Well Al---it's like this---I'm a cheap skate
---I try to use what I have lying around----and have made so many variations, only to find a flaw in my thinking and when I originally posted, it was looking for ideas from smarter people then me----so I greatly appreciate the input. This was the first that actually lived up to my expectations, though it could certainly be improved.
First started with an AC reduction motor----found out needed a variable speed----controllers for AC were to expensive----went to DC---lots cheaper, but a bit more complicated----the off/on timer relay is what made it all work great ( that was off a melting furnace I had made years ago) an interesting story for another time.
I made the shaft length adjustable with two bronze joints using SS set screws----that makes the shaft and impeller easily removable for cleaning and I used a silicone pad cast in the bottom of shaft to prevent scratching----so we are thinking along the same lines.
Since giving up most of my machine shop and welding equipment---it's been a real challenge to put ideas together that I'm still capable of accomplishing.
One other thing----the motor is rated at 8.5 foot lbs.----and that was fine on my 4 gallon pot----but it struggles on the 5 and 6 gallon makes, especially at low speed---after the curd starts releasing more whey, it is much easier.
There has been a lot of talk on the forum about making stirring devices and I am only offering up these tidbits, so others might avoid as much trial and error.
And that leads to the Jello----experimenting on your 6 gallon cheese make can have effects your not looking for ( been there) and I couldn't think of a substitute with close to the same traits as cheese curd---and then Ameriliano came up with the idea of Using Jello and it was brilliant and much less expensive then milk curds.
After thought. The variable speed is almost a necessity---as you need less speed as the curd releases whey----the adjustable on off timer allows you to leave and adjust for different makes requiring different stirring techniques.
Sorry---got a little long winded---OK---got a lot long winded
Qdog