Quote:
Originally Posted by Cory
They should. We used 1/2" axles with the ends milled down with a 7/16" hex for our wheel and sprocket to mount to. Haven't had a single problem. We also used 7075 for a series of ~1.5 foot shafts in our conveyor system this year. With 7 shafts at 1.5' ea, we'd have been looking at 10.5 feet of 1/2" steel shaft otherwise.
Using aluminum in certain areas instead of steel is pretty much the only reason we made weight last year.
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Cory, if you don't mind, how did you retain your wheels and sprockets? Did you use an external retaining ring with a washer, did you just tap the end of the aluminum and just use a screw with a washer? I was thinking we might try this method since we have both a 1/2" and a 7/16" hex broach. I know you guys used a key before. What in particular do you like about the hex shaft over the keyway?
I have always thought your team's drivetrain was one of the best 6 wheelers but was surprised to hear that you used 7075 aluminum for the axles. I know your machine took quite a few hits during last years competition and to hear that the axles were only 1/2" 7075 is a bit enlightening.
Oh yeah, are you also using 25 pitch chain?