Progress continues.
Looks like I might need to approach a local machine shop to fabricate a few custom shafts for me. Anyone know if I have any off-the-shelf options?
What do you need?
I’m thinking an aluminum shaft, 10-12cm long, threaded at one end to clamp onto the rotor and a set screw at the other to clamp onto the motor. The free end of the shaft is supported by a bearing. This is the basic concept. I will generate a dimensioned drawing when I’m ready to have it produced. Here’s a smaller version to give you the general idea. That one is used for single stage ducted fans: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/_4863__Shaft_for_EDF_OR003_00113_7B_8mm.html
I’m open to other ideas for coupling the rotor to a shaft and coupling the shaft to the motor.
Tap and die sets are inexpensive. Harbor Freight is one source. Aluminum would be easy to work. If you need something more rigid, a drill blank might be a good bet. That would be a little tougher to work though.
A press on coupler (w screws optional) would allow standard rods… 6mm. You can get split clamps that clamp on either side of bearing
You could replace the shaft in the motor for a longer one too. Harder but fairly common.
I’ve drilled undersized holes in the end of rods and pressed them onto motor shafts. Large required.
Lathes are awesome.
Brook
Thanks, I like the coupler and clamp idea. I ordered some shaft couplers that will couple from the motor shaft (3mm) to the rotor shaft (5mm). It’s all coming together.
So, instead of using threads and a nut to clamp the red 3D printed rotor to the shaft by friction; I’m thinking of using one of the hubs from a jaw coupling with matching holes in the rotor. I can get a 5mm to 5mm jaw coupler (2 hubs) for ~10$ CAD.
Sweet! Good plan. Best of luck!