On 08/01/2011 04:55 PM, steamer wrote:
--Oh, I get it. But does it actually work without degrading, i.e.
getting chewed up by constant arcing?


It seems to work without getting chewed up. The spring keeps a constant
contact, so the arcing is minimal. I built it with a lets see what
happens approach and it has been OK. I don't have a lot of use on it,
but there is no sign of galling or deterioration yet. I figured that I
would put a copper shoe on it if the aluminum did not hold up.

I built the positioners because I had been doing a bunch of round
welding stuff. As luck would have it, I have done very little since then.

I like the copper and carbon brush piece that you made, that seems like
a lot more elegant approach. Those gear drives you used look good too.

Bob