- Joined
- Jul 20, 2012
- Messages
- 1,237
I’m working on an adjustable arm system to hold my vacuum end to keep it held where the spindle is on my mill during cutting a part, CNC mill. I can hold the vac where I want it but it would be better to set it where I want and have it stay. Also could help hold coolant lines as needed in place and not move.
I looked at some holding devices but all were not stout enough to hold the vac hose.
So I decided to go with making a larger version of a traditional ball and link system. Using 2 inch towing balls for a car. First one is a welded 2 inch painted ball on a 2 inch receiver bar fo the base. That will be able to be bolted to my mill table. Next is a double ball, one connected to the other for the middle link. Last is a 2 inch chrome steel ball with the 3/4 inch threaded end. Plan is I can make fixtures that can bolt on to the end of the arm and it will be powerful.
(When I am done I'll post some pictures)
For the connecting links I am using 7/8 X 2 X 8 inch aluminum bars. Held in the middle with a 6 inch 3/4 carriage bolt and nut. Then for the pads that squeeze the balls to hold (This is the question of the thread) I used 1 inch nylon round stock. I put a 2 inch ball router bit in the tail stock of my lathe and it cuts a nice 2 inch concave for the pads, other end of the pad is a 3/4 inch hub to go in the aluminum bar.
Problem with first model is it works but on the painted ball the nylon slips. It holds the steel chrome balls ok but the painted first ball slips. I need a material that will hold but not mar up the balls.
So I need a suggestion for a material that is not as slippery as nylon. Still machinable so I can cut it easily in my lathe and not wear the router ball bit too much. Would PVC rod work better? Polyethylene? Need to be able to buy a foot or so to make 8 pads from. 1 inch to 1.25 max diameter. Would a firm or stiff rubber product work and what would it be called?
I looked at some holding devices but all were not stout enough to hold the vac hose.
So I decided to go with making a larger version of a traditional ball and link system. Using 2 inch towing balls for a car. First one is a welded 2 inch painted ball on a 2 inch receiver bar fo the base. That will be able to be bolted to my mill table. Next is a double ball, one connected to the other for the middle link. Last is a 2 inch chrome steel ball with the 3/4 inch threaded end. Plan is I can make fixtures that can bolt on to the end of the arm and it will be powerful.
(When I am done I'll post some pictures)
For the connecting links I am using 7/8 X 2 X 8 inch aluminum bars. Held in the middle with a 6 inch 3/4 carriage bolt and nut. Then for the pads that squeeze the balls to hold (This is the question of the thread) I used 1 inch nylon round stock. I put a 2 inch ball router bit in the tail stock of my lathe and it cuts a nice 2 inch concave for the pads, other end of the pad is a 3/4 inch hub to go in the aluminum bar.
Problem with first model is it works but on the painted ball the nylon slips. It holds the steel chrome balls ok but the painted first ball slips. I need a material that will hold but not mar up the balls.
So I need a suggestion for a material that is not as slippery as nylon. Still machinable so I can cut it easily in my lathe and not wear the router ball bit too much. Would PVC rod work better? Polyethylene? Need to be able to buy a foot or so to make 8 pads from. 1 inch to 1.25 max diameter. Would a firm or stiff rubber product work and what would it be called?