Maelstrom Stir Plate Vibration

[Nagorg]

I've been looking at the Maelstrom for some time and after my DIY stir plate bit the dust I decided to pull the trigger.

While I admit that I havent made a starter on it yet or tested with plain water in a flask, I did turn it on to make sure it at least worked. Stepping up through the speeds, I noticed a fair vibration. At the top speed, it was enough that I might be concerned about the starter vibrating off. That probably wouldn't happen due to the weight of a starter so big I needed to run this thing at full speed but it made me raise an eyebrow.

Does anyone else have a Maelstrom stir plate and if so? Is this vibration normal? I can reach out to Midwest Supplies support but I thought I'd ping the forum first.

 

[clarkpadgett]

I haven't used mine in a while, but I can remember noticing much, if any, vibration. FYI, I don't think you'll ever need to run it at full speed. I think I used either speed 2 or 3 for 8 liters the last time I made a starter with it.

 

[martianpc]

Mine works great, you will never need full speed. Just used it last week. Try it with a flask of water and see how it does.

 

[kh54s10]

I don't have one, but I would put a flask with some water on it and see if it still vibrates. Maybe test with different amounts of water. Turn it up until you get a medium vortex. If it still vibrates I would return it. It sounds like something is out of balance.

 

[Dcpcooks]

My buddy has one and it works great with no vibration.

I think it’s out of balance and you should contact the seller or manufacturer.

 

[Nagorg]

Thanks for the feedback. I will do the test and then contact them if I still get the vibration.

 

[Nagorg]

Closing the loop; tested with my 5L flask filled to the 5L mark. I did not see the strong vibration that I did when running it with no load. The thing rocks and the top speed is too much for 5L. I'll use speed 2 most likely which was plenty of a vortex.

And FWIW, Midwest Supplies did respond quickly and asked for a video of the problem. I'm happy to say that I didnt shoot any video of the thing running normally and will be thanking them for their response.

Looking forward to many starters being made on the Maelstrom!

 

[swampbrewcrew]

Not to go off track here, but I think it’s out of place to criticize a product in a public forum before troubleshooting or contacting the seller/manufacturer. I was researching stir plates and found this “headline”. For lazy people that don’t actually read the thread, it might steer them away from a tried and true product.

 

[Nagorg]

Not to go off track here, but I think it’s out of place to criticize a product in a public forum before troubleshooting or contacting the seller/manufacturer.

I didnt criticize the product. I simply noted a perceived problem and pinged a trusted forum for feedback. I even set the stage for an error on my side and took the time for a followup post to set things straight.

RDWAHAHB!