Miniature powered turntable

[mklotz]

I finally got around to building a miniature turntable which I intend to use for a number of applications (see below). This project was prompted by my discovery of this motor-gearbox combination...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

which consists of a 1" diameter DC motor geared down via a tiny gear box to 2 rpm. The motor draws about 25 ma and, given the gear reduction, has lots and lots of torque. Being 12 VDC, I can run it indoors on a wall wart or outdoors on a 12 volt SLA.

I built a small table to support the motor and a circular turntable with a fitting to attach it to the 6 mm gearbox output shaft...



Assembled the unit looks like this...



Now, how will it be used?

360 PHOTOGRAPHY...

Generally, I prefer stills to videos for documenting things I make. However, there are times when a full 360 rotation of the object will provide a better visualization and that implies use of a turntable.

Here's a good example of that...

ENGINE SHOW ATTENTION GRABBER...

Some of my engines are quite tiny so gather little attention even if running. A larger engine twirling about is bound to attract.

PAINTING SMALL OBJECTS...

I preserve the polished finish on small metal objects I've made (such as my homemade chess set) by spray painting with Rustoleum Crystal Clear Enamel. It's a much better and longer term solution than Renaissance Wax, especially for items that will be handled. While this sort of painting can be done with a manually rotated turntable, a small motor driven one makes it a lot easier. Since the work is usually done outside, the ability to power this table with a battery is a plus.

ROTATING CAKE DISPLAYS...

My wife makes OTT birthday cakes for our grandchildren. Many of the videos she watches for inspiration feature rotating elements as part of the design. I wanted to simultaneously build her something she could use immediately as well as explore for myself the adaptability of these small geared-down motors for future cake designs.