I'm looking for a small but powerful squirrel cage type blower..anyone have any sources for these? Almost for got would prefer DC voltage.

Anyone? I can look on google but not sure what I am looking for..how do you tell how much force they will generate?

Go to http://www.grainger.com and search for "Fans" and "Blowers". There are hundreds to choose from. The best thing to do would be to request a printed catalog from them. That way you can look at the photos and probably identify what you need much more easily.

In the catalog there are charts that give sizes, mounting hole spacings, voltage requirements, CFM, etc.

Amos McCormick

Thanks Amos.. I suppose the larger the CFM the more force it has..

Typically, yes. However, a larger fan of similar design may move more CFM (cubic feet per minute), but with the same velocity as a smaller fan. If you are using it for a snowstorm "animator", a larger fan with the same velocity won't usually blow the snow any higher than a smaller fan.

If you tell me what it is you want to accomplish with the fan, maybe I can help get you closer to what you are looking for.

Amos McCormick

I ordered one last December on eBay from a shop in the US. Only cost about $10.
Getting them in Britain seems to be a real challenge. I run mine from 2x 9v batteries (rechargable) and its quite powerful, enough to throw confetti out of a box around 6 feet into the air. As for the output of it I'm not really sure but the whole unit is about 7" square by 2" deep.

Mark

Mark,

How much noise does it make? That would be the real concern for me. I can pretty easily comprehend the the power element, but I don't want it to sound like I'm firing up a vaccum cleaner when the magic happens.

Thanks,
Richard

Richard,

Its virtually silent. All you hear is when it fires up and its a very soft sound of the wind circulating, its not noticeable to be honest. If you listen for it, you know its there.

From what I've found, as long as there is a clear way for air to get to it its silent. If you restrict the air to it it has to work harder to suck the air and that's when you can hear it, but still its very quiet.

Just done a search on eBay and its not showing the one I bought but when I bought it he had a few in stock. Will keep checking and if it pops up I'll send you the link.

Mark

You c an always get the 12vlt car fan and put it on the end of a tube of large diameter pvc, or cardboard to channel it.

Check out American Science & Surplus (www.sciplus.com) for blowers and fans. They may have what you're looking for...and the prices are much less than Grainger.