1 Jul
2014
1 Jul
'14
1:08 p.m.
I wasn't expecting such an enthusiastic response, thanks everyone!
Right now, I'm focused on getting the RL02s back in proper working
order. Both drives have worn spindle ground brushes (the little
graphite conical things under the spindle) and I'm looking around for
replacements.
Graphite is neat in that it's a conductive, self-lubricating
material. There are a few places that will manufacture custom graphite
parts that I'm looking into, but it will likely need to be a bulk order
to make it economically effective (and it may st ill be obscene).
Why not make some yourself? I would think you could modify carbon brushes
from a motor (which come in verylasrge sizes, if you
need it). Graphite
is very easy to shape -- I would think you could do it by
clamping the
workpiece in the chuck of an electric drill and useing a file to shape
it (if you don't have a lateh).
I doubt that the grade of graphite, whetehr it has metal particles in it,
etc is critical i nthis applciation.
An alternative material is brass. That part is affordable in small
quantities ($30ish for 1). It's still significantly softer than steel,
but friction and galling could be a problem.
I wouldn;t sue brass. It is not self-lubricating, it is goign to casue
wear. Incidentally, as any horoligst will tell you, if you have brass
working on steel (as in a clock where a brass wheel meshes with a steel
pinion) it's often the steel that waars away more quickly.
-tony