On 22 Aug 2005 18:50:44 GMT, (Chuck
Sherwood) wrote:



I have degrees in electrical engineering. I use to think I could
design and build things cheaper than I could buy them. In college
we would build our own audio amps, digital clocks etc. It was fun
and educational, but not really cheap when you take into account
the burned out parts that are part of the learning curve.

It's hard to get cheaper than mass production, particularly offshore
mass production, with a one-off. However....

take a look at electric drives for boat lifts.
http://boatliftmotor.com/products/boatliftmotors.htm

Not counting enjoyable shop time, I'm quite sure you or I could
design and build something like that for a whole lot less
than what they're asking.

Motor & gear train: Harbor Freight, item # 92860, $49.99.
Drive wheel: haven't figured that out yet. Maybe Tim Williams
would pour me one out of aluminum if I sent him a pattern......???