- Joined
- Feb 13, 2017
- Messages
- 2,138
Between the metric motor shaft and the "step" in the pulley, you've almost painted yourself into a corner. There are some outs but the window is closing some. So I need to think through this as I go. And bring up some of my own machines to compare against. Not bragging, just thinking through. For the first point, I don't recall if you mentioned a lathe. If you have or have access to such a machine it would be a simple process to make another pulley opposite what is on there now. You will need another pulley anyway, why not two. Worst case, a pair of countershafts would maintain the pulley positioning. A PITA on a good day, but it would be a solution.
So, on to the countershaft(s). I honestly don't know what my 17" floor model DP has for a motor or countershaft. I do have a 9 inch lathe in addition to a 12 inch. Both have smaller motors with a 3/4 inch (or are they 5/8?) shaft. But they are smaller by far than what you have. I would say at least a 3/4" shaft, a 7/8 or 1 inch would be better. If I were to finagle something like that, the pulley(s) would run on ball bearings. Or the entire shaft and pulley. That would be your call, depending on what bearings you had or could find, and the contruction of the head stock. A countershaft must be rigidly mounted but must also swing some. A 1/4 inch piece of bar stock will do, thicker would be better.
I assume the drill press is of Asian origin. Or is it European? In any case the metric motor shaft indicates overseas production. Last I heard, many years back, 99% of drill presses were made in Asia anyway. The point is that belts may be of an odd size and/or configuration. One of my machines uses a 5mm wide belt. In the Gates catalog there is also a 7mm size. My machine uses a 5M720, 5mm wide and 720mm long, with a 60 degree pitch. The 60 degrees is the kicker, A US made belt will not fit properly. I happen to like them, they are surprisingly strong and pulleys are easy to make with a "standard" threading tool. A countershaft will require another belt, make sure what type and keep to the same.
There are other considerations here, most cannot be done remotely. The post above brings up a DC motor. But without reduction, it will lose torque at a terrific rate at very slow speed. A consideration, but with losses that must be planned for.
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So, on to the countershaft(s). I honestly don't know what my 17" floor model DP has for a motor or countershaft. I do have a 9 inch lathe in addition to a 12 inch. Both have smaller motors with a 3/4 inch (or are they 5/8?) shaft. But they are smaller by far than what you have. I would say at least a 3/4" shaft, a 7/8 or 1 inch would be better. If I were to finagle something like that, the pulley(s) would run on ball bearings. Or the entire shaft and pulley. That would be your call, depending on what bearings you had or could find, and the contruction of the head stock. A countershaft must be rigidly mounted but must also swing some. A 1/4 inch piece of bar stock will do, thicker would be better.
I assume the drill press is of Asian origin. Or is it European? In any case the metric motor shaft indicates overseas production. Last I heard, many years back, 99% of drill presses were made in Asia anyway. The point is that belts may be of an odd size and/or configuration. One of my machines uses a 5mm wide belt. In the Gates catalog there is also a 7mm size. My machine uses a 5M720, 5mm wide and 720mm long, with a 60 degree pitch. The 60 degrees is the kicker, A US made belt will not fit properly. I happen to like them, they are surprisingly strong and pulleys are easy to make with a "standard" threading tool. A countershaft will require another belt, make sure what type and keep to the same.
There are other considerations here, most cannot be done remotely. The post above brings up a DC motor. But without reduction, it will lose torque at a terrific rate at very slow speed. A consideration, but with losses that must be planned for.
.
