I'm trying to select the right motor for a quirky project where I want to shoot metal spoons into the air for a comedy magic act. My current setup isn't cutting it. I need a motor that can deliver decent torque and start spinning under load. So far, my attempts with a motor I thought would work just aren't quite there. I attached a rubber tire to it, and while it launches a spoon a bit if I'm gentle, it won't spin if I've got anything pressing against it, which I need for the spoons to be in a line. I'm aiming for a launch height of four or five feet. Any suggestions for motors that can handle this?
2 Answers
For your spoon launcher, you might want to check out the 775 motor—it could be a solid fit! Keep in mind you'll need to tweak a few things for consistent performance. How are you powering the motor? You’ll want a setup that can handle about 24v and 7A. Starting the motor slowly to build momentum before hitting full speed can really help. Also, consider your loading mechanism and friction—anything you can do to minimize resistance will make a big difference! Maybe think about using lighter or even flattened spoons to improve your launch distance. And if you need further guidance, the r/AskEngineers community might be able to help!
Have you thought of using lighter materials for the spoons? Cutting thin sheet metal could make them catch more air and boost the height.
A 12V or 18V portable tool battery could give you the power boost you need!
Wow, I hooked up a DeWalt battery, and now this motor is a total beast! It's gone from weak to wild in seconds.
Careful with that power! There’s definitely a sweet spot between ‘weak motor’ and ‘uncontrollable beast.’ I’m on a mission now to find the perfect balance to launch these spoons without chaos!
I did hook up two 9-volt batteries in series for 18 volts, but it struggled. I’ll give 24 volts a shot, though. Right now, I’m holding the spoons in place, but I had the idea about flattening them too. I could cut some with a laser cutter if needed. But from testing with flicks, it’s been okay, just the wheel won’t turn with any resistance at all. Thanks for suggesting the other subreddit too!