Candyguy Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 Hi guys, I started ordering a few of these cast iron stands and I have noticed they aren't all created equal and had some questions about if any of you have run into these issues. These stands are for single gumball machines. This stand comes with 2 "lock rings" that are supposed to be on the pipe before it is screwed into the base(1 for flange and other for the base). While I don't have any issues with it at the flange, I do have some issues at the base. Seems like a manufacturing defect, because its not currently this way with many of them, but when I screw the pipe into the base its still pretty lose. Its not this way for all of them, but a few I do have issues. Seems like the threads are kinda stripped or something. Even though the directions call for the lock ring to be on before you screw the pipe into the base it almost seems to me like it would be safer to have a lock ring or nut below the base because over time I could see it becoming loose from transporting, weight, etc. I have this thinking because below the base the pipe is only supported by the threads which already are very thin and questionable. Plus with a nut or lock ring below the base it seems much safer to me that the stand would be much for stable with movement. Also, on most of the stands, the threads seem to be sticking up about a quarter inch higher than the flange. I have one stand that it is flush and thats it. I don't have my machines here yet to see if this a real issue, but will it be? Pictures are below of the issues. I do like the stands because they are solid and the design, but these issues concern me. What are your thoughts or possible solutions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musser Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 I got a whole load of bad stands a few years ago. The operator of the tapping machine let the tap go too deep in the base so the threads were oversize ( pipe threads are tapered). My solution was to weld the pipe in, but that's not for everyone because you need a very expensive welding rod that will stick to both steel and really poor quality cast iron. ( Nirod didn't work for me I used a very high nickel rod from Certainium and they are expensive) I would use a liberal coat of a epoxy metal repair, I use one from premier products but JB weld may work. Put it on and then screw the pipe in and let it set up. If that doesn't work its off to the weld shop. There are some epoxies made for steel shaft repair that would probably work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbeckl Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 I feel your pain, I had the same stands a few years ago, and it was when I was using triples. It was a HUGE issue with the triples, since they were so heavy. Few things that I did that had moderate success: Plumbers thread tape, or probably any thread tape would work. Put 2-3 wraps on it, it will help tighten it up, but the tape will also get shredded as you screw it into the base. It's kinda a ugly fix, that doesn't really last long. Also, if you over tighten it, you'll still have a wonky wobbly stand. Red Lock-tite, or something similar. Kinda spendy. Take a wire brush, scuff up the threads, wipe them down with a cleaner to get the residue off, add the glue, thread it in, wipe off the excess and let it dry. I did a few like this, it wasn't a really solid fix, the weld will break if the machine is aggressively moved. My final advice is not a fun task hahaha, but this is what I did to make it work. I got a grinder, and grinded the underside of the base, about a 6 inch area around the hole so there was a clean surface for adhering to, cleaning it with rubbing alcohol after. Then I used a wire brush to scrape up all the threads, and wiped them with rubbing alcohol. After everything was dry, I used a coarse small paint brush and used a fast drying bondo (get it at most auto parts stores, bonus is you can pitch the store for a machine while you're there), and painted the threads. I used some 2x4's to place the base of the stand on, so I could get under the base, and add bondo to the underside after I threaded it in. Thread in the pipe, check it to make sure it's level (I used a level), then get under it and put a thick layer over the bottom of the pipe, basically sealing the stand, and the base together. Let it dry, then to the same thing on the top. They won't ever come apart again. It's really a nightmare, but it worked. I'd never buy those stands again, I have only bought the 1.25 inch stands (maybe they are 1.5) since. They aren't as sturdy, but not a nightmare to use, and the quality is better. I know that was a long post, but I hope it helped! I'll try and add a few pictures of the stand if I have one in the closet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbeckl Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 It looks like I did much less on this one. I think the fist few I really caked the stuff on. The base Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbeckl Posted November 27, 2015 Share Posted November 27, 2015 ok, so my memory is not as good as i thought. heres my other post about this same issue. looks like i might have used jb weld, not bondo. http://vendiscuss.net/index.php?/topic/14005-wobbly-single-stands/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candyguy Posted November 27, 2015 Author Share Posted November 27, 2015 thanks guys. It's going to be off to the hardware store for me it looks like. I'm going to try and set it up with a JB weld I think and see how it goes. If not, they will be taken to a weld shop. Since I know I'm not buying these stands again, what would be a solid, simple, and safe single stand to use? And I mean one that is good quality, secure at base and flange, and not that bad of price? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candyguy Posted November 27, 2015 Author Share Posted November 27, 2015 The other stand I have used is a black powder coated stand with a metal base. The concerns I had about it were it being a little light and the security of the machine to the flange. It is secured by two screws to the machine base but doesn't have room for a nut underneath to make sure the screw doesn't come loose. This concerns me over time but it seems like this is generally the way they are secured to the machine. Should I be concerned about the mounting screws coming loose over time? Or is this something not to be worried about? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerformaVending Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 I have one of these out with a 2" single on it. It looks nice, but that's where it ends- it's like the holes were cut just a hair to close together to fit the bolts in straight, so I had to get creative when I installed the unit onto it. The way I got around this was by adding a piece of wood to the top of the stand and secured it that way with fresh holes spaced properly, then offset the machine 45 degrees, and used wood screws to secure the 2" machine to the stand. I'll get some pics when I can- it's not an elegant fix, but for a consignment store it works. The pipe is a little loose in the base, but nothing that ever really worried me. I'd agree with putting Lock-Tite on it- not a great fix, but it'll hold up okay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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