Mark VII DIY Gear Rack Shield

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n240sxle91
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Mark VII DIY Gear Rack Shield

Post by n240sxle91 »

As JPG pointed out, the Mark VII has an issue where the belt rubs against the gear rack and wears down the teeth. This happens when the belt flutters. I have started to create a shield for the gear rack, and I think it's looking pretty good so far. It's hard to see in the pictures due to the angle, but the belt dose not contact the shield, unless there is flutter.

Because I am still mocking it up, it is currently held on by a clamp. I wanted to get input from others before moving forward. Do you see any potential issues with the shield? Any thoughts at all?

Thanks!
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JPG
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Re: Mark VII DIY Gear Rack Shield

Post by JPG »

Looks acceptable to me. Have you 'looked' at clearance when either sheave is full in(belt riding near rim). i.e. both pulleys when at either slow or fast.
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╟JPG ╢
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Goldie(Bought New SN 377425)/4" jointer/6" beltsander/12" planer/stripsander/bandsaw/powerstation /Scroll saw/Jig saw /Craftsman 10" ras/Craftsman 6" thicknessplaner/ Dayton10"tablesaw(restoredfromneighborstrashpile)/ Mark VII restoration in 'progress'/ 10
E[/size](SN E3779) restoration in progress, a 510 on the back burner and a growing pile of items to be eventually returned to useful life. - aka Red Grange
n240sxle91
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Re: Mark VII DIY Gear Rack Shield

Post by n240sxle91 »

I re-read what I wrote, and it confused me... so I'm going to try again. :)

I checked the clearance of the sheaves with the shield, and there is plenty of room no matter what speed it is set to. So that is not an issue. One concern I have is if the shield will cause the belt to wear more quickly. The shield is smooth and rounded, so if the belt makes contact when it flutters I would think the wear would be minimal. I think the wear would at least be less than the wear it gets hitting the gear rack. Maybe, maybe not. Any thoughts?
hobbies
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Re: Mark VII DIY Gear Rack Shield

Post by hobbies »

GOOD iDEA
n240sxle91
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Re: Mark VII DIY Gear Rack Shield

Post by n240sxle91 »

Thanks!

Now that we have an easy replacement of the belt I'm a lot less worried about it! Now it's all about protecting the gear rack.
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JPG
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Re: Mark VII DIY Gear Rack Shield

Post by JPG »

I am sure that picture of a Mark V speed control with a Mark VII gear protector will confuse more that one observer. :D
╔═══╗
╟JPG ╢
╚═══╝

Goldie(Bought New SN 377425)/4" jointer/6" beltsander/12" planer/stripsander/bandsaw/powerstation /Scroll saw/Jig saw /Craftsman 10" ras/Craftsman 6" thicknessplaner/ Dayton10"tablesaw(restoredfromneighborstrashpile)/ Mark VII restoration in 'progress'/ 10
E[/size](SN E3779) restoration in progress, a 510 on the back burner and a growing pile of items to be eventually returned to useful life. - aka Red Grange
n240sxle91
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Re: Mark VII DIY Gear Rack Shield

Post by n240sxle91 »

Ha ha! Didn't think about that! Maybe I should call my Shopsmith the Mark V"II"!
bill50cal
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Re: Mark VII DIY Gear Rack Shield

Post by bill50cal »

i will add, it needs to be fastened top and bottom as vibration can cause it to fracture
n240sxle91
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Re: Mark VII DIY Gear Rack Shield

Post by n240sxle91 »

Good idea! I'll look into fastening it on the bottom too.
n240sxle91
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Re: Mark VII DIY Gear Rack Shield

Post by n240sxle91 »

I finished up the gear rack shield today. It is now supported at the top, and the bottom. It hugs the gear rack, but does not make contact with it. I used one of the motor pan's screws to secure the bottom, and I drilled two holes in the headstock for screws/nuts to secure the top. The screws will be hidden when the belt cover is on, so from the outside you can't see the guard's screws.
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