13 replies to this topic

[Lone Wolf]

Classic tool for the "hard core" guys. This one has 3 different size arm holders and a spool of 30 wire.

I have the directions ( pretty simple ) with no photos if someone wants to see them.

I have not looked at this in a while, I can see the sponge is starting to "go" so I am going to separate the contents from the foam. I was going to coat the metal parts in WD-40 and put them in zip bags. What do you think, or should I just bag them as is?

[Gator Bob]

They must have made a couple of models. The set I have .. has a pulley on the crankshaft for the wire to ride/feed on.
I don't think the wire came with the tool.

WD or what ever you got to keep it from corroding, it is a nice set, Joe.

[Bill from NH]

Some of the LaGankee rewinder tool posts are painted gold, but mine is plated like yours. I never saw one come with a pulley on the crankshaft. Bob, can you post a picture of yours? I agree, the wire probably didn't come with the winder, it looks like a Simco spool. Joe, I'd coat everything with a light oil or WD-40 before I placed the parts in ziploc bags.

[Gator Bob]

Hi Bill,

It is a Gold one. Listed as Part # 570 with part # 572 'Holder' (?).

[Lone Wolf]

Bob, That one has been modded with that pully. The hole drilled into the body is not original as well. I have the Gold one somewhere.

The Silver one is made of square hollow tube ( probably steel )while the Gold one has a solid body ( probably Aluminum ).

The wire is LaGanke and I believe it came with the set.

I have no idea which style came out first.

[Ramcatlarry]

The pulley must be a modification for powered drive from an external motor. It is in the wrong place to be a wire guide for winding. I assembled automotive generator coil winders in the 1960's...one of my first part-time jobs. ..variable speed, foot control, with a turn counter. Crown Industrial Products sold through McMaster-Carr.

[Gator Bob]

Good call and story, Larry.
Stand back with that crank handle spinning. Guess the owner original owner wasn't using 24AWG, don't need a motorized for 15-20 turns.

There goes the collectible value, Joe.

[Lone Wolf]

Bob, no problem on the value. I prefer to collect one of a kind items like that. It shows the ingenuity of the racers back then. I find items like yours much more interesting than standard production items. Sounds a little silly but sometimes I look at hand built or modified cars in my collection and visualize somebody working at the kitchen table circa 1966. Lots of thought and care went into many of these creations which today has been lost on youth. Imagine a 12 year old kid sitting at a table with files,a soldering iron,etc. spending hours designing and buliding something that actually went around a track. Just not gonna happen except in rare cases. Sad indeed.

[Bill from NH]

Thanks for the photos Bob! The "L" angle pieces, bolt, & hole shown eliminates the need of a vice when using the rewinder.

[Champion 507]

I still have my LaGanke. I got mine before 26-D's came out, so all I have are the blue and red chucks. To wind a 26-D, I insert a homemade u-shaped brass shim into the red chuck and clamp the armature into place. Not pretty but it works.

A few years ago someone had three green chucks for sale on ebay as one lot. When I saw it I thought "all I need or want is one". I tried to contact both seller and buyer to just get one but no success.

Does anyone have a spare green chuck you would part with at a reasonable price? PM's please.

Joe, I think the little roll of #30 gauge wire came with the kit.

[Gator Bob]

Bob, no problem on the value. I prefer to collect one of a kind items like that. It shows the ingenuity of the racers back then. I find items like yours much more interesting than standard production items. Sounds a little silly but sometimes I look at hand built or modified cars in my collection and visualize somebody working at the kitchen table circa 1966. Lots of thought and care went into many of these creations which today has been lost on youth. Imagine a 12 year old kid sitting at a table with files,a soldering iron,etc. spending hours designing and buliding something that actually went around a track. Just not gonna happen except in rare cases. Sad indeed.

Agreed ... this one was probobly used by someone innovative and maybe a popular small lot production rewinder.

Can't remember where it came from but I think it may have been from the collection of a Mr. Robert E. Cling.

[Gator Bob]

I still have my LaGanke. I got mine before 26-D's came out, so all I have are the blue and red chucks. To wind a 26-D, I insert a homemade u-shaped brass shim into the red chuck and clamp the armature into place. Not pretty but it works.

A few years ago someone had three green chucks for sale on ebay as one lot. When I saw it I thought "all I need or want is one". I tried to contact both seller and buyer to just get one but no success.

Does anyone have a spare green chuck you would part with at a reasonable price? PM's please.

Joe, I think the little roll of #30 gauge wire came with the kit.

Only the one in the kit... sorry Doug

[sidejobjon]

Tim LaGanke Join the blog Aug 1st Thanks to Joe Lupo with great history like this.
Welcome Tim Thanks Joe
SJJ

[Frank The Tank]

Just decided to start doing this again. Picked up some wire and blank arms, got my LaGanke rewinder out only to find I'm missing the larger chucks for 26 & 36 D arms. Anyone know where to find some? Been watching ebay and getting out bid, want to start winding again.