Hobbies And Interests
Motorized Bicycles
Bicycling is a means of exercise, recreation and personal transportation throughout the world, but some conditions make self-propelled pedal power difficult to maintain. In areas where steep hills intersect bicycle paths, climbing those inclines is difficult. Long bike rides and commutes also may pose a challenge, especially when you grow tired and lose speed. Mount a disused weed wacker motor above the rear wheel or in front of it along the frame to help in these conditions. Once mounted, an attached roller/driver shaft and sprocket connect the motor to a chain, which then connects to the back wheel and propels the bike. Alternately, attach the weed wacker motor to a rear-facing propeller, which will propel your bicycle without interfering with the chain that connects the pedals to the rear wheel.
Radio-Controlled Model Planes
Use the motor from a weed wacker to power the propeller of a radio-controlled model airplane. A body of lightweight material, such as balsa or corrugated plastic, is built around a more sturdy frame to reduce wind resistance or drag. Attach the motor itself to the front of the plane to power a single propeller or, alternately, power multiple wing-mounted propellers with an attached drive system or a motor for each propeller. The size and power output of the motor will determine the maximum size and weight of the plane. However, given that a weed wacker motor is generally more powerful than the motors in smaller, prefabricated model planes, it can power a much larger vehicle. Some radio-controlled planes powered by weed wacker motors are several feet long.
Small Boat Motors
Attach motors to small watercraft, such as kayaks and radio-controlled model boats. A modified motor from a weed wacker or leaf blower is small and light enough to accomplish some propulsion without adding significant weight to the boat, so it will not interfere with the craft's orientation when in the water. Mount the motor above or on top of the boat or in a water-tight compartment to prevent water from getting into it. Then attach this mounted motor to a drive train, such as a durable rubber belt, to power a propeller that extends below the surface of the water.
Small Electric Generators
Electric generators are useful while camping, during power outages or when traveling to remote locations without a power grid. Recycle a weed wacker motor to power such a generator by attaching it to motor-run capacitors. The power output of such a generator usually is low, although it will vary according to the motor used. To that end, use a weed wacker-powered generator to operate an electric radio or other small electronics, but rely on a permanent replacement for larger commercial generators or a connection to the power grid.