CTR Magnetic Encoder in a Mini Toughbox

We tested one of the CTR SRX Magnetic Encoders in the off season and loved it. I needed to machine the shaft on the Tough Box Mini, by cutting off the 1/4" dia shaft and drilling and reaming the end of the shaft to the correct depth. Of course the old shafts were one piece of steel. So we got the new gearboxes for this season and I noticed the ends of the shafts are magnets, so I thought that’s great I won’t have to machine them. Now when we went to assemble them I looked in more detail and discovered the magnet is too long. Its also either pressed or glued in and won’t just pull out.

So my question is. Can I just machine off the end of the magnet, which is what I’m going to try anyway. I thought magnets didn’t necessarily like to be machined. Or do I need to drill and ream and install the magnet from the encoder kit?

You can certainly use the magnet on the output shaft without cutting it. If you have access to a 3D printer, this mount can be made that the encoder can screw into and it should hold it at the right distance from the magnet.

This will solve your problem: http://www.andymark.com/product-p/am-3565.htm :slight_smile: