Broken Flexshaft didn’t ruin my day!

[IamDave]

This week as I started the carving on the 5^th Red Christmas Truck. Just as it began to carve, I noticed the spindle was not turning with the motor running so I opened the cover just in time to save the bit. The flexshaft connector end at the motor was detached and the motor plastic housing around the retaining screw was broken off. I am guessing the flexshaft was loose and the vibration caused it to break the piece of the retaining housing.

Not really that big of a deal as this was a 20-minute repair. A few drops of medium CA glue for the broken piece of the retaining screw then drilled and tapped a 4mm hole for a new retaining screw. Aligned the flexshaft to a position where it was not in a strain when connected to the Z-Truck and made a reference mark with a Sharpie then applied thick CA glue. I added 2 tie wraps around the flexshaft and frame to prevent further twisting although perhaps it might have been designed to have slack there especially on a full width workpiece. Time will tell for sure.

Reassembled the machine and started the 5^th Red Christmas Truck with no problems and will carve another one tomorrow. The broken shaft didn’t ruin my day or break the bit but I think I will order a new flexshaft to have as a spare.

Happy Carving!
Dave