Crank Key Stock

[MAXLLY]

I had my crank keyed for everything attached to the crank snout.

FYI: It's all metric stuff and I usually deal in inches/feet, well i used to until i started this build.

Anyway, sometimes metric stuff doesn't grow on trees. So 5mm x 5mm x 12" key stock cost $2.00 at Grainger, part # 5UA27.

On another note, if you decide to key everything attached, the snout is stepped. IIRC the front/end is .030 smaller than the back where the gears mount. So the keyway has to be stepped or mill the key stock to account for the diameter change (this would require 6 x key stock).

Hope this helps somebody.

 

[duratothemax]

Pictures please!!!

and any other specs/info Id need to tell a machine shop so they can understand what exactly to do?

 

[MAXLLY]

Pictures please!!!

and any other specs/info Id need to tell a machine shop so they can understand what exactly to do?

I'll get pictures up Friday.

More verbage though. There are 2 ways to cut/jig the key way (no brainer for a machinist). 1st is set it up in a crank jig (may be another name). 2nd is to just set it up square and rotate the crank plumb and square with the key way and the journals. In the 2nd example it actually takes much longer to set up than actually make the cut. I took mine to an old timer and he said " I don't need no stinking jig" he appeared slightly insulted that i inquired how he was going to get it "right with the world"

Lastly, take the crank, balancer, gear and bolt to the machine shop so they they have all the parts that mount to the keyway.

Other than the pictures it's a no brainer for them.

 

[JOHNBOY]

Sounds like what I did. I steped my key. It is 5mm key stock.

You can see the step in this pic look at this. http://www.mcratracing.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1317&d=1197215847 You can see the step.

I milled the key myself in a good old Bridgeport mill. I used a standard 8" Kurt vise to hold the snot. I supported the other end with a V block on a jack screw. No real need for fixture. Pretty straight forward.