reface contact wheel

[allan lanigan]

How would anyone out there reface a contact wheel, I have a lathe but have not had much luck machineing rubber, any help would be apprecated..

 

[Mike Hull]

A machinist once told me that he would wet the piece, put it in the freezer for a couple of hours, and then machined it. He said it made a world of difference from room temperature, go figure. I have not tried this myself.
I would definately make light cuts though.

 

[rfrink]

Allan,

I use a tool post grinder with a sanding drum mounted in the spindle. Use a very coarse abrasive. Spin the wheel slow and use your carriage feed.

A dust collector is needed! Other wise it is very messy.

Good Luck,
Rob

 

[allan lanigan]

Thanks Mike and Rob, Mike i tried the freezing method and did not get the results i was looking for. Rob i will try your method as i know you have the knowledge and experience, and thanks for sharing.