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Peter Bertini
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Post subject: Flexible 1/4" control shaft source? Posted: Dec Sat 02, 2017 4:03 am |
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Joined: Jan Thu 01, 1970 1:00 am Posts: 22213 Location: Somers, CT
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Once upon a time you could buy flexible 1/4" shaft material that was comprised of a flexible section with solid 1/4" end shafts; it could be used to navigate small degree offsets; similar to the universal joint couplers but a bit more versatile. Where can you find these today?
Pete
_________________ Just because it can be done doesn't mean it should be done.
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Norm Leal
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Post subject: Re: Flexible 1/4" control shaft source? Posted: Dec Sat 02, 2017 5:05 am |
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Joined: Jan Thu 01, 1970 1:00 am Posts: 30748 Location: Livermore, CA
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Pete
Last time I saw something like that was in a car radio, believe from 1930's.
_________________ Norm
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Leigh
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Post subject: Re: Flexible 1/4" control shaft source? Posted: Dec Sat 02, 2017 5:40 am |
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Joined: Jan Thu 01, 1970 1:00 am Posts: 31285 Location: Maryland 20709, USA
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oldradioparts
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Post subject: Re: Flexible 1/4" control shaft source? Posted: Dec Sat 02, 2017 6:04 am |
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Joined: Jan Thu 01, 1970 1:00 am Posts: 5835 Location: 253 Blanche St. Plymouth, MI USA
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I have the "universal joint" type, not the flexi ones. Those show up in commercial or military stuff it seems. Mark Oppat Antique Audio
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Findm-Keepm
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Post subject: Re: Flexible 1/4" control shaft source? Posted: Dec Sat 02, 2017 6:16 am |
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Joined: Sep Tue 30, 2014 6:08 am Posts: 5949 Location: Norfolk, VA
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We use to use brake cable outer housing - 7mm, without the plastic sheath, will yield just over 6mm diameter. 6.32mm =1/4"Solder or braze the ends where any set screws contact to prevent collapse. Maximum bend radius is about 80 degrees, can't quite make 90. Some universal add-on choke cables will also work - just the housing. Like this (no affiliation..): https://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Brak ... j7&vxp=mtrremove the outer jacket at the ends, cut the inner "spring" to meet your needs, and braze or "hard" solder the ends so the set screws have bite and don't collapse the housing. You can leave the plastic sheath on any part that isn't clamped upon/inserted in the shaft ends.
_________________ Brian "Capacitor Cosmetologist since 1979" USN Retired 1984-2006 (Avionics/Cal)
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Rich56
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Post subject: Re: Flexible 1/4" control shaft source? Posted: Dec Sat 02, 2017 1:17 pm |
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Joined: Jun Tue 07, 2016 12:42 pm Posts: 14 Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, Canada
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I used some of these for a couple of projects years ago. H. H. Smith had 3 and 6 inch ones but they don't show them anymore. There is a used 4" one (manufacturer unknown) currently on Ebay. Search "capacitor 1/4" flexible shaft coupling".
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hbr nut
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Post subject: Re: Flexible 1/4" control shaft source? Posted: Dec Sat 02, 2017 3:46 pm |
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Joined: Jan Sat 12, 2008 12:25 am Posts: 235 Location: Kingwood, Texas
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easyrider8
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Post subject: Re: Flexible 1/4" control shaft source? Posted: Dec Sat 02, 2017 5:27 pm |
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Joined: Jan Thu 01, 1970 1:00 am Posts: 10748 Location: Mpls, Minnesota
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Hobby shops have 1/4 in cable, it is used for boat driveshafts. A weed wacker may also use the same size cable.
Dave
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mrriggs
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Post subject: Re: Flexible 1/4" control shaft source? Posted: Dec Sat 02, 2017 6:51 pm |
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Joined: Jun Mon 01, 2015 7:58 pm Posts: 262 Location: Vancouver, WA
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Peter Bertini
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Post subject: Re: Flexible 1/4" control shaft source? Posted: Dec Sun 03, 2017 12:14 am |
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Joined: Jan Thu 01, 1970 1:00 am Posts: 22213 Location: Somers, CT
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Well, Surplus Sales does have them but brake cable may be worth a shot... I need to finish the mechanical layout to see what lengths are involved and associated radii.
_________________ Just because it can be done doesn't mean it should be done.
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Mr. Detrola
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Post subject: Re: Flexible 1/4" control shaft source? Posted: Dec Sun 03, 2017 5:29 am |
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Joined: Jan Thu 01, 1970 1:00 am Posts: 26915 Location: Detroit, MI USA
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I have done it with something as thin as a speedometer cable for short distances of only a few inches, just sleeve the end of it to fit inside a standard 1/4" shaft coupling. That seemed plenty good enough for applications where there is not a lot of torque needed to activate a switch or control.
_________________ Dennis
Experience is what you gain when the results aren't what you were expecting.
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Clutter
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Post subject: Re: Flexible 1/4" control shaft source? Posted: Dec Sat 09, 2017 1:28 am |
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Joined: Nov Wed 09, 2011 4:07 am Posts: 705 Location: MD-DC 20855
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Peter- please mention a length you need for the flex shaft. They are out there, including in a lot of Ham junk boxes.
BTW the skinny ones with brazed-on 1/4in brass shafts could do 90 degrees or better, as I recall...
In fact, seems to me that a longer one could do a complete 180 degree turn; also they can be made to follow slightly zig zag courses if constrained with strategically-placed clamps. (OK for occasional use tuning, not too good for anything motorized- too much risk of wear/jamming)
If everything is neatly orthogonal, don't overlook plain old right angle drives with bevel gears, they are way more plentiful.
Photos of your mechanical layout would be nice...
David
_________________ Clutter
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Peter Bertini
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Post subject: Re: Flexible 1/4" control shaft source? Posted: Dec Mon 11, 2017 3:37 pm |
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Joined: Jan Thu 01, 1970 1:00 am Posts: 22213 Location: Somers, CT
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Clutter wrote: Peter- please mention a length you need for the flex shaft. They are out there, including in a lot of Ham junk boxes. If everything is neatly orthogonal, don't overlook plain old right angle drives with bevel gears, they are way more plentiful.
Photos of your mechanical layout would be nice...
David Mechanical layout is still in the works. Have you price what right angle Millen bevel gear drives are going for these days? I found three of the springy rod types with 1/4" female ends for a good price, so I grabbed them and I should be all set. I did post a want list in the classifieds for some other odds and ends. Pete
_________________ Just because it can be done doesn't mean it should be done.
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[ 13 posts ] |
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