Sturtevant central vac . HELP!
- Thread starter fletch
- Start date
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upper circle
the pipe comes up through the upper circle floor , the inlet being just above floor level . the pipe continues upward through the ceiling to the gallery , but there is a branch pipe to the left , that goes up to the grid , which is the highest part of the theatre , above the stage .
the pipe comes up through the upper circle floor , the inlet being just above floor level . the pipe continues upward through the ceiling to the gallery , but there is a branch pipe to the left , that goes up to the grid , which is the highest part of the theatre , above the stage .
the grid
over at the back near the wall , where the ends of the wooden joists are visible .you can make out about a foot of protruding pipe , this is where the branch from the upper circle terminates , and where the inlet is situated .
the floor beneath it was removed in 1950 , to install the current scenery flying system .
over at the back near the wall , where the ends of the wooden joists are visible .you can make out about a foot of protruding pipe , this is where the branch from the upper circle terminates , and where the inlet is situated .
the floor beneath it was removed in 1950 , to install the current scenery flying system .
further information
The switch box on the wall to the right of the machinery , is the only means of activating the vacuum . someone had to go down there and switch it on , and again to switch it off .
There are no locks on any of the inlets .
I don't know what the steering wheel thing is , it is seperate to the machine , and probably nothing to do with it at all . I didn't throw it away , just in case.
The switch box on the wall to the right of the machinery , is the only means of activating the vacuum . someone had to go down there and switch it on , and again to switch it off .
There are no locks on any of the inlets .
I don't know what the steering wheel thing is , it is seperate to the machine , and probably nothing to do with it at all . I didn't throw it away , just in case.
vacuumfreak
Well-known member
Does anyone have any pictures of the Spencer unit at the Fox Theatre?!
Daniel
Daniel
collector2
Well-known member
The picture of the motor shows a spigot above the bushing for oiling. It might be a good idea to put some three in one electric motor oil in it and turn it over by had a bit before you apply power to it. Just to loosen things up.
Look on the motors nameplate to see what oil it uses.3 in one may be too light unless it formulated for very large motors.-Like 5 hp and above as this motor appears to be.Before you try to turn things by hand--MAKE SURE THE POWER IS DISCONNECTED TO THE UNIT!!!We don't want anyone getting wrapped up in this beast.Locate the power disconnect switch before working on the unit and turn it off-and lock it out if you can.
Thank you for sharing more pictures! I love old central vacuums, and this has to be one of the oldest out there.
I would really encourage you to see if it runs, if you haven't already. Just a quick "pulse" on-off should allow you to safely see if it runs at all (or doesn't, or blows the fuse, etc.), and if you get some noise and movement, then turn it on and watch what it does. Those big old motors usually run forever, and I bet if you hit the switch it will come to life just like it did 100-some years ago.
Keep us posted!!
-Owen
I would really encourage you to see if it runs, if you haven't already. Just a quick "pulse" on-off should allow you to safely see if it runs at all (or doesn't, or blows the fuse, etc.), and if you get some noise and movement, then turn it on and watch what it does. Those big old motors usually run forever, and I bet if you hit the switch it will come to life just like it did 100-some years ago.
Keep us posted!!
-Owen
the motor
I have managed to clean the plate on the motor , sufficently to read , that it was manufactured by Brook Motors Ltd Huddersfield. Which is in Yorkshire , in the north east of England . There isn't a live power feed near the machine , but I did turn it by hand , and from the sound of things , it needs a good clean out .
I forgot to put this photo on last time . This is the inlet , in the middle of the gallery seats.
David
I have managed to clean the plate on the motor , sufficently to read , that it was manufactured by Brook Motors Ltd Huddersfield. Which is in Yorkshire , in the north east of England . There isn't a live power feed near the machine , but I did turn it by hand , and from the sound of things , it needs a good clean out .
I forgot to put this photo on last time . This is the inlet , in the middle of the gallery seats.
David
