Center-line jig for TQ/jackshaft alignment

[rockman96]

When I was setting up the distances for adding a torque converter on the go kart I am currently building, I had an idea for setting up the shaft centerlines...

I used a 1" and a 3/4" collar, and fit/welded the 1" collar to one end of a piece of flat stock. I then set up my centerline (8-5/8" in my case) and cut, fit, and welded the 3/4" collar to the other end of the flat stock. This allowed me to hold the exact needed centerline of the engine shaft and the jackshaft while I got measurements, and fitted and welded the jackshaft supports in place.

The tool was a real time saver, and helped me keep everything aligned and in tolerance (which is hard to do with just two hands and a welding hood). Anyway, just thought I'd share, and I hope it can help someone else out.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/DaveH2/Go Kart/CL_Locator_zpsf0001112.jpg

 

[rmm727]

Cool idea

 

[OzFab]

Thanks for sharing

 

[machinist@large]

Cool idea

As a center line jig, it's one of those down and dirty hacks that we love here at DYI Go Karts. And while keeping the shaft CL's in relationship is important, it's just part of the bigger issue of keeping the whole assembly in the correct relationship.

If you have further thoughts on that, we'll be all ear's; that's been a background issue here it would be great to be able to put out as a plan for beginners.....

 

[rockman96]

while keeping the shaft CL's in relationship is important, it's just part of the bigger issue of keeping the whole assembly in the correct relationship.

If you have further thoughts on that, we'll be all ear's; that's been a background issue here it would be great to be able to put out as a plan for beginners.....

Well, it's a LOT harder to line things up without the jig, especially with only two hands. But as you pointed out, the jig in itself will not assure squareness. The only way to do this that I know of is to constantly measure and eyeball the assembly while you're fitting and welding things up. I'm not talking two or three times, I mean constantly... Every part shift, every tack weld, etc. The axle (reference point), measuring device, and your eye are key to squareness.

That said, it's hard to put that into a procedure. A good eye for perspective is a learned skill.

 

[machinist@large]

Well, it's a LOT harder to line things up without the jig, especially with only two hands. But as you pointed out, the jig in itself will not assure squareness. The only way to do this that I know of is to constantly measure and eyeball the assembly while you're fitting and welding things up. I'm not talking two or three times, I mean constantly... Every part shift, every tack weld, etc. The axle (reference point), measuring device, and your eye are key to squareness.

That said, it's hard to put that into a procedure. A good eye for perspective is a learned skill.

As a machinist/machine builder, I agree with you. But you can see why it would be great to have that "go karts for idiots" manual around here....

 

[qtband]

I'm going to do the same thing on my snowmobile engine transfer. Correct distances are critical in this situation and something like this will make life easy!

 

[jslider]

If you used a turn buckle set up in center could adjust to different lengths, that might be cool

 

[rockman96]

That would be easy enough to do... Cut the flat stock in two, and weld a fine thread nut on each half. Then use a piece of fine thread all-thread rod and a couple of jam nuts.