KKTO Beta Testers Feedback....

[bolb]

Re: KKTO Beta Testers Feedback....

Well here is an update on gear cog repair, after the previous 10 roasts i went to do another one today and found the same issue occuring. Pulled apart the gearbox and re did the banging on the inner alloy part and its now fixed.

KK - do you have a new gear cog developed or a newer stamped method of fixing the alloy part to the brass??

Mal

[Mono]

Re: KKTO Beta Testers Feedback....

I have also repaired mine, seemed a bit noisier than before but went through the roast without stopping etc. :-/

Steve

[WSullivan]

Re: KKTO Beta Testers Feedback....

Where is KK? Havent seen him around for a while?

[Thundergod]

Re: KKTO Beta Testers Feedback....

A tweet from a week ago:

"I am going on a cruise today with my wife to the Whitsundays "

[WSullivan]

Re: KKTO Beta Testers Feedback....

Ah ha! Lucky buggar!

[Koffee_Kosmo]

Re: KKTO Beta Testers Feedback....

Where is KK? Havent seen him around for a while?  

A tweet from a week ago:

"I am going on a cruise today with my wife to the Whitsundays "  

I am back from a short sabbatical as noted above On a cruise to the Whitsundays

Ah ha! Lucky buggar!

Our ship broke down while anchored north of Cairns  and we hobbled home at a snail pace cruising speed of 25 km an hour all the way back
Arriving 0ne and a half days late back in Brisbane  

Still we had a great time   ;D

Coffee on board the ship was worse than yuk
KK

[Koffee_Kosmo]

Re: KKTO Beta Testers Feedback....

Well here is an update on gear cog repair, after the previous 10 roasts I went to do another one today and found the same issue occurring. Pulled apart the gearbox and re did the banging on the inner alloy part and its now fixed.

KK - do you have a new gear cog developed or a newer stamped method of fixing the alloy part to the brass??

Mal  

I will ask or enquire if the manufacturer can make the main drive gear in solid brass
If that cant be done a key-way lock would be the next best thing

Or get a shaft style motor and have a solid connection to the shaft (see photo 2)

Currently the main drive gear has an alloy centre with a ring brass gear pressed into place

The best way to fix this slipping main gear is

" RE " punch the alloy section to expand into the brass gear as it was done at the factory it is very easy to do
(see Photo 1)

KK

[bolb]

Re: KKTO Beta Testers Feedback....

Thanks KK
Either way i am sure you will come up with a solution that works

Mal

[Mono]

Re: KKTO Beta Testers Feedback....

Ok, my gearbox failed again today, same issue so obviously I didnt "punch it too well. Ive pulled it apart, washed the dodgy gear with solvent and presto, the brass and alloy sections come apart with a little finger pressure bugger. Am going to try a little Loctite tomorrow and reassemble. If this doesnt work I expect I will need a replacement gear or gearbox :-?

Steve

[bolb]

Re: KKTO Beta Testers Feedback....

I havent washed mine with solvent, perhaps the grease and gunk helps keep it together as well.
Just stamp it again and try and spread the inner allow component.

[Koffee_Kosmo]

Re: KKTO Beta Testers Feedback....

If the problem persists I will replace the motor with a new one free of charge
You pay the postage

KK

[Mono]

Re: KKTO Beta Testers Feedback....

If the problem persists I will replace the motor with a new one free of charge
You pay the postage

KK

Thanks KK, very generous offer and much appreciated. Before we do that Its worth trying to fix it. The Loctite idea, do you think it is worth a try? Should work at least in theory, not a lot of heat down that far.

Steve

[Mono]

Re: KKTO Beta Testers Feedback....

Ive attached an image of my latest attempt to have a bearing race in the agitator assembly to take lateral load off the blade and drive system. Originally I had a bearing at the top as per the first image and even using no-melt grease it became a bush not a spinning bearing. As a bush it worked a treat. I have now removed the top bearing and placed it below the colander. An attempt to keep it away from the direct heat of the TO. My reasoning being that the distance from the TO and the beans and floor would act as a type of barrier to the heat. Before trying it I washed the factory grease out and replaced it with the no-melt stuff. I have done a couple of roasts and today I popped the dust seals out, they have not discoloured, the grease still looks good and the bearing is still relative smooth. Too soon to claim this as 100% successful but it is looking promising. Will post again after a few more roasts.

Steve

[Koffee_Kosmo]

Re: KKTO Beta Testers Feedback....

Thanks KK, very generous offer and much appreciated. Before we do that Its worth trying to fix it. The Loctite idea, do you think it is worth a try? Should work at least in theory, not a lot of heat down that far.

Steve

You could also sweat some solder in the ring gear join first then punch to expand

The solder probably wont stick on the alloy to well but will form a metal film in the join

KK

[dsgfh]

Re: KKTO Beta Testers Feedback....

On my KKTO Knock-off, I "insulated" the pot with a couple of layers of alfoil & a couple of tea towels, all held in place with gaffa tape, then took the element guard off the TO. Did a pre-heat to 200, then dumped in 50gm of beans & ran at 200 until FC at about 9:30. Pushed it up to 250 & reached RSC & about 14:30.

Definitely a marked improvement in temp management compared to previous runs & looks like it will give me some flexibility beyond green bean mass for varying the roast profile.

I think Ive also figured out the purpose of the guard, and I dont think its to prevent splatter on the element, otherwise it wouldnt have holes near the elements edge.
I think its as simple as to stop people from shoving too much in their TO & basically jamming the lid down with the element in direct contact with their food, so I feel no stress in removing it as long as youre careful in how you put your TO down to rest after a roast (always back into its little stand).