Need 1/2 in key banebot wheels!

[brobotics5162]

Our team was working on an intake mechanism as of our 30 lbs. All of the wheels we tried were too hard and would either not grip the tote or start to cut the sides, so we decided to bail on the mechanism. It was very apparent at our competition that we would be needing that mechanism at our next event. On some advice from another team I looked into green/orange banebots wheels. However, the gearboxes we currently have are 1/2 in key shafts and I cannot find anywhere online. So I am looking for someone who would be willing to sell us green or orange banebot wheels of any size as long as they are 1/2 in key mount.

[orangemoore]

So you are looking for something like this?

http://banebots.com/pc/WHB-KS4-498/T80P-494BO-KS4


Also if you have a picture of the gearbox we may be able to help you find it from the picture.

[avanboekel]

We ran into the same issue with our intake late in the season. Banebot has nothing in stock and has no urgency in getting more of them in stock. A couple alternatives we found to work:

Hubbed colson wheels from vex pro. Unmodified, they were okay, but cutting/melting grooves in a pattern greatly improved their grippyness.

We ended up using vex versa wheels with a rubber cylinder glued onto the outside of it. I can get more info on it if you want. We were even getting better results than with the banebot wheels.

[brobotics5162]

The vex wheels sound like a viable alternative. What kind of rubber cylinder did you use?

[Toolman]

Some options when you have two sized keys on the same shaft.
option 1- broach the existing pulley/gear to 1/2" if you have a broach.
option 2- order what is called a step key which will have two sizes in one key. (MMC) can usually get it to you within 48 hours or less.
option3- get a 1/2" key and machine the other side to the size you need thus making your own step key.
PS: Are you sure it is a 1/2 inch key this is a very big key for a large shaft usually for much bigger shafting ?

[avanboekel]

The vex wheels sound like a viable alternative. What kind of rubber cylinder did you use?

It was polyurethane tubing we got off of McMaster. I believe we had the ID a bit under the size of the wheel so it kinda compressed onto the wheel a bit. We held it in place with epoxy. You can see them in action in the first video linked on this page. http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=135857

[FrankJ]

I am reading that as 1/2 D shaft with what would generally be a 1/8" key.

You can get a broach & bushing from McMasterCarr, MSC, etc. You really need an arbor press or equivalent to use it though. Broaches are brittle & do not like side loading

[JamesCH95]

VexPro Versa hubs can come with a 1/2in key drive, as do several AndyMark hubs. Either of these hubs will connect to numerous FRC-type wheels that you can cover in whatever tread makes you happiest.