Mechanical Brake Caliper Concept

[toystory_4wd]

We've tossed around ideas for mechanical brake calipers, specifically using an ACME-thread screw from a C-clamp for actuation. One of the problems with this is that I haven't found nuts with such a thread, and I don't want to just cut a chunk out of a cast iron clamp for this.

Yesterday, I was tripping through a woodworker's supply catalog, and I believe I found my answer in the form of a hardware kit for folks wishing to make thier own wood clamps. Here is a pic of the hardware, and of my preliminary sketch and notes.

When I have time,
HAHAHAHAHAHA. Sorry. When I have time, I'm going to build one to see what it can do. Comments, suggestions, ideas are welcome. Oh yeah. I'm also toying with the idea of using a ratchet handle as the actuating arm to make the brake self-adjust. Cheers! Chris
EDIT- For some reason, importing these pics they dropped in size to the point that you can't read the text. AArgh. Ask what you need to know.

[Kaptain Krunch]

I'll make a video later of the mechanical screw type caliper i have. I also have some clamps like that, there all metal rather than wood, but same concept. Those screws are fine-ish thread, and take a decent amount of turns to close up, not sure how well they will work. I can show you them in the video too.

[toystory_4wd]

Bring it on... And thanks!

[gcarter95]

Yesterday, I was tripping through a woodworker's supply catalog.......


Gotta love Lee Valley! :thumbsup:

[toystory_4wd]

Gotta love Lee Valley! :thumbsup:

You betcha!!!:thumbsup: And good eye!

[Kaptain Krunch]

http://s523.photobucket.com/albums/w355/houdinky/?action=view&current=brakecaliper.flv

[toystory_4wd]

Thanks, Kaptain! Those are some pretty steep threads, aren't they. That would make for a lot of pad travel with little arm movement. I think the clamp threads have the ability to produce more clamping pressure with less effort, but what will the required travel be like. Maybe something geared? I dunno.