Workers Of Wood

Hey; an actual woodworking problem!
My planer started making baaad noises, so I obviously stopped using it. I went through the whole m/c, cleaned and lubed everything...then went back to the drive belt side as I noticed that the big nut on the end of the cutter shaft, that locks down the drive pulley, was loose. I should have started there when I noticed it...
I took the belt off and found that the hub of the big drive pulley was worn away and really sloppy...maybe 1/16" or less of play side to side.
The problem is although the pulley moves a bit on the shaft, I can't pull it off. I'm assuming the shaft key has jammed the pulley somehow?
I'm thinking maybe cut the pulley in half with a multi tool???
This vid shows exactly what the drive pulley situation is...but mine will not just pull off.

To be pedantic, its not a "woodworking problem" its a mechanical problem
"The "correct" way to remove it would be to use a two or three claw gear extractor. the quick and dirty way is to cut it off.
Decisions, decisions.

sunnybob wrote: ↑Tue Sep 17, 2024 7:38 pm To be pedantic, its not a "woodworking problem" its a mechanical problem
"The "correct" way to remove it would be to use a two or three claw gear extractor. the quick and dirty way is to cut it off.
Decisions, decisions.

I stand corrected, Bob; but the Forum category had a lot of leeway...

"General Tools Discussion
Tools, Reviews, how to use, show it off, new purchase, hand tools, power tools, new technologies, routing/bits, jigs/templates, etc... "
I tried my gear puller but there's not enough clearance on the backside of the pulley to slip the claws in there.
I'm hoping someone has a hack for that kind of situation. I think the gear puller technique might work if I could get on the backside of the pulley.
I've ordered the new pulley.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/296524481502?_ ... OSwYB9meUa~

The mind boggles!
You'd think that someone going to all the trouble of taking these pics would have realized they'd need to show the keyway on the shaft?!
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/365107224686?_s ... R6Dk_u_AZA
In any case, nice to know i can get a replacement at a pretty decent price.
What I really need is the plastic shroud that covers the belt drive parts... mine was damaged by the heat from the friction of the wobbling pulley

If you have a small propane torch (fountain pen sized) you could try heating the pulley around the hole to see if you can enlarge it a bit, but if there are more delicate parts nearby that might not be a good method.
If you use a dremel wheel make sure you cover all of the surrounding parts because a fine layer of ali dust does wonders for other bearing surfaces

DaninVan wrote: ↑Wed Sep 18, 2024 2:31 pm I think the gear puller technique might work if I could get on the backside of the pulley.

Go to the belt groove of the pulley....
Use one of these instead of claws...
It's called a bearing puller, not a gear puller....
. .
The whole deal in use...
.

Cutting the pulley in half might be trickier than it sounds. One last option is to drill holes on either side of the hub and thread them. Then dill some matching oversize holes in a piece of steel plate at least 1/4" thick. Put a socket between the shaft and steel plate and tighten bolts through it to the pulley. It's a homemade puller similar to ones for removing the harmonic balancer or steering wheel on a car. Or buy a steering wheel puller set.

Cherryville Chuck wrote: ↑Fri Sep 20, 2024 12:54 pm Or buy a steering wheel puller set.

All of our auto parts stores down here will sell you a top of the line specialty tool. Bring it back to them and get a 100% refund.
I would think it wouldn't be much to rent what Dan needs...

Thanks, guys! All great suggestions!!
I got it off yesterday, by fairly gently forcing the pulley forward with a couple of screwdrivers jammed in behind, while simultaneously forcing the key backwards by hitting it with a very small thin screwdriver & hammer. Apparently the key had almost welded itself into the pulley's keyway.
Having both pieces in my hand , and looking at the shaft keyway, this has to be a monumental example of crap engineering; designed to fail, IMHO.
Your input is much appreciated.

Cherryville Chuck wrote: ↑Fri Sep 20, 2024 12:54 pm Cutting the pulley in half might be trickier than it sounds. One last option is to drill holes on either side of the hub and thread them. Then dill some matching oversize holes in a piece of steel plate at least 1/4" thick. Put a socket between the shaft and steel plate and tighten bolts through it to the pulley. It's a homemade puller similar to ones for removing the harmonic balancer or steering wheel on a car. Or buy a steering wheel puller set.

That was going to be my next step...but I thought I'd give it one more try before abandoning the 'brute force' technique.
Successfully as it turned out; I just had to refocus on the jammed key rather than the pulley.

Plan "D"....
.

How does a tuning fork help?

DaninVan wrote: ↑Sun Sep 22, 2024 1:19 pm How does a tuning fork help? ;)