Thread: Ceiling Fan Hack Help Neded

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I'm trying to modify a ceiling fan for an Axworthy Ghost. I want to mount a large drive pully directly to the motor so need to remove the light kit housing and jumble of wires, switches and other unidentified parts (capacitor, I think) inside the metal cup that the lamp kits attaches to. I'm making the drive pulley from two metal serviing trays. I can cut a reasonable sized hole in the middle of the plates to accomodate some of the wires. I've spent hours online researcing and have found that the small solid box-like part is most likely a capacitor that somehow welps helps the motor start faster. What I can't seem to find out is will it still work without the capacitor? I'd really like to get it out of the way. I only need one speed in one direction. Although I'll admit to being a civil engineer, I'll also admit to not being able to understand wiring schematics anymore. Can anybody smart enough to understand this stuff help me out? I'm about ready to just start cutting wires to see what happens.
Thanks

well you know i have hung alot of ceiling fans. But never took one apart. If it was me i would cut one wire and see if it works. If it does great. If not put it back. But thats me. LOL

Just be sure to disconnect the power before cutting any wires. Otherwise, you might become your next prop.

The problem with ceiling fan motors is that there is very little torque. You can easily stop the fan with your hand. Also if using the slower speed there is even less torque. Try this link:
Ceiling Fan Speed Switch Repair
Just be sure to cap any wires not being used because there still could be voltage on them.

I believe the capacitor controls the rotation direction of the fan. I also agree though, not a tremendous amount of torque. Anyone who has accidentally gotten into a moving ceiling fan can appreciate that.

While it is true that the torque of a ceiling fan is lower than, say, a gear motor, the fact is that not a lot of torque is needed to run an Axworthy. Plus, if you think about it, usually you stop the blades of a fan at the outermost edge of the blade, giving you more of a mechanical advantage. The closer to the hub of the motor, the more power it has. The fact that ceiling fans are so readily available makes them very attractive to the scrounger/haunter. I just got another freebie last week, bringing my total to six. All were given to me. As far as the elimination of the junction box and its related components, I have just enlarged the hole in the center of the sheave to accomodate it. It can stay without modification.

Ron