Popperette Heating Element Project

[BrianB]

Well, It's been over a year since I started the process of reproducing the Popperette Popcorn Machine Heating Element and I am finally done and have a properly working product!

The part of the project that took the longest was determining what the original ceramic element was made out of and finding a suitable replacement or matching it exactly. Getting the proper resistance wire to create the element out of took a little bit of work but that was pretty easy considering everything else.

Next I had to find a company that was willing to work with me on a small scale that wasn't going to cost an arm and a leg. I found a great company that did a tremendous job.

Here are a few pics of the final product after I wrapped it.

[Jim]

Looks awesome Brian!
What did you utilize for the replacing the ceramic element? Delrin or some other type of hardened plastic...?

[bebopjoes]

If you have some for sell - I would be interested. Looks like it turned very nice. How long was it tested for?  Please email me.  Thanks - Joe

[Larry]

You can be the grand poo bah in our Popperette club.

Excellent recreation and the modification of the screw head is perfect.

[BrianB]

Jim,

I was actually able to determine what the material composition of the original heating element was and went from there. When I first started this project I was new to the world of ceramics but I now have a better working knowledge. Working at a Failure Analysis Laboratory helps too!

So to answer your question, Jim, it's made out of ceramic, not a plastic or glass.

At first I spent a lot of time trying to find a "better" product. That didn't work so well. Most products I found were WAY to expensive in their raw form and that was before machining and firing.

Larry - Yeah, it worked out well, grand poobah? Naw...unless I get a really cool hat to wear!! 

[mznb1u]

Brian,

Great work on something that will keep these vintage machines popping for years to come.

Here's your hat!

  Tim

[Kilroy]

Very cool, find a needand fill it. I wish you luck!

[Larry]

Here's a picture of an original heater.  You can see that Brian did find away to make a better mouse trap.  He squared off the interior edges, where the screw heads meet the ceramic.  Hardly any chance of breaking due to overtightening.  Great design.

Is the part machined like your grey heater or is it formed and fired.

[vendo39]

It looks great!  Are you going to sell any?  I think mine is broken but it's missing a couple of other parts so I haven't really played with it yet.

[cokemachinesandmore]

I would also be interested in at least one, if they are for sale.