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Post by Peruano on Jul 7, 2013 14:34:59 GMT -5
I'm unsure whether I have something unique to my homemade saw or if its common and just unknown to me. I have a device comparable to a U-joint in the transverse shaft of my feed mechanism of my slab saw. Saw is described in another thread entitled Homemade 12" saw. The joint consists of two halves each with two major prongs facing each other but oriented at 90 degrees out of synch so they interdigitate rather than contact. They are separated by what is probably a hard rubber pad in the shape of a cross. Each of the 4 arms of the cross extends out to separate the two arms of the analogous links. A picture is worth a thousand words. My problem is one of the rubber arms has recently fallen off and the rubber pad needs to be replaced. I'm assuming that I will have to make one out of some hard rubber material (i.e. such a part will be unavailable commercially). The drive gear box was from a WWII vintage company that made aircraft parts but the joint itself could be something borrowed from another industrial applications. Comments, ideas, or encouragement is welcomed. I just wanted to see what anyone knew before I tore into the drive train on my saw. Here's a pull back view of the drive link I'm focused on (gear cover removed and before cleanup and grease of course). Thanks for pondering my problem. Tom
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2013 17:23:56 GMT -5
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juzwuz
has rocks in the head
Member since April 2010
Posts: 526
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Post by juzwuz on Jul 7, 2013 19:49:01 GMT -5
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Post by jakesrocks on Jul 7, 2013 22:03:37 GMT -5
Justin beat me to the ID on your coupler. After looking at the link he provided, I'd measure your shaft diameters and look for a whole new coupler. If your existing coupler has been run very long with a worn out spider (rubber part), the fingers on your coupler may be badly worn or even cracked. Besides being a coupler, they also act as a type of shock absorber between the drive and the driven part, and also make up for slight misalignment of parts. Clean your coupler real good and look for part numbers. Lovejoy is still in business, and can probably help you out if that ebay listing doesn't have the right one. www.lovejoy-inc.com/products/jaw-type-couplings.aspx
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Post by Rockoonz on Jul 8, 2013 0:06:35 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2013 6:48:30 GMT -5
Those couplers are used a lot in farm equipment so if all else fails try the farm equipment stores. Jim
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Post by Peruano on Jul 8, 2013 7:46:55 GMT -5
Wow, I'm impressed with the detail of info provided. I should be able to troubleshoot it or replace as needed. No, no major noise coming from this end and I've always felt this drive train was in good shape, but a close inspection awaits. Thanks again for the guidance. Tom
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Post by johnjsgems on Jul 8, 2013 18:40:50 GMT -5
Lovejoy couplings are used for many applications and readily available. Make sure the two pieces line up well to ensure long life.
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vwfence
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2013
Posts: 557
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Post by vwfence on Jul 8, 2013 19:32:23 GMT -5
Tractor supply store carries lovejoy parts and if i remeber right Grainger has them also
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Post by Peruano on Jul 8, 2013 20:04:48 GMT -5
The rubber spider spacers were available at an Industrial Supply Technology Company in Albuquerque. $3.13 each so I bought an extra. My problem was I did not know what to call them. Now I do and the machine will be on the mend tomorrow. Thanks again everyone. Tom
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Jul 11, 2013 22:56:52 GMT -5
In a pinch, if all else fails, try and find a automobile heater hose that just fits over the shafts. if you have to put a clamp on each end just put them opposite of each other so it cuts down on vibration.
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