Motor shaft length - To cut or not to cut

[gyrotron]

Hello Guys,

I would like to know if it is a common practice to cut the motor shaft. My initial thought is that the length comes from factory therefore if I cut it the motor's warranty will be void. If the manufacturer designed the shaft to a certain length, then it should be left as is. On the other hand if cutting motor shafts is a common practice then what max length should it be? What is the criteria for selecting "a" or "b" length?

Thank you!

[srislash]

I have cut a few of mine where needed.When I have I cut where a thrust bearing and the collet installed leaves too much gap for the spacer(or none) which is handy.Mind you I have only had to do this for my twins which can be tight for flex alignment.
So what motor/application are we speaking?

[stadiumyamaha]

You may need to cut the shaft in order do a direct replacement of many rtr motors.
I've needed to on geicos when using a leopard motor because there isn't enough clearance between the collet and the stuffing tube even with the motor mount in the farthest back position.

[Doug Smock]

If you decide to cut the motor shaft make certain that you take precautions (tape etc.) to keep the metal debris out of the motor.

[gyrotron]

If you decide to cut the motor shaft make certain that you take precautions (tape etc.) to keep the metal debris out of the motor.

Guys,

Please take a look at the final layout before rails get glued. To me I don't see any harm on leaving the motor shaft unmodified to stock length but at this point I am looking at it still with untrained eyes. Will it be ok to leave it like it is now?

Thank you

[BHChieftain]

I have had to cut shafts on about half of my setups, just to get stuff to fit. They actually cut easity with a cutting wheel on a dremmel tool, like it was said you should put the motor in a plastic baggie and tape it up well as debris will ruin the motor as it sticks to the magnets. Then use a grinding bit to make a new flat spot (less is more...).

On your setup, I'd just try it without cutting-- if you are not seeing any vibrations then you should be fine.

If you wanted to use a thrust bearing on your motor you would have to cut it back.

Chief

[Doug Smock]

Guys,

Please take a look at the final layout before rails get glued. To me I don't see any harm on leaving the motor shaft unmodified to stock length but at this point I am looking at it still with untrained eyes. Will it be ok to leave it like it is now?

Thank you

Personally I'd cut it back a bit just to make it look better.
You could certainly leave it as Chief said.

[gyrotron]

Personally I'd cut it back a bit just to make it look better.
You could certainly leave it as Chief said.

If you were to cut it how much would you cut?

[Doug Smock]

It's hard to tell looking at the pic. I'd cut it back just far enough that the motor mounting screws won't interfere with you getting a wrench on the collet.

[gyrotron]

It's hard to tell looking at the pic. I'd cut it back just far enough that the motor mounting screws won't interfere with you getting a wrench on the collet.

Ok, I got the reference for cutting I needed. I will be runing it first with the motor shaft's length the way it's shown on the picture. I'll keep an eye/ear for out of the ordinary vibrations when the maiden run comes along. Thank you.