Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] CV Joint for mill

vrsculptor wrote:

>I was considering using a constant velocity joint to allow me to
>alter the angle of the cutter on my mill for 5 axis positioning. It
>seems like this would be easier to do than using three gears. My
>mills head is part of the base and doesn't tilt. I thought this would
>be easy but I've tried a bunch of google searches on CV joints,
>Rzeppa and haven't had any luck. I found a lot of drive shafts for
>cars. McMaster only has low speed joints.
>
>I was hoping to find a Rzeppa joint for about a 3/4" to 1" shaft that
>would allow around 45 degrees of motion. I did find one link for back
>to back universals but it requires a sliding spline.
>
>Would this work? Any suggestions on a supplier?
>
>Roger S
>
>

Well, We sell CV-Joints where I work...... Never thought to look at a
few and study them for such an application. I do know from putting them
in, that they are really tight when new. Might just work if you have
some ideas how your going to "rotate" it. I'm going to look at the
various Apllications and units on the shelf if I get a moment tomorrow.
We only have Audi components..... I guess I could indicate that they
"turn" shorter than a lot of other Front Drivers, so that might be handy
for more field of motion in your application.

I would suggest a trip down to your favorite Retail Auto parts house in
your neighborhood, armed with a simple scratched out drawing of what
you'd like to find, they just might recall something close from the many
designs out there. Some have shafts protruding from a housing, some have
internal splines. Inner Joints are different too.

Because they take a lot of stress, and make as many miles as they do,
they are built to pretty good standards and tolorances. I admire your
line of thinking.... Looking "outside the Box". Let us all know what you
come up with, and if I see something realy unique with the variety we've
got, I'll give you a shout.

Chris L