figured out the hardest part first, now building can begin

[Hobbiest]

I have had some Igus sleave bearings in my garage for months, trying to figure out a holder for them. Almost decided to save my pennies, and just buy some from them at $11 a pop, when an idea hit me! machine 3/4" pipe, and weld channel to it! So simple it is great, and works awesome too! Here is a pic.

[Hobbiest]

another photo. Machine will be built out of steel tubing, 1" by 1", with 1/4" plate here and there to facilitate mounting of steppers, lead screw bearings, etc. Tubing is only .080 wall, but will be assembled in a space frame design, with triangulations for strength.

[Hobbiest]

This is the slotwall that I will be using. Got it for free at Blockbuster video. It measures 4' by 2', so that is what the table will be. It should fit underneath my workbench quite nicely, with castered wheels to roll around my tiny garage. May also work on a high speed spindle idea I have had for months now, utilizing a modified pneumatic die grinder. That will have to wait though.

[foamcutter]

Not bad, Not bad at all. Nice low tech solution. Ron

[broncosis]

your going to need one hell of a compresor to run a die grinder for
hours on end

[Hobbiest]

No, no, no...cut the housing, and pare it down. Remove the impellers from the shaft, and replace them with a pulley, step or otherwise, then run with a small electric motor. The only reasoning behind the die grinder, is to get the collet, shaft, housing, and bearings for $12.

[Hobbiest]

I have had the thing done to this point for a few weeks, just haven't hd the time to post about it. Here are some more photos.

[Hobbiest]

I have had the thing done to this point for a few weeks, just haven't hd the time to post about it. Here are some more photos. The drawer slides have been modified a lot to give 3.5 inches of very solid travel, in a total length of 9". Let the barage of questions begin!

[High Seas]

Originally Posted by Hobbiest No, no, no...cut the housing, and pare it down. Remove the impellers from the shaft, and replace them with a pulley, step or otherwise, then run with a small electric motor. The only reasoning behind the die grinder, is to get the collet, shaft, housing, and bearings for $12.

Sure do liike the sound of this implementation! How are impelllers fastened to the shaft? Send along some picks with an idea of how well its worked out. Motor sizing (weight/power) and availability I suppose are the biggies.
Cheers - Jim

[Hobbiest]

Haven't gotten that far with that idea yet.