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Gadgets, Gizmos, and Dohickeys => What Equipment to Buy and Where to Get it. => Topic started by: kent on October 24, 2018, 06:35:37 PM

Title: Expando wheels life span ?
Post by: kent on October 24, 2018, 06:35:37 PM

Having only ever purchased one 8" expando wheel in my time I've noticed the wheel is starting to vibrate like crazy. I'm guessing it 1/16" out of balance and is breaking up some of my more delicate pieces by the thump/thump... I tried slowing the rpm down to below 900 rpm but the wheel won't expand enough to keep the belts from sliding.

I noticed cracks on the sides of the wheel so perhaps that has created an un-even expansion. 

I'm sure its a function of usage but was curious if anyone that uses these on a regular basis has a read on life span ? Any favorite brands ? I think I got mine from Covington..

Cheers,

Kent 

Title: Re: Expando wheels life span ?
Post by: bobby1 on October 24, 2018, 08:43:15 PM

I get 8 to 10 years of fairly consistent use. If you see any cracking on the webs you probably should toss them. Never buy used ones. Most likely they have been sitting in an uncontrolled environment rotting away.
Bob

Title: Re: Expando wheels life span ?
Post by: lithicbeads on October 25, 2018, 08:56:13 AM

About a decade is it.I've had two break in use over the decades and one broke my hand. Yours sounds like it is going fast.

Title: Re: Expando wheels life span ?
Post by: kent on October 25, 2018, 09:17:57 AM

I just checked my records. Purchased from Covington four years ago.

What speed do you all run you expando wheels ?

On occasion a sanding belt will be too loose to stay put so I shim the belt with a couple of pieces of wet and dry sand paper

Title: Re: Expando wheels life span ?
Post by: bobby1 on October 25, 2018, 10:26:06 AM

I like to run mine slower so the wheel is softer and works better. They run at about 1450 rpm. Once in a while, a belt will be a bit loose, though.
Bob

Title: Re: Expando wheels life span ?
Post by: lithicbeads on October 25, 2018, 10:31:26 AM

I have always run mine at the standard speed but agree with  the above advice that they work better at slower speeds.I just did not have enough machines to dedicate one to the slower speed.

Title: Re: Expando wheels life span ?
Post by: 55fossil on October 25, 2018, 10:52:59 AM

   Slipping belts???  There are two very similar sized belts for expand wheels and the old aluminum two piece wheels. I have seen people fight this issue many times because they appear to be the same size.

Title: Re: Expando wheels life span ?
Post by: PhilNM on October 25, 2018, 01:28:34 PM

if it's cracking, it's time for a replacement. 4 years? Might ask covington if it's warrantied but I seriously doubt it.