suggestions for small cheap electromagnet?

pybyr · Oct 17, 2009

I find that it is easiest for me to get the quickest start up of gasification if I temporarily disable my barometric damper so that there's maximum possible draft when I'm in the initial non-downdraft phase of starting a fire.

To date, I've been doing things such as putting a scrap of foil over the barometric damper's opening, or a small scrap of pipe hanger strap to keep the damper's pivoting plate shut temporarily. That's a bit of a nuisance, as my damper is in a spot that you have to duck into an awkward spot to access it.

What I'd really like to rig up is a small electromagnet that can hold the damper's pivoting plate in place, and then release it by turning off the power to the electromagnet once gasification is underway. So far, I'm not thinking of any sources of or ways to adapt something to form a cheap compact AC electromagnet for this purpose. Has anyone here got any ideas/ suggestions?

For that matter, anyone have other suggested ways of "remote control" for temporary override/closing of the damper"- if someone has an idea other than the electromagnet, I'm all ears

Thanks

Nofossil · Oct 17, 2009

Well, a relay is a small electromagnet, if a bit wimpy. It might take some mechanical ingenuity to figure out exactly how to get the effect that you want, but they're cheap and available in almost any coil voltage you could want.

ohbie1 · Oct 17, 2009

You might be able to clip a solenoid on the front of the pipe, so that when energized it pushes the damper closed and holds it until de-energized. You can get cheap solenoids that move 1/2 to 1 in.. You would have to measure and mount it just above the swivel point so that the movement closed the damper to just where you want it.

I use an old speaker magnet, but I can get at the damper easily. How about a magnet glued to the end of a lightweight stick for a non tech solution.

dirttracker · Oct 17, 2009

Find/buy a 110V (or whatever voltage you want) pull type solenoid. Some OWBs use them to open the inlet for combustion air. I did a quick search a Grainger and found a bunch from $20 and up. I'm sure there are alternatives to scrounge a solenoid, but I can't think of any common devices that I know use a solenoid.

DaveBP · Oct 17, 2009

For a non-electric suggestion how about a push-pull throttle cable. Like on a lawn mower.
Or spring loaded cable as used on bicycle brakes and derailleurs?
The generic replacement throttle cables may come long enough to reach.
Bicycle cables can be any length you cut them to. They just need to spring to draw them back.

The kicker with an electromagnet is that if the baro was open a little, it might not be close enough to get the magnet to grab.
A long throw solenoid might work though, if you mounted it at the right spot.

Electric has the advantage that you could connect a flashing plow truck light to it. That would give me half a chance of remembering to disconnect it when the jet takes off.

Jim Post · Oct 17, 2009

I recently repaired my toaster...and lo and behold there is an electromagnet that hold holds the mechanism down...I think a cheap toaster can be had for less than 15 bucks....might be able to scrounge one at the local buy and sell for less than that.

YMMV

jp

ohbie1 · Oct 17, 2009

I use this company from time to time. They have good prices if you can find something useful.

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/category/575/Solenoids/1.html

pybyr · Oct 18, 2009

DaveBP said:
For a non-electric suggestion how about a push-pull throttle cable. Like on a lawn mower.
Or spring loaded cable as used on bicycle brakes and derailleurs?
The generic replacement throttle cables may come long enough to reach.
Bicycle cables can be any length you cut them to. They just need to spring to draw them back.

The kicker with an electromagnet is that if the baro was open a little, it might not be close enough to get the magnet to grab.
A long throw solenoid might work though, if you mounted it at the right spot.

Electric has the advantage that you could connect a flashing plow truck light to it. That would give me half a chance of remembering to disconnect it when the jet takes off.

The cable idea is interesting--

With an electric device I've been thinking that a "one-shot timer" could be activated by a button at start up, and then let the damper open up 15 minutes later- and then remain open.

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suggestions for small cheap electromagnet?

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