6040 finally packed in!

[KevinC]

Hi guys, I got the Flexible Couplings recommended by Mekanik. They do the job but the outer diameter (18mm) on these is quite a bit thinner than the original (25mm).

Also, within a week, a second of the original FC's sheared of in the same way!

I had a bit of trouble getting these new FC's to fit so I sanded the inside with 600 until it fit nicely. Well it is now making a nasty creaking sound when I run it so I expect it to break fairly soon.

So, In preparation for this I am on the market for some high quality Flexible Couplings, preferably Oldham as these seem to be the type that would take most abuse.

I'd imagine steel to be less likely to break than the Aluminium ones I am currently using.

I have found these (very expensive) Oldham FC's on eBay but there must be something less pricey in the UK!

Another issue I keep running into is that they seem to come without the Polyacetal Spacer thingy in the middle!

Am I missing something or why would one ever want these without the spacer?! Madness! Lol.

If someone could suggest a place to buy these in the UK I would be very grateful!

Cheers guys Kevin.

[mekanik]

Hi Kevin
Try this link
http://www.reliance.co.uk/shop/index..._38_193&page=2
Looks like you will have to give them a ring for price.
This one probably cheaper
https://www.cnc4you.co.uk/XD-Coupling-25mm-x-30mm
Regards
Mike

[cropwell]

I like the idea of the rubber tubing couplings, though I would clamp it to the shaft with hose clips.
I had a coupler break and I replaced it with a similar one, but I wish I had thought of the rubber tube, it is a bodge, but in keeping with the standard of my MD machine.

Rob

[KevinC]

Mike to the rescue again!

You are a a legend mate! This is exactly what I'm after!

I like the look of CNC4YOU. I'll have a good wee nosey at this now shortly!

Rob,

I've never heard of this particular bodge. I like it!

Sounds like it could pull one out of a hole in an emergency.

Can you elaborate please? What kind of tubing etc?

Cheers mate!

Kevin.

[cropwell]

Hi Kevin,

I'm just echoing the posting from routercnc further back in this thread. All I am saying is that I would use hose clips to make sure the little fecker didn't slip. I would probably use a bit of gas hose as that is flexible and braided.

I haven't actually done it, but I would probably do it in preference to fitting the ones like yours that broke, even though I have a couple of them spare in a drawer.

I had a lot of trouble with the clamp type slipping and eventually drilled them out and bonded a slitted tube in as a shim to get the internal diameter right for the stepper shaft.

Cheers,

Rob