Wednesday, June 25, 2014

161-181 Conversion Pictures.

161-181 Conversions.


We have done alot of research in the area of Gin Stand Conversions. Most of this has been based on the seminal work done by Mr. A.L Vandergriff in this area.  In 1996, he converted a gin stand at Elbow Gin in Visalia, CA to 181 saws, using the narrowest spacing in the industry.  This stand ran unnoticed until the mid 2000's when one company  starting applying these same spacings to their new gin stands. Since then,   Vandergriff Inc. worked with Namoi cooperative several years ago helping them convert their 161 Continental Gin Stands to 181 saws.  Of course the Vandergriff Rib is in all these conversions, and key information on saw spacings were provided by Vandergriff Inc.

Last year, Loyd Vandergriff started going through his father's files and notes relating to the 1996 conversion. From this, much important information was pulled and applied to what Vandergriff Inc. is currently doing with these test conversions in Alabama.  We have taken fronts from 2 161 gin stands and installed new rib rails. These rails are solid, and drilled and tapped accurately at CNC Production Engineering in North Carolina.  Then they are installed in the 161 fronts.  Again, solid..stout, and most importantly accurate spacings. CNC Production Machine also machines the 181 rib used in the conversion from 1018 steel forgings.  Vandergriff Inc. has proprietary rights on all of this process from forging to final ribs.  You simply can not get this quality anywhere else.  We also modified the profile of the rib to let the out seed better, because the seed roll will become denser.  We also provide our own space blocks machined from 6061aircraft aluminum to close tolerances. These space blocks aren't the sorry cast mess you get from overseas.  No one can provide a quality package for a conversion like this. Best part of all of it?  Made in USA.  All of it.

Here are some pictures of what is going on now in Alabama.  There are other pictures in this blog as well you can look for, as well as a video of a conversion being tested in early January 2014.

Conversion on site in Alabama.

Please take note of the new rib rail.  Solid and accurate. Vandergriff 181 ribs are so precision they bolt right on.  No variation at ginning point.  No little seed escape. Modified rib profile lets the seed out better. Those space blocks are machined from 6061 aircraft aluminum with precision.


Vandergriff End Rib Plates.

Take note of the end rib filler plates.  Again, stainless and accurate. The plate is machined at the bottom to the contour of the end rib.  The end rib fits snug against the plate.  The stainless is smooth and all the troubles associated with badly made end plates etc. will be eliminated.  This of course is a constant issue in 161 gin stands as well as 141's.


181 Saw Rib Alignment.

The accuracy of this entire conversion is reflected in this picture.


181 Saws/Ribs in Vandy 181 Conversion.

This conversion is a "Product of Vandergriff Research."
Made in the USA.






Sunday, June 22, 2014

Changing Wearplates out of Vandy Gin Ribs.

The best and safest way to change out wearplates is to take your gin breast off, lay it down and carefully drive out the wearplates with a punch from the backside.  Then, turn them around and replace them like is shown in the video.

If you ever have any questions, call Vandergriff Inc.

Time is about out to get your Vandy Gin ribs for this upcoming season.

Also, 2 161-181 Conversions will be running this season in Alabama.  If these perform up to expectations, they will be a hot ticket for the 2015 gin season.  Keep checking back here for updates on this.

 
 
 
 
Loyd Vandergriff
559-324-8848

Monday, June 9, 2014

Vandergriff "Game Changer" Conversions.

We have just shipped the second "game changer" conversion to Alabama.  This consists of converting a 161 Continental Gin Stand  to 181 saws.  To do this, we replace the rib rail with a new drilled and tapped one with 181 holes CNC machined with great precision to go with our precision 181 Game Changer rib.  No other manufacturer is capable of this accuracy and has the ability to make this type of conversion with this type of accuracy.  We also include an "end plate," that fits the contour of the end rib, so all those issues related to end ribs are elimated.  We provide machined space blocks as well, that are accurate and this works well with the rest of the conversion where accuracy is a premium.  We fully expect a significant increase in capacity, and a much better job of getting those little seed clean.  This game changer rib has a profile tweak that well let the seed out much better so there will be no increased load on your roll box.  Just gin. Thats it. And Smile.  This conversion will very cost efficient for the ginner compared to purchasing a new gin stand to accomplish what we will with this.


End Plate Arrangement. 


New Rib Rail. Precision, Accuracy.

We can convert your 141 saw gin to 161 very easily as well.

Loyd Vandergriff
559-324-8848