It's been a while since I posted an update on this project so I figured I'd do that today.
This project has definitely become more difficult than it was initially planned to be. I got the steel frame added to the shredder and started running material through it for what seems like the 11th time. It was going well until the chain driven gear started spinning. As it turns out, the torque on the end of the shaft was so high that the gear literally spun a 1" thick steel shaft in half. I guess that's what happens when you use low carbon steel axles.
I made a few design revisions to make the part of the axle that spun off thicker. I also upgraded to high strength chromium steel. After milling it was sent to be induction hardened so nothing will break this time. I got the shredder going and after a few adjustments it is now able to shred desktop hard drives! The crazy part is that the whole gearbox and motor assembly is mounted to a 1/2" thick steel plate and I'm pretty sure I saw the plate flex upward.
I tried one of those thicker server hard drives and ended up busting a key. Today I get to find a current meter so that when the shredder binds up it will reverse instead of busting a key. The other thing that needs to be added is a plate to go in between the cutting blades to stop material from wrapping around the blades.
I would definitely say that this project is in the homestretch! Just a few little parts to add and I can start working on the next one.
Bookmarks