[Dick Linn]

Joe,

The helical gears are still efficient, although there is a limited contact point between 2 gears when the shafts are perpendicular. They should still more efficient than a worm gear. Just keep them lubricated. And make sure that when the spacer tubes and spring washers are installed, the gear is dead-center with no slop, but it spins easily. Your main concern with friction is that you will draw a lot more power, even if you don't see much reduction in speed. You can pop the breaker during a match or damage the motor from too much heat. Either one is worse than losing a bit of speed.