered it. When you see it you will know!!

It was so great of Leon for sharing the design. many thanks to Leon for sharing the design. we really appreciate it. it is going to save more than $1000 in fact, i was about to order the turn-key a week ago..and i accidentally bumped into this website..after seeing Leon's design..i decided to follow his approach to build this. thanks again Leon!

I ordered the same baldor motor JL3405A from http://www.macandmacelectric.com/, it costs me $144 including shipping.

Thanks Ben for sharing your project details. it is going to be a great project.

Sarcastic humor is close to my heart.

I have a local guy that I am getting quotes on the enclosure that should provide savings from my previous supplier but probably not as cost effective as the "dog bowl" method. Also, I could get the bowl made as well but I would need a couple of people interested to go down that path together to ensure savings.

Leon

sorry Leon, i didn't mean to joke. please let me know once you find a supplier for the enclosure & lid.

Getting so close I can taste it (and it tastes kinda rancid cause my oil has been sitting a while!!)



The oil supply drum is not pictured. Two drums will sit side=by-side with an air powered drum pump, pumping out of the supply drum on left, through the heater stack to the centrifuge, then straight down into this drum.

The round piece of scrap wood had a pocket machined out of the bottom to keep it on the drum lid and three pockets, one for each leg to keep the centi in place. I cut it using the CNC machine in the background. (that was last years pet project. Entire thing made out of MDF wood, some scrap HDPE, lose angle brackets and roller skate bearings.

The clear acrylic lid is also cut and installed on top.

More pics on the PhotoBucket site:

http://s304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/FastCote/Centrifuge%20Project/?albumview=slideshow