Washers on Sprockets
 

Hello, I was just wondering whether this was a good idea. What could we use as an alternative?

Lets just say, our students were inspired last night.

Re: Washers on Sprockets
 

Why not manufacture some sort of spacer? This year, we made a spacer out of delrin to accomplish that function.

Re: Washers on Sprockets
 

FIRST Team 708 has traditionally made spacers from 1/2" and 1" delrin rod. They have proved extremely durable and are very easy to machine.

Re: Washers on Sprockets
 

Spacers like this are a good option. They can be made very nicely with a few hole saws and a drill press.

I wish we used more spacers like that, but we have always used a standoff on each bolt. We bought 80+ this year from mcmaster.

Re: Washers on Sprockets
 

We're thinking of using metal spacers instead. What difference would it make?

Re: Washers on Sprockets
 

I'd use 2 extra nuts before I use a stack of washers like that...

Re: Washers on Sprockets
 

If the washers tighten up and stay flat then you should be fine. We've stacked a washer or two as a spacer before and never had any problem.

Making a small metal, plastic or even wood spacer is the "right" way to do it, but they all function the same way.

Re: Washers on Sprockets
 

The only reason why I'm concerned is that last year our bolts sheared out of our wheels and snapped.

Re: Washers on Sprockets
 

hey guys
we typically use various sizes of these types. they are so cheap, its almost not worth making your own.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#spacers-and-standoffs/=b0e7kk

sorry the link isnt perfect,but they're nylon and come in many lengths for almost any bolt size. item #94639A506

Re: Washers on Sprockets
 

you can buy nylon spacers at places like Lowes, Home Depot, Ace hardware, etc.

Re: Washers on Sprockets
 

This page shows how we set up the plactraction wheels and sprockets.
http://wiki.team1640.com/index.php?t...VI_Drive_Train

Re: Washers on Sprockets
 

a spacer would be best. measure out some low profile nuts (or normal nuts if you need alot of spacing) and thread them onto the wheel then attach the sprocket. The washers are a really bad idea! the sprocket may go all over the place and knock the chain off!

so use either nuts or turn down some spacers out of PVC

Re: Washers on Sprockets
 

Spin the wheel without chain attached to it. If the sprocket doesn't wobble, you're fine. in other words, if the sprocket is perfectly parallel to the wheel, you're fine.

If it does wobble, then consider shaved off washers as shims, or use spacers as suggested above.

Re: Washers on Sprockets
 

Looking at the pictures, it looks like they might be springs, not washers....