GtDoot wrote:Does anyone Know how to get the idler wheel off the floating spindle on my 1218 so it can be cleaned or replace. It has a small indentation that makes a thumping noise as it turns on the motor drive shaft. Also any ideas on where to get a replacement. I understand they can be soaked in soapy water to get them back in shape.
There should be a circlip somewhere to release it. Don't replace it. Keep two things in mind:
a) it is an *idler* wheel - meaning that diameter is not critical as long as there is sufficient bearing that it does not slip.
b) the indentation can be removed by shaving the entire wheel past the point of the deepest part of the indentation. The wheel is typically made of a hard rubber that is also hardened yet more with age.
So, here is the process - which can be done in-situ if you are careful:
1. Obtain a small coarse flat-faced jeweler's file and with it, the platter removed and the motor running, force the wheel against the motor pulley to file down the idler wheel. Sandpaper on a popsicle-stick and yet more care is also possible.
2. With a sharp-pointed object such as a darning needle, stiletto-type blade or similar, carve a slight grooved into the outer rim of the idler. At this point, your idler should be round and the outer face should be slightly concave. You may have removed as much as 2mm in total. Not a great deal.
3. Obtain an O-ring of about the same thickness as the idler wheel. Slightly smaller or the same, try not to go larger. It should be roughly the same diameter, but again slightly smaller, as the present idler size. Slip it over the idler so it rests in the groove to make sure it is the right fit and will give you the friction you need. When you are good,
4. Use a bit of contact-cement cut 2:1 naptha-to-glue on a Q-tip to dampen **ONLY** the outer edge of the idler. Slip on the O-ring. Allow to cure for 2 hours.
The O-ring will be considerably softer than the wheel, but only a small part of it. And it will be neoprene, so wear extremely well.
Been there, done that. Both on-and-off the machine. Off the machine goes better if one has a small lathe. But even chucking the wheel onto a hand-drill allows it to be turned down smooth and round.
Clean as you go, of course!
Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA
by GtDoot » 22 Jun 2012 00:36 
