How to Set Up a Jacobs Wind Generator

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PHOTO: FOTOLIA/CLEARVIEWSTOCK
Avoid injuring yourself and damaging machinery by installing your wind generator properly.

<p>Readers of MOTHER EARTH NEWS may recall <a title=”wind generator plans” href=”https://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/wind-energy-generation-zmaz73ndzraw” target=”_self”>wind generator plans</a> about locating and obtaining the old Wincharger and Jacobs wind generators which were used on farms and homesteads before Rural Electrification. In that issue, <a title=”appeared a sketch of a ” hoisting=”” pipe””=”” href=”https://www.motherearthnews.com/renewable-energy/jacobs-wind-generator-zmaz75zwar” target=”_self”>appeared a sketch of a “hoisting pipe”</a> which I used for removing windplants from their towers. The design for this aid was taken from the Wincharger owner’s manual, and the device worked just fine . . . for Winchargers.</p>
<p>I’ve recently discovered, however, that this type of hoisting pipe is totally inadequate for removal or installation of a Jacobs machine . . . which is much heavier and will invariably bend the homemade implement. I was informed of this by a man who attempted to use such a unit, with disastrous results: The Jacobs he was removing from its tower crumpled the pipe, then broke loose and crashed to the ground, destroying itself.</p>
<p>Nevertheless — arrogantly assuming that my informant had probably attached the device incorrectly to the tower — I attempted to install a Jacobs using my same old hoisting pipe. Sure enough, when the generator was about 15 feet off the ground the tool bent like a pretzel! If I hadn’t used a backup safety cable, my beautiful, 2,500-watt machine would now be junk.</p>
<p>We finally installed the Jacobs safely with the help of a nine-foot length of well-drilling pipe about two inches in diameter. No crossarm was used . . . the hook for the block and tackle was simply placed in the upper opening of the tube. (We got this information from an old Jacobs manual. Nothing like following directions!)</p>
<p>I sincerely hope this mistake in my article has not caused anyone else any trouble. These old machines are far too valuable to be destroyed by incorrect information.</p>

  • Published on Jan 1, 1975
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