Re: unimat classic

Hi Alan,

<< I just looked at the flexible shaft that came with my new Dremel,
and there is considerable windup. So I believe that option is out.>>

sigh!!!! There goes a very neat idea!!

<< Do the handwheels come off? If not, how about a "cup", that could
slip over the handwheel(s), and a 4mm shaft on the back of the cup,
where a timing belt pulley could be mounted.>>>>

Handwheels can come off exposing the threaded rod. The "cup" sounds
workable, but may need pretty accurate machining, and there is a
protruding handle, plus the wheel is not 100% circular but D-shaped.
Something like the diagram below?

BEFORE

> > FRONT VIEW ....(hidden lines)
> > ____________________
> > __-- | ..................
> > |__ \__| .
> > | ...| ./\ /\ / approx 1mm pitch threaded rod
> > | __|_.__\/__\/_
> > | / |_.

AFTER

xxxxx (cup)
sssss (shaft)
~~ belt
/\
| pulley
\/


xxxxx ____________________
~~ x_-- | ..................
/\ |__ \__| .
|sssx| ...| ./\ /\ / approx 1mm pitch threaded rod
|sssx| __|_.__\/__\/_
\/ x| / |_.
~~ x --
xxxxx




<<How about a pix? I'll bet someone on this list has some ideas!>>

http://www.maxmax.com/fMini-mate.htm
http://www.unimat.at/d_s_unim.htm

May put a drawing somewhere on the web for viewing after I have
enlisted the help of Mitutoyo for accurate measurement (CMM). I have
only rough measurement at the moment obtained with a plastic venier
caliper (mickey-mouse toy). May be good enough to get preliminary
ideas, though.

The x-axis is less of a problem because the motor and
handwheel/pulley can be fixed onto a mounting plate, but the y-axis
is the problem. Was thinking connecting the y-axis shaft to the
motor, then mounting the motor separately on a movable castor, but
sound like too much trouble.

Thanks to all for great ideas put forth.

Peter

Great list! Plenty ideas! Plenty smart people!