I understand that Gene Howe modified his Ridgid OSS to lengthen the spindle. I am hoping that he, or someone else, can provide information such that I can update my machine. The part Gene had machined screws into the standard spindle to extend the length by 2 inches, enabling the use of standard 6 inch drums. The extension requires LH threads. Can someone spec this thread, or even better identify a shop that has made one?

Gerry 

Gerry, the machinist that made my extensions is no longer in business. 

Model number??

Welcome to The Patriot Woodworker @Gerry. Great to have you here. Sorry I can't offer up any help or suggestions for your request.

Hope you keep this thread alive on this journey as well other projects you have going. Great group of folks here.

Welcome aboard Gerry, glad to have you here.  Good luck with the search.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to welcome me to your forum. 

Lew, the model number of the Ridgid OSS/belt sander is EB44241 (photo below)

 

Gene, I'm not surprised that the machinist who made your extension is no longer in business. I hope he is enjoying his retirement as I suspect many of those are reading this post.  I began making sawdust 15 years ago when I retired.

 

Back to my problem. I have a drawing of the part I want to have made, but I'm missing a critical specification. I attached a photo of the machine's spindle, which is familiar to those who own a Ridgid OSS.  It's actually the shaft of the motor, so obviously fixed in place. The plan is to add a 2" long 1/2" diameter rod that has internal threads to screw on the existing spindle and on the other end threads that match those in the photo. The sanding drums are held in place by a knob and washers. The threads are left handed which makes it difficult to identify. I can't simply take the knob to a hardware store and look for a bolt that fits. So, does anyone who owns this machine know how to specify the threads? Or, can anyone suggest how I can find out. I would like to send the drawing to machinists to find someone willing to make the part, but need this spec to do that.

 

Again, thanks for your help.

I'm sure you've done all the Google searches. I only found one hit that asked this question and it got no replies.

 

Here's a thought- call the closest Vo-Tech school near you, ask to speak to the Machine Shop instructor. One of his kids could measure the threads. He might even be able to make one but that may take a while to work it into his lesson plans.

 

Another idea, maybe someone like this could measure/make the part- https://www.kennettmachinetechnologies.com/

Thanks Lee. I will give Kennett… a call tomorrow.  That company sounds perfect for my needs and is about 20 minutes drive from my house. I’ll let the forum know how I make out. Anyone using this OSS for bandsaw boxes might want to consider the mod.

10 minutes ago, Gerry said:

Thanks Lee. I will give Kennett… a call tomorrow.  That company sounds perfect for my needs and is about 20 minutes drive from my house. I’ll let the forum know how I make out. Anyone using this OSS for bandsaw boxes might want to consider the mod.

No problem! Glad to have another "PA person" here!

Thanks for the pictures and additional clarification @Gerry. Years ago, LH threads were specified the same as RH threads, eg diameter/ pitch, 1/4x28 UNF, 5/16x20 UNC, etc. The only difference in specs for left hand, would be the addition of the LH designation. Very common back in the day to have axle spindles both LH and RH. Pretty sure I have some of those taps, dies and thread chasers for those pigeon holed away.

 

If you have or access to one a thread pitch gage (LIKE THIS)you can easily determine the pitch; calipers will give you the diameter. I'm wondering though if this might have a metric thread versus SAE. Hopefully some proprietary thread. A good machinist can easily replicate the external LH threads but finding a LH internal metric tap might be the challenge.

 

Anyways looking forward to seeing the story. I'm betting you  (& Gene) aren't the only ones out there wanting this adaption.

Edited February 7, 20241 yr by Grandpadave52

 

 

I can think of two approaches.  The easier is to measure the diameter of the threaded shaft, and then count the threads per inch [and if you have a decimal thd/in, try the same thing using metric length].  Once you have the tpi and diameter, get a coupling (shown), and a threaded rod (eg, all-thread) in the length you need.  [If the coupling is too wide due to hex shape, chuck into your drill press and simply grind it round with a file.] The second way is to disassemble the unit, pull the motor, see who makes it and/or the frame number, and get a replacement motor with a longer shaft; the second method IS more challenging.

Quick update.  I visited the machine shop that Lew suggested and the owner, Jason, was interested in making the spindle extension. He is currently working out of his garage which is crowded with numerous CNC equipment. I will pass along the price he is charging  when I receive his quote. Anyone interested in modifying their Ridgid OSS/belt sander or wants more information about the modification, please let me know. He is offering to make more than one piece to spread the cost of setup. 

 

After adding 1 1/2" to the effective spindle length, I will need to purchase 6" rubber sanding drums and sleeves.  I found this company online: https://www.supergrit.com/tblproduct_rolldrumsleeve_dsspindle.html.   Has anyone had experience purchasing from them or can recommend someone else?

 

GrandpaDave and Pete, thanks for taking the time to offer your advice. Much appreciated.

 

I bet there is someone right here that works with a metal lathe. I won't mention his name for he might not want

any business but he has made me some things and is capable of that task..

 

I also have the Rigid but went a different direction for I added the Grizzly 9" oscillating drum sander floor model .

You might aught to consider the 1 x 42" disk-belt sander for I use it more than any other machine in my shop except the scroll saw.

smallpatch

53 minutes ago, Gerry said:

Quick update.  I visited the machine shop that Lew suggested and the owner, Jason, was interested in making the spindle extension. He is currently working out of his garage which is crowded with numerous CNC equipment. I will pass along the price he is charging  when I receive his quote. Anyone interested in modifying their Ridgid OSS/belt sander or wants more information about the modification, please let me know. He is offering to make more than one piece to spread the cost of setup. 

 

After adding 1 1/2" to the effective spindle length, I will need to purchase 6" rubber sanding drums and sleeves.  I found this company online: https://www.supergrit.com/tblproduct_rolldrumsleeve_dsspindle.html.   Has anyone had experience purchasing from them or can recommend someone else?

 

GrandpaDave and Pete, thanks for taking the time to offer your advice. Much appreciated.

 

Can't speak to Supergrit's spindle drums, but other products I've purchased have been good quality including sleeves. Reputable company that has been around for a while.

1 hour ago, Gerry said:

Has anyone had experience purchasing from them or can recommend someone else?

They are about 20 miles from me. Their business is only a stone's throw from Gettysburg. Purchase almost all my sanding stuff from them. Great folks, good prices, awesome selection.

Good to hear, Lew.

Spellchecker wants to call you Lee. Sorry I missed the mistaken correction previously.

30 minutes ago, Gerry said:

Good to hear, Lew.

Spellchecker wants to call you Lee. Sorry I missed the mistaken correction previously.

Believe me, I've been called worse 

I now have the quote to machine an extension to the spindle on my Ridgid spindle/belt sander, as well as the thread spec. This modification would enable the mounting of 6" long drums. Unfortunately the price I was quoted was a bit over $100, because I'm buying only 1.  He quoted a $75 price if there was interest in 1-2 more. If anyone uses this OSS to make bandsaw boxes, you may be interested in this modification. Let me know. 

 

I don't have the capability of creating a 3D CAD drawing to send out to other machine shops for quotes.  If anyone is willing to help a fellow woodworker and has that capability and spare time, I can provide a 2D drawing.  It's a 1/4" rod 2" long with 5/16-24 LH external threads on one end and same LH internal threads on the other.

@4DThinker may be able to help with the CAD

1 hour ago, Gerry said:

 It's a 1/4" rod 2" long with 5/16-24 LH external threads on one end and same LH internal threads on the other.

Gerry, is the shaft diameter correct? Not possible to have larger external/ internal diameter than rod diameter unless perhaps it's a stepped shaft.