Lapidaryforum.net
Gadgets, Gizmos, and Dohickeys => Fixing, Modifying and Refurbishing your Lapidary Equipment => Topic started by: pburchett on November 17, 2024, 07:20:56 AM
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Contempo Lapidary Saw - Broken Power Feed Drive Dog
I’m in need of urgent help! My Contempo lapidary saw has developed a problem: the feed drive dog has broken.
It doesn’t appear to be made of aluminum, or I would have it welded.
I’ve searched the web for a replacement part, but I haven’t been able to find anything.
Has anyone here dealt with a similar issue or have any suggestions for a fix or workaround? I’m open to any creative solutions to get me back up and running.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance,
Patrick
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Here are some photos of the part I am needing that I stole from the web.
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Here are some photos of the part I am needing that I stole from the web.
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Here are some photos of the part I am needing that I stole from the web.
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Here are some photos of the part I am needing that I stole from the web.
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Here are some photos of the part I am needing that I stole from the web.
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Here are some photos of the part I am needing that I stole from the web.
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is there a reason the threaded section needs to be so long ?
Could you cut the profile out of aluminum stock , say 1/2", and drill and tap the drive hole ?
Would this not still push the carriage ?
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I made one from a coupling nut and a piece of metal welded to it as a temporary fix.
I was afraid the metal on metal would wear my drive screw out so 6 months later I have now finally cast a couple from molten aluminum on the fire pit out back.
They seem to work well.
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If we want it to be optimal, a couple of details to consider... The reason for the relatively long threaded portion in the original part was to improve stability of travel by minimizing pitch and yaw (reducing bending stress on the lead screw).
Another important detail is that the lead screw (movement) thread is different from the fastening thread like the coupling nut you used - lead screw threads are not v-shaped nor isometric. You will still get the linear motion going (if pitch is correct), but it will be prone to problems and premature wear.
Having said all that - you made this work, and that's what matters! Kudos!