Any metal machinists want to experiment?

[Stan]

I have a quandry that I'm trying to find a solution for. I have one of the Ridgid EB44240 Oscillinging Spindle/Belt sanders that has had a problem since the day I bought it (was bought for $50 as a display clearance).

What I would like to do is have 2 'extensions' made for the spindle shank so that I can use 6" or 9" drums in place of the 4-1/2" drums that come with the sander.

Does anyone have the capability to make an extension such as this? Basically just a same sized shank as the existing spindle, with reverse threads (female on one end, male on the other) that could be 'added' to the existing shank to use the longer drums.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Jim Boyd]

I ain't that good. Yet!

[Tom Slick]

if you come up with a sketch with measurements I might be able to help you.

[Stan]

if you come up with a sketch with measurements I might be able to help you.

Will put together something tomorrow morning.

Thanks!

[sacherjj]

I haven't looked below the table of my Ridgid OSS, but I would think that you might want to before doubling the moment arm that the mechanism has to support. It could cause premature wear and/or break something below the table.

[Stan]

I haven't looked below the table of my Ridgid OSS, but I would think that you might want to before doubling the moment arm that the mechanism has to support. It could cause premature wear and/or break something below the table.

No problems there, then I'd have an excuse to get the larger Grizzly OSS.

[Stan]

if you come up with a sketch with measurements I might be able to help you.

Ok, got the specs. Here's what I found.

Shank is 1/2" stock.
Thread is 5/16-18 (left hand thread)
Exposed thread on the end of the existing shank is .855".

Thanks much.

[Tom Slick]

sorry to get you excited but I don't have any way to make LH thread currently.

[Stan]

sorry to get you excited but I don't have any way to make LH thread currently.

Oh well, worth a shot.

[Stytooner]

That left hand threading is what was holding me back as well. Also the small size. I could probably manage the male end of the threaded shaft easy enough, but the other end? Not that good.
I have pulled the two motors off the first two sanders that I let the smoke out of. It is certainly a special motor. The shaft you see sticking out of the top is indeed the sander motor shaft. No pulleys. The bottom of the motor has the actuator that makes the shaft oscilate through the motor itself.
If you already have some 9" drums, it would be fairly easy to set it up on a dedicated machine with standard carrier bearings and a spare motor.

[Stan]

That left hand threading is what was holding me back as well. Also the small size. I could probably manage the male end of the threaded shaft easy enough, but the other end? Not that good.
I have pulled the two motors off the first two sanders that I let the smoke out of. It is certainly a special motor. The shaft you see sticking out of the top is indeed the sander motor shaft. No pulleys. The bottom of the motor has the actuator that makes the shaft oscilate through the motor itself.
If you already have some 9" drums, it would be fairly easy to set it up on a dedicated machine with standard carrier bearings and a spare motor.

I would still need some means of lengthening the shaft though correct? Not sure I understand how this setup would work. (But then, I haven't had my first cup of coffee yet either).