Below are some first pics of a simple banding wheel project based on pipe nipples, flanges and a ball bearing. This is not meant to replace high quality market banding wheels, but it does work.
At the right of the picture sits a one inch pipe nipple with flange. It just fits inside the 1 1/4 pipe next to it.
Here is a shot of how they fit together. The bottom flange can be attached to a work surface or even some kind of heavy stand to stabalize it. The top flange can then hold a wheel head of some kind.
What is needed is a way for the smaller pipe to spin freely within the larger. This 1 1/8 inch ball bearing makes a great pivot point. The pipe just captures the bearing. The curved surface of the bearing centers the pivot point exactly in the center of the pipe. Below you can see better.
Because the bearing will be spinning under the smaller pipe, the surface it turns on needs to be hard as well. Another aid would be some kind of lubricant to help things along. I have tried to figure out possible solutions to this problem. This is my first attempt. In this picture the flange and pipe screwed to the bench top has been removed. The bottle cap would sit on the work surface, centered in the larger pipe and a quantity of 3 in 1 oil will lightly lubricate things. Even without the cap, the pipe spins quite freely on this hard linoleum table top.
I think the key ingredient for the surface on which the bearing spins is quite obvious in this picture. Don't try to use a cheap national brand. It won't work.
Posts
Hey, Tay, them's some fine lookin' fittings you got there.
ReplyDeleteI think the best, most suitable, elegant, trouble-free, simple, cheap, appropriate (get the theme here?) surface for that bad steel marble to ride on would be... (ready???) another steel marble.
It'd be awesum if you could get the marbles to roll around instead of being clinched into the nipple, but still...
(How much would an actual banding wheel have cost?)
(Ever think of using an old Victerrola?)
Peace and love,
Maurice
I thought of that Maurice. The problem with another rounded surface is significant. Because of the play in the pipes, the ball bearing on top wouldn't want to stay centered atop the other but rather slid off center, down, and bind the pipes. Try it with two marbles.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I might just try it with three properly sized bearings that fit snug inside the larger flange, thanks.
t
vince is an overbearing ass
ReplyDeleteyou can get a dc motor and an electronic controller from wwgrainger and you can get a foot peddle from the same mfg that makes them for commercially built wheels. there is noting magic about it and it will make your banding wheel perfect
Hey Taylor, use some heavy lithium grease, it will work wonders over 3 in 1 oil. I've started using on the kick wheel. Man, is it great, seems to actually float the mechanism so there is little or no direct contact. Your 3 in 1 oil may go sulk in a corner though.
ReplyDeleteWhere does one procure the 1.125 bearing? Please.
ReplyDeleteWhere does one procure the 1.125" ball bearing? Please.
ReplyDeleteMany shops that fix large industrial motors should have old worn ball bearings about. You might ask for some. They should be good enough for this type of project.
ReplyDeleteI live in North America and Purvis Bearings is a bearing supplier that sells in my area. A salesman gave me an old one laying around the office. I bought a pack of smaller ball bearings (3) for just a few dollars.
Happy hunting