Talk:Bulldozer Geardown

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sprocket options

laser cut

i think it might be interesting and worthwhile to see if a laser cut sprocket mounted on a QD bushing would be functional for a short period. might need like a grinding process to bevel the teeth. seems like it will need to be explored as a long term goal anyway. --Dorkmo (talk) 05:17, 11 June 2013 (CEST)

for example. laser cut a sprocket like this and mount it on a store bought bushing.

Spur gears

I didn't see anything on the wiki about the pros/cons of cutting our own spur gears. The advantage of this would be a reduced size of the module. I don't have any resources on the stress calculations involved in that operation. I assume off-the-shelf roller chain and sprockets would be stronger than spur gears that we make ourselves, but I am only assuming. Basic process:

  • Make an involute cutting tool on a lathe
    • Need a button cutter for this
  • Mount the cutter on a vertical mill and use a dividing head index while cutting the teeth.
  • Harden

A single tooth cutter would be easier to make than a multi-tooth cutter but it might not last for all 8(?) gears needing to be cut.
default.jpg Video showing a homemade cutter being made.
Spur gears could be completely encased in oil.

Again, I want to know why we can't/shouldn't do it this way.
Aidan Williamson (talk) 17:51, 31 March 2014 (CEST)


Minimum teeth count for a spur gear should be 12; maximum ratio of a pair is 1:5. (source). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bml2pK6Ra0 Spur Gear Design Video. Aidan Williamson (talk) 18:25, 31 March 2014 (CEST)