rice huller help

[Vivek Prakash]

Hey everybody,

So I spent the whole evening in the shop today trying to build a working prototype of the spinning-blade design for the rice huller.  The great news is that as it stands now, the set-up is definitely able to hull rice. The problem I'm having is with making an effective handle (I tried some things, but they aren't working that well) by which the blades can be spun by hand (I was thinking of like a crankshaft or turning wheel kind of thing). Right now, three circular saw blades are held on a 5 or 6 inch long bolt which goes through the hole in the middle of the blades.  Any ideas on how a simple handle out of materials that would be available in the shop or that can be easily obtained will be much appreciated (tomorrow is the only day that I have left to do this).

Once again, if anybody has drawings/sketches etc of design ideas - please send them to me. (Kate - I got your mockup from the ESW office and it seems very promising so we'll definitely be taking it down to Panama with us).

Thanks once again for taking the time to read this and helping me out,

--
Vivek Prakash

Honors Program in Medical Education

Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

Northwestern University

[Michael Hueschen]

Maybe like a bicycle crankshaft? I don't know if I anyone has a bike they are willing to let get cannibalized, I would offer up mine but I don't have one and I'm at home right now.

-Michael