Construction of A Powered Eight-Rat Treadmill

Keith G. Benedict
Instructor of Engineering
University of Southern Indiana

Week 1

The first set of photographs show some of the purchased parts (motor, speed reducer, bearings, etc.) that will be used, as well as some of the pieces cut from bar stock.

The rollers that will drive the conveyor belt are to be made from 2-1/2" Schedule 40 pipe, with end pieces made from 3" cold-rolled steel. The end pieces are machined to fit into the pipe, where they are welded in place. After welding, the whole unit will be machined to size to ensure concentricity and smooth running. Unfortunately, the overall length of the finished rollers are longer than can be turned on my lathe, so they will be farmed out to another shop.

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