potentiometer shaft cutting

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rp
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Re: potentiometer shaft cutting

Post by rp »

If it's a push pull pot make sure it isn't pulled out when you cut it. It will be oh so short when you push it back in. Hey, we are all dumb sometimes.
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67plexi
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Re: potentiometer shaft cutting

Post by 67plexi »

Use a Lenox hackmaster hack saw frame and a 32 tooth per inch Lenox blade
set the pot in a metal vise. I use a 2" x 72" belt sander #80 grit belts to polish the ruff saw marks off quite fast and cool. if the shaft gets hot dip the shaft in cold water.
dynaman
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Re: potentiometer shaft cutting

Post by dynaman »

Whoa, instead of screwing around with vices and stuff, why not just mount the pot on a piece of sheet metal or, egads, a chassis? You know, in a hole, the way it was meant to be used. That way, no shavings will find their way into the casing when you cut the shaft.
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martin manning
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Re: potentiometer shaft cutting

Post by martin manning »

dynaman wrote:Whoa, instead of screwing around with vices and stuff, why not just mount the pot on a piece of sheet metal or, egads, a chassis? You know, in a hole, the way it was meant to be used. That way, no shavings will find their way into the casing when you cut the shaft.
Covering the body is a good idea, but it is best to support it by the shaft to avoid transferring forces from working the saw to the bushing or the stops.
Alexo
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Re: potentiometer shaft cutting

Post by Alexo »

+1 for clamping the shaft in a vice, using a hacksaw and finishing it off with a file. Takes maybe 5 or 10 minutes, I can't believe how many other folks have wound up doing this! I thought I was the only one.....
Life is a tale told by an idiot -- full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

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rp
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Re: potentiometer shaft cutting

Post by rp »

dynaman wrote:Whoa, instead of screwing around with vices and stuff, why not just mount the pot on a piece of sheet metal or, egads, a chassis? You know, in a hole, the way it was meant to be used. That way, no shavings will find their way into the casing when you cut the shaft.
The shaft will spin back and forth when you move the saw back and forth. You need to hold the shaft not the pot.
tubeswell
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Re: potentiometer shaft cutting

Post by tubeswell »

Alexo wrote: I thought I was the only one.....
no - we all have the same disease :lol:
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Ken Moon
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Re: potentiometer shaft cutting

Post by Ken Moon »

I've done it because I got an awesome deal on pots with the longer shafts.

Some distributors like REMelectronics have them for less than $1 each, especially in not-as-popular values.
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glasman
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Re: potentiometer shaft cutting

Post by glasman »

A tubing cutter from a plumbing supply works well too.
Located in the St Croix River Valley- Afton, MN
About 5 miles south of I-94
aka K0GWA, K0 Glas Werks Amplification

www.glaswerks.com
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M Fowler
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Re: potentiometer shaft cutting

Post by M Fowler »

A tubing cutter from a plumbing supply works well too
I agree with you Gary see my above post. :)
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glasman
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Re: potentiometer shaft cutting

Post by glasman »

M Fowler wrote:
A tubing cutter from a plumbing supply works well too
I agree with you Gary see my above post. :)
sorry bout that .. I quickly skimmed the responses and dove in head first, eyes closed :)
Located in the St Croix River Valley- Afton, MN
About 5 miles south of I-94
aka K0GWA, K0 Glas Werks Amplification

www.glaswerks.com
raiken
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Re: potentiometer shaft cutting

Post by raiken »

I use the Dremel tool with a cutting wheel. Fast and easy.

RA
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