Marathon Super Air Screws Counter Model with Patented Funk Blade Evolution

[Russ Huber]

Between 1935 and 1939 it appears Marathon changed the counter models with patented Funk blade base column design and eventual switch location at least 3 times. The last model in the sequence dating late 30s circa has a cast rear motor cover. The switch located at the back of the motor. The 3 models are seen below in chronological order starting with 1934-35 manufacture. 

Edited September 15 by Russ Huber

[Russ Huber]

 

[Stan Adams]

I have never understood why that slot was cut in the base going to the cord hole.

[Russ Huber]

3 hours ago, Stan Adams said:

I have never understood why that slot was cut in the base going to the cord hole.

Good question, Stan. My theory is an assembly guide for unskilled labor for orientation of the base column switch and motor mounting, base footing, power cord entry hole drilled in base. If you look at all the models above, they all follow suit. 

Edited September 16 by Russ Huber

[Jim Kovar]

8 hours ago, Stan Adams said:

I have never understood why that slot was cut in the base going to the cord hole.

4 hours ago, Russ Huber said:

My theory is an assembly guide for unskilled labor for orientation of the base column switch and motor mounting, base footing, power cord entry hole drilled in base. 

I agree with Stan's quote, "...slot was cut in the base going to the cord hole."

The hole was prob'ly first, then the slot.

Drills (the actual cutting tool, not the machine rotating them) do not so much like to be laterally interrupted while they are cutting.  Especially notable when the feed is by hand, i.e., not controlled power feed.

So, why such a slot?  A very long slot at that!

Assuming the hole was first...  why the slot as a proof mark for orientation?  Wouldn't the hole suffice that purpose?

My twisted mind got me thinking, "Why the slot?"  Seems to be an unnecessary machining operation and does nil for the structural strength of the base (actually, it weakens it).

Then I thought, "What other circular metal things are slotted and why?"

Just a theory,...  to dampen vibration transmitted from any imbalance of the motor and blade.  Maybe to keep the base from walking?

If you're going to pooh-pooh my theory, post yours!

Edited September 16 by Jim Kovar

[Jim Kovar]

14 minutes ago, Jim Kovar said:

...cutting tool[s]...  ...interrupted while they are cutting.

In machinists' parlance,
   "cuttus interruptus."

[Russ Huber]

The base of the Marathon countertop circulator is not rotating at 3600 to 8000 RPM.

[Russ Huber]

The base of the Marathon countertop circulator should have or has rubber feet to absorb motor vibration traveling through the base to the countertop. This is characteristic of most if not all pedestal or countertop circulators without a long slit cut in the base.

Edited September 16 by Russ Huber

[Russ Huber]

1 hour ago, Jim Kovar said:

My twisted mind got me thinking, "Why the slot?" 

 

You are not alone in this. 

[Jim Kovar]

Hmm,...  vibrations dampened?

[Jim Kovar]

40 minutes ago, Russ Huber said:

You are not alone...

That's exactly what I keep
on telling people, but they
        all think I'm crazy.

[Jim Kovar]

14 hours ago, Russ Huber said:

...are not alone...

If you're on a budget,
  a tin foil hat will work
    just as well.  

[Michael Rathberger]

At least they're fused Jim...

[Russ Huber]

18 minutes ago, Jim Kovar said:

If you're on a budget,
  a tin foil hat will work
    just as well.  

Not tin foil. They are stamped aluminum strainers. My mother rinsed many a vegetable, and drained miles of spaghetti in one of those.  I was way ahead of them above when a was a sprout wearing the exact strainer non-fused, no safety glasses. My mother must of thought it was worth a picture. It is in one of the photo albums of the distant past dating before Christ. 🙂

[Nicholas Denney]

The long slit will cause the base to have a drastically reduced -and altered- resonant frequency. The base might not be spinning, but the blade mounted over it is, and the motor is additionally experiencing 60Hz vibrations.

[Jim Kovar]

2 hours ago, Russ Huber said:

...stamped aluminum strainers.   ...I was a sprout wearing the exact strainer.

The kids today are doomed!

The grays can mind-read/
  brain-wash right through
    plastic!  

[Russ Huber]

4 hours ago, Russ Huber said:

Not tin foil. They are stamped aluminum strainers. My mother rinsed many a vegetable, and drained miles of spaghetti in one of those.  I was way ahead of them above when a was a sprout wearing the exact strainer non-fused, no safety glasses. My mother must of thought it was worth a picture. It is in one of the photo albums of the distant past dating before Christ. 🙂

 

[Russ Huber]

On 9/15/2024 at 5:14 PM, Stan Adams said:

I have never understood why that slot was cut in the base going to the cord hole.

They had some kind of game plan cutting that slit. Centered roughly between the feet and ends at the raised area of the casting.

[Russ Huber]

Check out the base column height differences in the first and second variants.