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Help with this clutch (TrayTop lathe)

I found a patent number on the clutch inside the Cincinnati TrayTop lathe -- patent number 1753085. If anyone has the time, take a look at the patent. The following link may get you there:

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If that doesn't work, try this link, and type in the patent number:

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You'll need to follow the links to download a TIFF viewer if you don't already have one -- it didn't take long even over dialup.

Here's my question. I now see how to adjust my clutch (mine is slightly different, but the adjusting mechanism is essentially the same), but I still don't understand how the clutch is supposed to "lock" in the engaged position. Surely the lever that slides the engagement mechanism isn't supposed to keep applying pressure--is it? I would think that would make for rapid wear, plus there doesn't seem to be anything in the linkage that would make for some sort of lock.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Andy

Reply to
Andrew H. Wakefield
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Read the patent..

Tom

Reply to
Tom

Unfortunately I've not managed to get the images to load even after installing the plugin so I've not managed to get a look at it.

It's definitely supposed to snap over center in some way though the method used varies.

Wayne Cook Shamrock, TX

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Reply to
Wayne Cook

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Tom, I did read it, carefully, and I couldn't find any mention of how the clutch locked into position. Did I miss something?

Reply to
Andrew H. Wakefield

If you get a chance to look at the pictures, I would sure appreciate any input -- I can't see how it snaps into place, based on the design as described in the patent.

Reply to
Andrew H. Wakefield

Ok. Finally got the patent images to come up. Adjustment is pretty simple and explained in the text if you can wade through it. Turning ring #26 in the patent the direction of the dotted arrow on page two tightens the clutch. Going the other way loosens the clutch. It's being held by spring wires #40 on the grooves on the outside of ring #26.

Wayne Cook Shamrock, TX

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Reply to
Wayne Cook

Further, I see nothing in this that gives an over-center motion, so I propose you look at the linkage that slides the collar for this. Maybe the clutch has been overtightened so that the handle does not reach the over-center part of its action? Does it feel like the handle is hitting a hard stop or does it just keep engaging the clutch harder? Since the adjustment is different for both directions, see if one direction will engage and the other not, this might tell you more on where to look.

Also, it's possible that as the mechanism wears in a little from being unused that the disk packs will free up/deglaze/whatever and the clutch will work a little more correctly. All conjecture of course, and not worth anything more than what you paid for it...

--Glenn Lyford

Reply to
glyford

Based on what I can tell from the patent there's not really a over center motion. I think it's based more on the fact that if you get up over the first curve of the actuating arm there's a straight section and in that position friction would hold it. I must say that this is one of the more unusual clutches I've ever seen.

That's my personal opinion on the real problem.

Wayne Cook Shamrock, TX

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Reply to
Wayne Cook

An alternative is to get a pdf copy of the patent from .

Joe Gwinn

Reply to
Joseph Gwinn

Hmm, I wondered if that might be the case. I didn't get a chance to try adjusting the clutch today. Hopefully if I adjust it out a bit there will be some sort of locking mechanism.

Understood -- but I do appreciate the advice and conjecture you all are sharing!

Incidentally, I did make new sight glasses today -- I mounted some 1/4" plexiglass on my wood lathe and turned out some stepped disks. I made one part just a snap fit into the holes, and then left a lip so it wouldn't go too far in. I put them in using RTV. Once I finish cleaning things out, we'll see how they hold ...

Andy

Reply to
Andrew H. Wakefield

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