Square Wheel idler roller cover

R

RickW

Joined
Nov 5, 2005
Messages
167
I recently got a used Wilton Square Wheel grinder. I was VERY happy to get it; it had been on my bucket list of tools for years.It is in pretty good shape, and has the standard platen with two rollers.
The upper roller (1 1/2" dia. X 2" long) needed bearings, but I couldn't get the old ones out. They're in a blind hole, and I couldn't figure out a way to pull them. So I made a new roller, using some aluminum tubing I got on ebay, and some heat-shrink tubing from McMaster-Carr for a cover. The tubing I got has a hot-melt adhesive as well to help hold it on. However, the roller gets hot, and the tubing slips, throwing the tracking off.
I need recommendations on what to use for the roller cover. Has anyone made their own idler rollers, and if so, what did you use for the roller cover?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Rick W
 
I used weatherstrip cement to glue rubber to my 4x36 contact wheel.
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Cut your joint at an angle. Leave a couple extra inches for final adjustments.
Just glue the starting edge first, let dry.
Spread glue and wrap rubber tightly, clamp. Don't glue the final edge yet.
After the glue is cured, carefully cut the final edge to tightly meet your starting edge, then glue this down.
Use the belt sander to clean off dried glue, smooth, and add a textured surface.
 
why not buy a new wheel?i have a replacement from Stephen Bader inc that works pretty well
 
Thanks for all the responses. I appreciate the info!
The reason I didn't buy a new replacement roller is that they're $199.00.I figured I could make one for a lot less than that.
Piony Knife, thanks for the suggestion of Stephen Bader. I wasn't aware of his website. I'll look around there some more.
Kbright, thanks for the info about using the rubber sheet. That's probably the way I'll go.
Rick W
 
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