Mini lathe as a 4th Axis

[magicniner]

You can increase the number of "Teeth in Contact" to at least 50% of the count on the driving pulley by using idler pulleys to generate a serpentine belt path as is done in the automotive industry,

- Nick

[Leadhead]

Nick - Yes adding a flat side idler would be quite simple. Thanks.

Boyan - Ref. Thingiverse. Did you reference "Customizable Gear4"?

[Leadhead]

Would you recommend any particular tooth form or pitch please?

[Leadhead]

Sorry missed that on your reply Boyan. HT5.

[Boyan Silyavski]

I have printed with great result.Small as GT2. I will advice PETG pulley. PLA will work also. ABS not. Nylon, even better.

HDT5 15mm will work great

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:16627

[Leadhead]

Boyan - thanks for your advice. Do you reinforce the the pulley centre, as I will try first with PLA and wondered if it would take the torque from the shaft?

[Boyan Silyavski]

Boyan - thanks for your advice. Do you reinforce the the pulley centre, as I will try first with PLA and wondered if it would take the torque from the shaft?

I print such things extrusion width 0.5mm, with 0.4mm nozzle at 0.2mm layer height , 4 perimeters at least and 50% infill at 90 degree mesh. I don't want to brag, but i consider myself already an expert and i carefully analyze and have in mind many things before a print so results are always working. For things like pulleys and so i will carefully look at the preview to see if there are any unwanted spaces due to object size divided by extrusion width and if needed will change a parameter until i am happy. needless to say when i design something for printing, i will know from the beginning how exactly i would like it printed .

I would have used a nice print, then ream the hole then use Loctite medium or high strength retaining compound for a permanent bond, not superglue.

[Leadhead]

Boyan - I will follow your advice carefully. There is an interesting new update to Simplify3D which addresses void issues so I will study that to see if it might be used to good effect.
I am indebted to you for your assistance. Thank you once again.

[Leadhead]

Boyan - Thingiverse/ OPENscad 2x Pully files just now easily and quickly completed. Excellent resource.