My story is remarkably similar to Bernie's.
* Also a hobbyist, so don't do enough to warrant a heavy-duty one.
* Also use it clamped to anything, usually my radial arm saw table.
* Also have a problem with the shaft clamp.
* Also made one from a vise, based on TFlan's plans
Mine is from a big bench vise, so big handle and plenty of pull.
* I have a single big slot, and a metal insert with specific slots
for wood or iron shafts. So I pull straight above the vise screw.
My big (my only) problem with this setup is the shaft clamp. My to-do list
includes rebuilding the clamp so (in order of importance):
(1) It would not slip; that's the big drawback.
(2) Easier to insert a club for pulling.
If I fix just #1, that's a win.
Hope this helps.
DaveT
----- Original Message -----
From: Bernie Baymiller <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Friday, October 11, 2002 1:05 PM
Subject: Re: ShopTalk: shaft pullers
Arnie,
Since I'm a hobbyist and only pull a few heads a week, at most, I don't need
all the power and durability of RK's shaft puller. I had a machinist friend
make me one somewhat like TFlans drill press vise-type puller for about $40
total on a drill press vise about 8" x 9". Only, my puller has two
slots...one for irons and one for woods. These are set on either side of the
main screw...slightly offset from full power, but pull straight out. The
jaws of the vise were removed and the L-shaped piece of stainless with the
two bored shaft holders and also the double-slotted pulling piece simply
used the jaw screw holes, so no tapping was needed. I can probably take a
digital photo if anyone is interested.
Things I like about this puller:
Plenty powerful screw-type. Just lean on the handle and it gets the job
done.
Pulls straight. Never damage a shaft with it. I began my clubmaking using a
crowbar and it wasn't bad, but I don't do enough to get really good with it
and would bend a tip every now and then....which is why I went to this
puller.
Heavy enough, durable enough and torch-proof. Don't have to oil it.
I can put it on any surface and clamp it down. (Haven't built my shop yet
and usually clamp it to the radial arm saw table.)
A bargain price.
Things I don't like about this puller:
Wing nuts to tighten down the shaft clamp. Have to tighten with pliers to
clamp solidly.
Handle a little small, but OK.
I've been using this puller for 3 years and am very happy with it. May never
need another one, but have to get new wing nuts pretty soon.
Bernie
Writeto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
----- Original Message -----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Friday, October 11, 2002 12:02 PM
Subject: ShopTalk: shaft pullers
Interesting thread. How about some input as to what you believe to be the
most "wanted" features of a shaft puller. What are the most disliked
features? Please be generous in your comments!
Arnie
