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Post by ripvanwinkle on Dec 26, 2007 14:07:44 GMT -5
I note that the bearing in the Santha melanger is a trifle stiff. If nothing else it is running up my electric bill. Worse yet, my concern is motor loading or overloading.
The bearing I refer to is the one that is in the base of the melanger pot.
Soooo, the question is: How can we lube that bearing? Or, how can I at least loosen up the bearing - without breaking any seal that is around the bearing?
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BTW - use care when lubing or coating stuff with vegetable oil - ex Wesson. It oxidizes to a gummy state very quickly. You can use mineral oil or olive.
Probably better not squirt WD40 either unless you want to create a (poisonous) taste sensation. Gag!!!
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josh
Novice
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Post by josh on Jan 11, 2008 21:46:51 GMT -5
Rip,
Which version do you have? Generally, the bearings are sealed therefore you can't really lubricate them though, they do leak. The stiffness is just the way it goes together. Don't be afraid to take the thing apart, its not rocket science, if you are so inclined, replace the central bearing. The machine just runs slow and loud due to the poor design and friction of the large wheels and grinding surface area combined with a slow motor, i.e. it looks like its motor loading but it's not. To test, take the motor off the axle and run. Gods speed.
Jungle
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Post by reelchemist on Oct 23, 2008 17:34:11 GMT -5
I am finding that the bearings in the granite bowl (spectra 10) are becoming stiffer too. And they have always leaked a little grease ever since I got it. I have gotten into all the parts of the Spectra 10 and had the motor rebuilt but I am a little cautious with the centre bearing because I don't want to break it. As I live in Australia a replacement bowl will be expensive and time consuming to get in and I don't want to be out of chocolate making action.
Has anyone taken the bearing appart and put it back together and could be bothered explaining how to do it? I know it is apparently not rocket science but some advice at least would be good before I jump in headlong and try not to learn by trial and error.
Also in general does this bearing wear out, should I be worried about the apparent increase in stiffness and crunchieness in bearing when you turn it by hand.
Any help would be great.
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Post by Brad on Oct 24, 2008 1:06:43 GMT -5
Nothing but bad news there.
The bearings will eventually fail completely. They did on my machine in spite of me keeping it clean and away from water.
In the end I completely redisigned the whole wheel assembly, bought a solid bottom stainless steel pot, and chucked the rest in the garbage. Now my wheels mount from outside the bin.
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Post by cheebs on Oct 24, 2008 16:33:54 GMT -5
Nothing but bad news there. The bearings will eventually fail completely. They did on my machine in spite of me keeping it clean and away from water. In the end I completely redisigned the whole wheel assembly, bought a solid bottom stainless steel pot, and chucked the rest in the garbage. Now my wheels mount from outside the bin. I find myself in the same boat of leaks, stiff bearing, etc. Now, I believe the bowl is on its last legs as the epoxy around the center of the bowl (on the underside) is loose and the bowl spins freely around it. I'd love some insight into the removal/replacement of the bearing as well. I'm leery of using the grinder that way, and am planning on having the center bearing replaced next week. And speaking of the center bearing, what do you guys think of replacing it with a ceramic bearing? Reading John's post about the Ultra grinders, I hope they are better than the Santha machines, although I am aware that the Santhas are not originally designed for chocolate. I've had mine under 3 months and it's pretty much ready for an overhaul. Brad, would you mind posting some pictures/descriptions of your "Franken Santha?" I'd love to see your mods. When you say you chucked the bowl in favor of a solid-bottom SS container, did you leave the bottom stone?
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Post by FeralOne on Oct 25, 2008 2:10:40 GMT -5
Well, I can add mine to the list. I have used mine for about 20 batches, never once did the thing ever get exposed to heat higher than the recommended temp. and the epoxy has separated on mine also. I also have noticed the way it has chewed up belts, about to replace the belt for the 3rd time. The original lasted for 4 batches, the 2nd was a very good German brand. The thing with mine is that the whole bowl has always tilted ever so slightly towards the motor, I don't know if that happened during shipping or during the manufacturing of the machine, but I am pretty sure that is why it is chewing up belts. I still feel that I paid a decent price (in comparison to other machines) even with the flaws. We'll see if I feel that way if it completely dies on me. Andrea
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Post by reelchemist on Oct 26, 2008 17:52:32 GMT -5
I am glad I am not the only one - well not really but I feel that if I am not the only one we might actually get to a solution.
I was thinking about taking it into a bearing shop that helped me out with my replacement belt (I had lots of shredding too) and see if they could look at it and maybe rebuild. I am reluctant as when I got the bearings replaced in the motor of the Spectra 10 it cost $20 for the bearings and $200 for the labour - made a worlf of difference but was expensive.
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Post by Brad on Oct 26, 2008 18:20:42 GMT -5
Hey Everybody; In defence of John, in case any readers get a negative impression by reading this forum, the Santha, is NOT a chocolate machine, but rather a wet/dry East Indian Lentil mill. It's not designed to undergo the stresses that cocoa beans put on it. John has made some modifications to compensate (cooling holes), but in the end it's just not designed for what we're using it for. As a result it will eventually fail. Now, having said that, I commend him for taking the steps he has, because I have a successful business today due largely to what I've learned by using my "Frankensantha". I'm having a blast making chocolate, and to John Nanci, I say "Thanks!". Here are some photos of Franky. THey are big. I hope they come through.
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Post by cheebs on Oct 26, 2008 19:00:29 GMT -5
Thank you for sharing your photos. That thing is a beast. How much chocolate will it process? The bowl looks larger than the one you tossed.
In case I came across as blaming Santha and John for a bad product, I wanted to clarify that I don't, at all, and was indeed aware of the grinder's original intended use and John's eventual discovery of it for chocolatemaking. I too am very grateful for this site and all the help it has provided. And even with all its quirks, the Santha does in the end make some fine chocolate.
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Post by reelchemist on Oct 26, 2008 22:41:03 GMT -5
Thanks Brad, it is interesting to see how you've set it up. That is a good idea using the stainless bowl - a lot easier to come by in Australia that is for sure.
Yes I to was aware of the drawbacks of the Spectra, I am more concerned about having it out of action. I don't know how I would cope.
John has an awesome job providing us with info and the ability to make chocolate.
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Post by Brad on Oct 27, 2008 0:14:10 GMT -5
The bowl is in fact larger. It's actually a heavy-bottom stock pot with the handles removed, and a metal piece welded to the bottom to fit the notches of the drive wheel, just like the polycarbonate ones on the Santha bin. However I still only make about 6lb of chocolate with it. In fact, now that I have a couple of proper conche/refiners (each one makes about 100lbs of chocolate every 18 hours), the only time I ever use this machine is when I'm testing a bean sample that's sent to me.
I've also included a picture of the belt I use. It's a fibreglass link-belt, and will not stretch or wear out like the other ones do. You can also crank up the tension on it big time to prevent the motor drive wheel from slipping. Prepare yourself for the price though. This one cost me $8 per foot X 3 feet = $24 but it's well worth it.
Hope this helps you all, and happy chocolate making!
Brad.
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Post by Sebastian on Oct 29, 2008 17:53:50 GMT -5
What are you using for your 'proper conche/refiners' Brad? McIntyres?
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Post by Brad on Oct 30, 2008 0:22:31 GMT -5
Sebastian;
Same design as McIntyres, but different company.
They work great - just dump in the nibs and other ingredients, turn them on, and go home for the evening!
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Post by itsallaroundyou on Mar 31, 2010 9:46:22 GMT -5
I'm now starting to get stiffening in my center bearing as well (spectra 10 model). has anyone successfully fixed this problem without replacing the bearing (or having to get the bearing out)?
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josh
Novice
Posts: 56
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Post by josh on Apr 4, 2010 12:44:33 GMT -5
Itsall,
Just take out all the bolts, take the tub off the machine and smack it from the top (inside) with a hammer or rubber mallet. The axel wil pop out and you can wiggle off or knock down the bearings. Replace at will.
Did it a couple of times myself. Also, don't bother until it freezes, it makes little difference.
Jungle
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