How to Build a Generator Using an Electric Motor
By LARRY PARR
Your permanent magnet electric motor can be used as a generator. All that needs to
be done is to apply an external power source to spin the shaft of any permanent
magnet electric motor and your motor becomes a generator. Your electric motor
generator will need to be spun slightly faster than a unit specifically designed as a
generator, but there is little difference between a permanent magnet electric motor
and a generator.
Step 1
Cut one of your 6-foot 2 by 4s in half so you have two pieces each that are 3 feet
long. Cut two pieces from your other 6-foot 2 by 4 that are 2 feet 9 inches long
each.
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Step 2
Set the cut 2 by 4s on edge and arrange then so they form a square 3-foot by 3-foot
frame. Using two 2 1/2-inch wood screws at each corner secure your frame. Lay
the 3-foot X 3-foot sheet of 3/4 plywood on top of the frame and screw 3 1 1/2-
inch wood screws along each edge. You now have a very sturdy platform on which
to mount your permanent magnet electric motor and your small gasoline engine.
Step 3
Set your small gasoline engine in place on one edge of your platform. Drill
mounting holes and use four of your 1 1/2-inch bolts (with nuts and lock washers)
to secure your gas engine to your platform. Make sure that the shaft of your
gasoline engine is set so that it will be parallel with the shaft of your permanent
magnet electric motor when it is mounted to the platform.
Step 4
Attach one of your pulleys (4 to 6 inches inches in diameter) to the shaft of the
gasoline engine that you have just mounted to the platform. Attach the other pulley
to the shaft of the permanent magnet electric motor. You will need an Allen
wrench or a screwdriver to attach the pulleys.
Step 5
Set the electric motor on the platform so the two pulleys line up and put a fan belt
around the pulleys so that when the gasoline engine runs the belt will cause the
shaft of your electric motor to spin. Pull the electric motor as far from the gasoline
engine as you can (keeping the pulleys lined up) so that the fan belt is stretched
tightly between the two. Mark where you need to drill your holes in order to secure
the electric motor to the platform. Set the electric motor aside.
Step 6
Drill holes where the electric motor will be mounted to the platform. Use your
jigsaw to elongate the holes into slots that are no wider than the holes you drilled.
The slots should be perpendicular to the shaft of the gasoline motor that is mounted
to the platform. The slots allow you to position the electric motor at slightly
different distances from the stationary gasoline engine, which allows you to tighten
or loosen the tension on the fan belt between the two. Position the electric motor so
the fan belt feels tight and then secure the motor in place with four 1 1/2-inch bolts
with lock washers and nuts.
Step 7
Separate the wires that originally sent power into the electric motor. Start the
gasoline motor and allow it to spin the shaft of the electric motor. Do not touch the
wires that originally fed power into the motor as these wires will now be charged
with DC current.
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Instructions for Starting a Stihl Weed Trimmer
By KAY DEAN
Updated JANUARY 7, 2021
Weed Wacker
Keep children and pets out of the area while using a weed trimmer.
Image Credit: tommaso79/iStock/Getty Images
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Stihl made its reputation by manufacturing rugged chain saws, and the company
has extended its expertise into a broad line of power tools, including string
trimmers. Stihl manufactures more than two dozen trimmer models, ranging from
light-duty residential models to heavy-duty professional-grade trimmers. Gas-
powered trimmers create loud sound and can throw debris great distances. Always
wear protective clothing, ear protection and eye protection when operating these
tools. Stihl recommends that minors not be allowed to operate gas powered
trimmers.
While starting a Stihl trimmer will vary slightly based on your model, most starting
procedures are similar. Electric models are much easier to start than gas ones, and
the procedure can be described in a sentence: Press down on the starting lockout
lever and squeeze the trigger. The procedure for starting gas models is a bit more
complex.
How to Start a Stihl Trimmer
Step 1: Put Fuel in the Tank
Remove the filler cap and inspect the fuel tank to make sure you have enough fuel
in the tank. If the fuel level is low, add additional fuel. Gas-powered Stihl trimmers
use a 50-to-1 gas-oil fuel mixture. This step is unnecessary on electric models,
such as the FSE 60. Move the trimmer at least 10 feet away from the fueling site
before you attempt to start it.
Step 2: Check Your Surroundings
Check the area around you. Your Stihl trimmer head spins rapidly as soon as you
start the machine. If the trimmer line comes into contact with a foreign object, it
can fling it a considerable distance. Make sure there is no other person within 50
feet of you before attempting to start your trimmer.
Step 3: Turn On the Switch
Press and hold down the throttle trigger interlock, called the lockout lever on some
models, and squeeze the throttle trigger. While engaging both levers, move the
starter switch to the "On" position, indicated on most gas models by a capital "I"
symbol. Some models use a "Start" position and require you to move the switch to
the "I" position once the engine turns over. Release pressure on the levers.
Step 4: Set the Choke
Move the choke lever to the full choke position if the engine is cold. For warm
engines, set the choke lever to the half-choke position. Depress the fuel bulb until
it is filled with fuel. If your model has a decompression value button, press it now
before attempting to start.
Step 5: Put the Trimmer on the Ground
Lay the trimmer on the ground on the opposite side of the starter grip handle,
allowing it to rest securely on its deflector. Make sure the trimmer line or cutting
attachment is not touching the ground or any other object.
Step 6: Pull the Starting Cord
Pull the starter grip handle out slowly until you feel resistance, then give it a sharp
tug. Guide the rope slowly back into the housing to prevent tangles. Give the
starter grip four more sharp pulls, then move the choke lever to the middle setting
if applicable. Continue cranking the engine with sharp pulls until it fires. Once the
engine starts, flick the throttle trigger to return the engine to its idle setting.
