Aren't Lovejoy connectors a potential source of backlash? Are some better than others or are some spider materials suitable for zero backlash? Is Lovejoy now a general term for any kind of spider style connector (independent of manufacturer)?

Chris

Is Lovejoy now a general term for any kind of spider style connector (independent of manufacturer)?

Chris
Unfortunately, many use the term 'Lovejoy' to indicate spider type couplings, but Lovejoy make all types of different coupling so it can be meaningless.
For e.g. I use the Uniflex type (zero backlash) extensively, they do not resemble the spider type in any way.
http://www.lovejoy-inc.com/catalog/sp.pdf#search=%22lovejoy%20u%20type%22
Al.

OCNC, long time no talk.

I used spider couplers on my machine. They have that rubber spider that goes between the two metal connectors. This is to allow some misalignment with the motor shaft and the leadscrew. It seems to me, and at my skill level, that this is really nice feature. I was concerned with overstressing the motor shaft/bearings. I know that Joe and others replaced the spider with hard plastic, but this kind of defeats the purpose IMHO. It also seems like Love Joy would have this as an option if they thought it necessary. I have not detected any appreciable backlash problems with the way I am using them. They are really cheap and allow different size shafts to be coupled together.

I could be wrong, but they work for me.

Steve

i used the acetal (sp?) on my first attempt at a machine. I guess these are the hard plastic ones you refer to. I used dumpsters acme nuts for my connectors this round. I am really pleased at how they work. Plus the are not expensive either.