MillMaster MkII keyway size

[MattSR]

Hi Guys,

In 2011 I purchased a MillMaster MK2 stainless steel mill, which I am now getting around to motorizing. I have seen several posts in here that say that the mill has a 12mm shaft with a 4mm keyway, but when I measure the metal key with a ruler, it seems to be 3mm square.. Am I going mad or are there different versions of the drive shaft?

Cheers,
Matt

 

[vykuza]

Should be 4mm. It also comes with the key steel (which is a nice touch)

Cheers,

Nick

 

[MattSR]

That's the problem - both the included key steel and notch on the mills shaft are 3mm (double checked it) but everywhere I look, it says 4mm h34r:

 

[vykuza]

Strange! I'll measure mine to double check tomorrow.

 

[MattSR]

This gets stranger - the Mill is definitely a Millmaster MK2 stainless steel with ball bearings as described in this thread here --> http://aussiehomebrewer.com/topic/52403-millmaster-price-slash/

However measuring the shaft and keyway with a steel ruler, it appears to have a 1/2" shaft with a 1/8" keyway (which is fairly close to 3mm). It appears that 1/8" keys are the standard size for a 1/2" shaft as well according to this PDF --> http://www.transeals.com.au/catalogues/files/Transeals_Keyway%20chart.pdf

I'll take the mill and the Motion Dynamics motor into the LoveJoy coupler dealer so I can make sure I get the right dia coupler but it does appear to be that I have a Mk2 with a 1/2 inch shaft!

Cheers,
Matt

 

[MattSR]

Well I just pulled the original ad from MashMaster back in 2011 when they still had this mill as a current product and it confirms that it does in fact have a 1/2" shaft..

Linky here --> http://web.archive.org/web/20110106050314/http://www.mashmaster.com/p/563201/millmaster-stainless-steel-grain-mill-.html

 

[Ducatiboy stu]

Prob be a fair bet thatit is a std size shaft & key

 

[MattSR]

Well yeah - that's why I posted the link to the standard key sizes.

The big question is - which standard are we using?

 

[Ducatiboy stu]

The big question is - which standard are we using?

The one it was machined to. :chug:

 

[MattSR]

The one it was machined to. :chug:

LOL good call! :beer:

 

[spog]

Have to agree with Dbs but go with the specifications the mill came with as measuring with a ruler will get you close but not close enough.
Grab a cheapy digital caliper from the hardware shop to check the sizes, rather than relying on a ruler or tape measure.
Cheers...spog...

 

[MattSR]

It is confirmed - its a 1/2" shaft with standard square key (1/8" square). The earlier MillMasters had the 12mm shaft.

Cheers,
Matt

 

[MattSR]

Just to re-confirm it, my LoveJoy L075 coupler arrived today, the 1/2" size fits the MillMaster Mk2 perfectly and the 12mm side fits the 12mm galvanised steel shaft I purchased from Bunnings. All set to move onto the next phase - building the stand!

 

[Spiesy]

Just to re-confirm it, my LoveJoy L075 coupler arrived today, the 1/2" size fits the MillMaster Mk2 perfectly and the 12mm side fits the 12mm galvanised steel shaft I purchased from Bunnings. All set to move onto the next phase - building the stand!

You've got a hole drilled in your shaft for a R-pin, or something similar, yeah?

 

[MattSR]

This is for the connection between the Motion Dynamics gearbox and the 12mm drive shaft yeah? I'm going to drill a 4mm hole and put a high tensile bolt through it. I've also been thinking of ways to attach a magnet and hall effect sensor to the shaft so I can have a fancy RPM readout as well.

 

[Spiesy]

This is for the connection between the Motion Dynamics gearbox and the 12mm drive shaft yeah? I'm going to drill a 4mm hole and put a high tensile bolt through it. I've also been thinking of ways to attach a magnet and hall effect sensor to the shaft so I can have a fancy RPM readout as well.

Prob better with an R-clip. You want to have a relatively weak (and inexpensive) link somewhere. If my mill hits a rock or some foreign matter, the R-clip will snap - not the desk.

 

[MattSR]

Yes - In the mean time I could use an R clip until Motion Dynamics release their current/thermal limiting motor controller.