RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Mounting a lathe spindle encoder

> From: RichD
>
> Chuck,
> This should be no problem at all if in fact the enc bearings
> are ball bearing.
> RichD

Hi Rich,

So mounting the encoder to the side of the spindle and driving it with a
small (something like .125" width) timing belt would be considered normal
practice? Didn't know if I was missing another obvious approach.

I thought about using gears instead but was concerned about wear and noise.
I doubt if the backlash in gears would be a problem in this case (i.e.:
threading).

Since the rear of my spindle tube has an OD of about 1 5/8" I guess I'll
have to find a belt pulley that has an OD of about 2", bore it out and
attach it to a collar that fits around the spindle tube and use another
pulley the same size on the encoder.

I assume plastic pulleys would be satisfactory in this application, although
metal might be easier to modify in a home shop (bore and fasten to a collar)
...

Is there a special kind of belt I should use that is more flexible than
power timing belt material?

Is Boston Gear a reasonable supplier or should I look at other sources?

I'd make my own but I have too many projects backlogged at the moment as it
is ... :-)

Cheers,

Chuck Hackett
"Good judgment comes from experience, experience comes from bad judgment"
7.5" gauge Union Pacific Northern (4-8-4) 844
http://www.whitetrout.net/Chuck