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| Moderated by: Steve Cunningham, Stan Adams, Rod Rogers | Page: 1 2   |
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| 10" Power Aire | Rate Topic |
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| Posted: Wed May 4th, 2011 03:10 am |
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1st Post |
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Greg Miller AFCA Member 
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Had I realized that these were this neat, I'd have snagged one a while ago. Very powerful little fan and nearly silent! Most of the fans like this that I'm familiar with, besides being larger, were that pewter color with the red ring- I haven't seen many with this blue-black metallic like this. Very neat lookin' fan. Anything special I should know about it? It was an impulse buy on eBay one night- I was just checking it out and next thing you know, I own it. Attached Image (viewed 1388 times):
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| Posted: Wed May 4th, 2011 04:11 am |
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2nd Post |
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Nicholas Denney Guest 
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The 10" Power-Aires are the least common, from what I've seen. The dark color is earlier than the gray and maroon scheme... or in my case.... Attached Image (viewed 1413 times):
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| Posted: Wed May 4th, 2011 05:04 pm |
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3rd Post |
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Matthew Albach AFCA Member 
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Hey Greg, Are you the one that purchased a 16" powerair on Ebay last Wednesday the 27 of April? Last edited on Wed May 4th, 2011 05:04 pm by Matthew Albach |
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| Posted: Wed May 4th, 2011 10:33 pm |
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4th Post |
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Greg Miller AFCA Member
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Matthew Albach wrote: Hey Greg,Perhaps... did you by chance sell one last Wednesday?
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| Posted: Thu May 5th, 2011 04:38 am |
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5th Post |
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Matthew Albach AFCA Member
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sure did Greg. i am glad its going to a fellow AFCA memeber.
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| Posted: Thu May 5th, 2011 12:03 pm |
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6th Post |
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Greg Miller AFCA Member
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I'm equally glad it's coming from one! I was actually looking for one like your's when I stumbled upon the 10". It was one of those "buy it now/best offer" listings, so I threw in a pretty low offer and got it. My neighbors had one when I was a kid and I always liked it, so I had to get one... well, two...
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| Posted: Thu May 5th, 2011 06:55 pm |
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7th Post |
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Matthew Albach AFCA Member
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They are indeed awesome fans to have you need to take a look at the 1st generation powerairs as well you will like these they are called the Darth vader type power air fans they run from 10,12,16 when I get home from work later on I will upload them here so you can take a look.  Last edited on Thu May 5th, 2011 06:56 pm by Matthew Albach |
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| Posted: Thu May 5th, 2011 10:21 pm |
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8th Post |
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Greg Miller AFCA Member
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I've seen the vader and yeah, they're pretty nice. Unfortunately, every one I've come across within a reasonable price was pretty trashed. All the ones I keep seeing listed on eBay are either overpriced, or are cannibalized beyond the kind of headache I want to get into. I'm sure I'll pick one up eventually, but for now, these slightly later style fans are the ones I'm familiar with and finding available, so I'm grabbing 'em while I can! I need to hold off buying any more for a little while anyways- I've had a recent influx of new stuff and I need to keep the warden (Dana) from killing me. I think I've picked up about 8 in the past few weeks, so I can see where she's comin' from. I'm not stopping, mind you... just a brief pause so she can lose count!
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| Posted: Fri May 6th, 2011 07:14 pm |
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9th Post |
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Tom Zapf AFCA Member
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the early power aire fans are kind of a mixed make with different blades that throw some of the "experts" off. I have a 10" single speed which really isnt as power aireish as the 16" i have (brown) which has the older narrow petal blade and the knob at the rear tip of the base. Both have the "Shield" emblem. I have what i consider True power aires, 10, 12 and 16" and they work well and are quiet. the front emblem on the base portion often goes missing. If you recall in reruns the I Love Lucy episode where the Ricardos and Mertzes redecorate Fred and Ethel's place, when the fan Fred puts on the table blows the stuffing feathers all over, it is a 16" power aire. That episode aired in 1951 or 1952
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| Posted: Wed May 11th, 2011 12:31 am |
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10th Post |
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Greg Miller AFCA Member
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Now, I'm finally getting inside this thing and just now realized it's supposed to be two speeds. It would seem that someone replaced the switch with a regular on-off rotary switch and tapped the resistor, but eliminated one leg. I'm assuming it was wired for low because otherwise, why hook it up at all? The resistor doesn't appear burned or broken, but I haven't put a meter on it yet. All the wires are green, so there's no identifying marks as to what really belongs where. Should I be concerned about removing the resistor for now, at least until I get a proper switch, and wiring it straight to the headwire? I imagine this thing will have some huge cojones running straight...
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| Posted: Fri May 13th, 2011 04:11 am |
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11th Post |
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Greg Miller AFCA Member
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Ok, so now it would seem it had three speeds- I need to pay attention a little more when I look at this stuff. Any good leads on where I can find an appropriate three-speed switch? I still need to test the resistor, but it would be pretty pointless if I can't get the proper switch to make it functional. It seems to work perfect as it sits, but it's way too powerful to run in the bedroom whilst I sleep (kinda my litmus test). I mean, I aint complainin', but I'd love to get the other two speeds back...
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| Posted: Wed Jun 15th, 2011 04:29 am |
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12th Post |
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Greg Miller AFCA Member
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HA! Got me three speeds! Took a shot one night and dug around Grainger's website until I saw a switch I thought might work. It was only about $6, looked similar to what I thought was there, and had the right layout (off/on/on/on). My resistor checked out and I took a stab at which legs would give me the best range in speeds. Shoulda bought a lottery ticket today 'cause I nailed it on the first shot. Now, I'm sure it's been asked a thousand times, but it always bares repeating- how warm are these things supposed to get on low? The base is "normal for a GE" warm after about a half hour on low, which would be the most resistance, ergo generating the most heat (yes?). No smoke, no stink, no smouldering spot on my coffee table. The speed seems right on the money when compared with my 12" PowerAire. Just wanna be sure, lest I fry my fan... or my home... (Hey- check out my snazzy switch! Item #4X087 from Grainger, good lookin' and cheap! Probably pretty decent replacement for Vortys too...) Attached Image (viewed 1054 times):
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| Posted: Wed Jun 15th, 2011 05:09 am |
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13th Post |
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Jeff Rusnak AFCA Member 
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Greg congrats on the fan !! Those little Westys are often overlooked and just coming into favor among some collectors.What you really have is what I call a "Mini Poweraire" it's a miniturized version of the 12" & 16" Poweraires right down to the smallest details.The only real difference is that the blades are different than the 12's and 16's,otherwise if put side by side to the bigger Poweraires they are identical.I myself think they are great little fans that are very stylish and very powerfull.I've got about 4 of em and have one totally restored.The others are in decent shape except one is a parts fan.There are other 10" Poweraire models but they are 2 speed versions and differ in look from these 3 speed mini Poweraires.As for your resistor question,the 10" Poweraires do have a resistor in the base for speed reduction,and YES the bases do tend to get HOT to the touch.In most cases very hot and almost too hot to some,but it's normal.If you can hold your hand on the base while the fan has been running for awhile,I'd say a few hours of running,and you can keep your hand on the base for a few minutes maybe a minute or two,then I would say the fans running okay and it's normal.I've had mine run for hours on end 5 or 6 or more with no problems or bad smells.Yes the resistors do go bad,but hey these fans have been around since the late 40's .I think maybe Radio Shack might have resistors or diodes that may be comprible to the resistor that Westinghouse used ? I have yet to come across a Westy Poweraire with a bad speed resistor.Maybe my dumb luck ? Hope this helps clear some Q's up,  Jeff...
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| Posted: Wed Jun 15th, 2011 05:49 am |
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14th Post |
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Nicholas Denney Guest
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Greg Miller wrote: (Hey- check out my snazzy switch! Item #4X087 from Grainger, good lookin' and cheap! Probably pretty decent replacement for Vortys too...) Those are the switches that I also ended up using. I took the paint off of the blades to match (they are naturally black) and stuck on a rare 2-color bakelite plug that I had. It was dumb luck that the maroon mached the badge ring perfectly (the other color of the plug was black). EDIT! Fan in question is the one I put further up. Last edited on Wed Jun 15th, 2011 05:50 am by Nicholas Denney |
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| Posted: Wed Jun 15th, 2011 12:04 pm |
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15th Post |
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Greg Miller AFCA Member
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I got one too- it was "vandalized" with crayon and stickers when I got it. I gave mine the same treatment and it looks pretty sharp! Mine was completely functional save for a missing screw from the oscillator. Still haven't found a perfect one, but it's together and runnin'. Attached Image (viewed 986 times):
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| Posted: Thu Jun 16th, 2011 05:00 pm |
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16th Post |
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Tom Zussman Guest
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i want one of those but only in 16"
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| Posted: Tue Aug 2nd, 2011 09:28 pm |
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17th Post |
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Patrick Abel Guest
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@Tom - My parents have one of the 16" poweraires in their bedroom that they run every night and the amount of air they move for being so quiet is amazing... I want to find one as well for myself.
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| Posted: Sat Aug 6th, 2011 07:10 pm |
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18th Post |
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Charles Tedrick AFCA Member 
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I recently picked up an early model 16" and it runs great. Heres a picture of it. Attached Image (viewed 901 times):
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| Posted: Sat Aug 6th, 2011 10:10 pm |
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19th Post |
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Greg Miller AFCA Member
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That is a later (much later) Power-Aire, mid to late- 50's. The earlier ones were the same color and style as my 10". The one you have has the later Lively-Aire style base and looks to be that metallic bronze color. Earlier Power-Aires were the dark blue/black color (like the 10"), followed by silver (like mine and Nick's 12"ers), and then the bronze toward the late 50's. I have 5 of these fans of varying age, including 2 mid-production 16"ers. Still great fans, regardless of which ones you got.
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| Posted: Sun Aug 7th, 2011 01:19 pm |
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20th Post |
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Charles Tedrick AFCA Member
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Greg Miller wrote: That is a later (much later) Power-Aire, mid to late- 50's. The earlier ones were the same color and style as my 10". The one you have has the later Lively-Aire style base and looks to be that metallic bronze color. Earlier Power-Aires were the dark blue/black color (like the 10"), followed by silver (like mine and Nick's 12"ers), and then the bronze toward the late 50's. I have 5 of these fans of varying age, including 2 mid-production 16"ers. Still great fans, regardless of which ones you got. After looking in the gallery and comparing pictures and id tags, mine appears to be a 1955 model. The first time I looked in the gallery I thought it was like the '41 model but of course I was wrong. Last edited on Sun Aug 7th, 2011 01:30 pm by Charles Tedrick |
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| Posted: Sun Aug 7th, 2011 01:32 pm |
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21st Post |
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Greg Miller AFCA Member
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I haven't actually held one in my hands, but I seem to recall the first ones actually having iron bases! These things are heavy in aluminum- that must have been ridiculous!
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| Posted: Sun Aug 7th, 2011 07:10 pm |
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22nd Post |
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Charles Tedrick AFCA Member
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I have mine running a few feet from the a/c box right now. It moves a lot of air and cools the house down nicely. The only fan that cools my house faster is a Vornado type that I can point towards the ceiling.
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| Posted: Sun Aug 7th, 2011 07:27 pm |
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23rd Post |
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Greg Miller AFCA Member
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Awesome fans, regardless of size. I just obtained another 10" sight unseen through a friend today. I think it's a later one (than the one I already have) because he says it's silver with the red ring. It'll get used, regardless. I'll probably replace one of the crappy plastic Chinese fans in the store at work with this one just for kicks. Well, that and the fact that it works so much better than those hideous little rattle-traps...
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| Posted: Sun Aug 7th, 2011 07:41 pm |
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24th Post |
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Charles Tedrick AFCA Member
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Greg Miller wrote: Awesome fans, regardless of size. I just obtained another 10" sight unseen through a friend today. I think it's a later one (than the one I already have) because he says it's silver with the red ring. It'll get used, regardless. I'll probably replace one of the crappy plastic Chinese fans in the store at work with this one just for kicks. Well, that and the fact that it works so much better than those hideous little rattle-traps... Theres a kid with an earlier silver 16" with the red ring here where I live. He wanted like $25 for it but theres something wrong with the knob or the neck because it wont get tight anymore. I thought about buying it for parts but I took a pass.
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| Posted: Sun Aug 7th, 2011 11:26 pm |
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25th Post |
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Greg Miller AFCA Member
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Charles Tedrick wrote: Greg Miller wrote:It either got forced with the thumbscrew tight and wore out the trunion or the end of the screw itself is worn off. Those have a notched adjustment that has pre-set points where you can lock the angle, rather than just a tension nut and infinite angles. It can be a little annoying, but you can "feel" your way around it and find some in-between spots. It can be adapted and made to work, unless it's really that messed up. If it works and you can give it the "eye-wrench" first to make sure it's not a total mess, I'd say get it. These things are really quiet, especially the 16"- they turn pretty slow and move a ton of air!Awesome fans, regardless of size. I just obtained another 10" sight unseen through a friend today. I think it's a later one (than the one I already have) because he says it's silver with the red ring. It'll get used, regardless. I'll probably replace one of the crappy plastic Chinese fans in the store at work with this one just for kicks. Well, that and the fact that it works so much better than those hideous little rattle-traps...
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| Posted: Mon Aug 8th, 2011 12:30 am |
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26th Post |
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Joseph Daniel Guest 
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i say get it too i have one of the 16 inchers and it is quieter than a house mouse.
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| Posted: Mon Aug 8th, 2011 12:35 am |
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27th Post |
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Charles Tedrick AFCA Member
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Greg Miller wrote: Charles Tedrick wrote:Greg Miller wrote:It either got forced with the thumbscrew tight and wore out the trunion or the end of the screw itself is worn off. Those have a notched adjustment that has pre-set points where you can lock the angle, rather than just a tension nut and infinite angles. It can be a little annoying, but you can "feel" your way around it and find some in-between spots. It can be adapted and made to work, unless it's really that messed up. If it works and you can give it the "eye-wrench" first to make sure it's not a total mess, I'd say get it. These things are really quiet, especially the 16"- they turn pretty slow and move a ton of air!Awesome fans, regardless of size. I just obtained another 10" sight unseen through a friend today. I think it's a later one (than the one I already have) because he says it's silver with the red ring. It'll get used, regardless. I'll probably replace one of the crappy plastic Chinese fans in the store at work with this one just for kicks. Well, that and the fact that it works so much better than those hideous little rattle-traps... If you're interested in it I could purchase it for you. The only thing that really kept me from buying it is I didnt think I could turn a buck on it. I figured it has a top dollar value of about $30 and the kid wants like $25. If it was in better condition I would have it in my house right now. Its not rusty, but it needs a paint job too.
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| Posted: Mon Aug 8th, 2011 01:27 am |
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28th Post |
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Greg Miller AFCA Member
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Thanks dude, but I have two of 'em- a nice one and a beat one. If he'll give it up a little cheaper, I'll consider it and fix up my roached one. 'Tis a thought...
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| Posted: Mon Aug 8th, 2011 01:42 am |
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29th Post |
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Charles Tedrick AFCA Member
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Greg Miller wrote: Thanks dude, but I have two of 'em- a nice one and a beat one. If he'll give it up a little cheaper, I'll consider it and fix up my roached one. 'Tis a thought... Yeah thats the problem. Its not worth the price plus the shipping. And there are still plenty of nice ones out there to be had for not a lot of money. I know a guy that has one that looks like brand new and the next time I'm over to his place I'm probably taking it home with me. That and his 16" Fasco, I love the looks of the Fascos.
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| Posted: Mon Aug 8th, 2011 01:49 am |
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30th Post |
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Greg Miller AFCA Member
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Feast your eyes... G127-A. I have no fan quieter than this, and it has the lowest "low" setting I've ever seen (and it doesn't hum)! It looks a lot like the PowerAires- that's what made me buy it. I found out later that it's a great runner too. Made in good ol' New York... Attached Image (viewed 841 times):
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| Posted: Mon Aug 8th, 2011 02:07 am |
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31st Post |
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Charles Tedrick AFCA Member
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Yes I'm very fond of that style of fan. I'm glad that they're still in my price range.
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| Posted: Thu Aug 11th, 2011 10:39 pm |
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32nd Post |
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Joseph Daniel Guest
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Greg Miller wrote: Had I realized that these were this neat, I'd have snagged one a while ago. Very powerful little fan and nearly silent! Most of the fans like this that I'm familiar with, besides being larger, were that pewter color with the red ring- I haven't seen many with this blue-black metallic like this. Very neat lookin' fan. Anything special I should know about it? It was an impulse buy on eBay one night- I was just checking it out and next thing you know, I own it. dont mean to hijack this thread but if someone has a wireing diagram fo the 16 inch veresion of this fan with the psc motor?
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| Posted: Sat Aug 13th, 2011 03:28 am |
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33rd Post |
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Lewis Fitzgerald-Holland Guest 
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Tom Zussman wrote: i want one of those but only in 16" There's a 16 inch one in one of my local antique shops for $40 that runs well and the paint is good but the badge is cracked and it's missing the chrome piece on the base. If you want it I can probably pick it up when I get back in town if it's still there.
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| Posted: Sat Aug 13th, 2011 04:04 am |
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34th Post |
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Tom Zussman Guest
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Lewis Fitzgerald-Holland wrote: Tom Zussman wrote:i want one of those but only in 16" hmm. maybe. i will let you know if i do want it, thanks for the offer.
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| Posted: Sun Aug 14th, 2011 04:28 am |
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35th Post |
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Greg Miller AFCA Member
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Yup- got another one. Couldn't help it... Attached Image (viewed 737 times):
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| Posted: Sun Aug 14th, 2011 04:30 am |
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36th Post |
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Matthew Albach AFCA Member
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wow Greg how many fans you got now?
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| Posted: Sun Aug 14th, 2011 04:35 am |
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37th Post |
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Greg Miller AFCA Member
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Depends on who you ask- "too many", according to some. By the way, I think I got the 16" PA oscillator parts you wanted. Another acquisition for parts is headed my way...
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| Posted: Sun Aug 14th, 2011 04:40 am |
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38th Post |
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Matthew Albach AFCA Member
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thats very true. Awesome i assume you purchase the whole fan as a parts fan
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| Posted: Sun Aug 14th, 2011 04:48 am |
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39th Post |
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Greg Miller AFCA Member
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Matthew Albach wrote: thats very true. Awesome i assume you purchase the whole fan as a parts fanAre you kidding? Of course I did... One un-cracked blade for me,one gearbox for you, the little stainless doo-dad on the base, and a plethora of spare stuff... 'cause that's how I roll..
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| Posted: Sun Aug 14th, 2011 04:59 am |
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40th Post |
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Matthew Albach AFCA Member
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Thank goodness that these fans are in good supply. Let me know how much I owe you on that part when the fan comes in.
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