[DLawrence]

It looks like I am drifting toward getting rid of the sheet metal hinged cover that protects belt/motor /pully area. I wonder how many people have dispensed with it.

A sheet metal guard about 2.5 inch high could be formed following nthe curve of the pullys, to keep hair and random fingers out , while still allowing pully changes..

The safety switch could be modified to operate on the spindle lock. I know a PDB would solve the whole issue....,,haha

Dave

[popspipes]

It looks like I am drifting toward getting rid of the sheet metal hinged cover that protects belt/motor /pully area. I wonder how many people have dispensed with it.

A sheet metal guard about 2.5 inch high could be formed following nthe curve of the pullys, to keep hair and random fingers out , while still allowing pully changes..

The safety switch could be modified to operate on the spindle lock. I know a PDB would solve the whole issue....,,haha

Dave

As you say, a PDB will solve that problem, they are a real time saver!

[Don Clement]

It looks like I am drifting toward getting rid of the sheet metal hinged cover that protects belt/motor /pully area. I know a PDB would solve the whole issue

It sure does!

Don Clement

[pickled]

I will admit that the thought crossed my mind once, but I find that the door does a pretty good job at keeping foreign material out of that area. If you are blasting with high pressure air or coolant you might want to keep it on. In the end though it is your set of circumstances so just do what you gotta do. It pops off REAL easy and if you have a brake and a cut off disc you will have your alternative solution prepared in no time.

[GLCarlson]

It looks like I am drifting toward getting rid of the sheet metal hinged cover that protects belt/motor /pully area. I wonder how many people have dispensed with it.

Dave

Buy a PDB if tool changes are the problem. Or build one. Multiple good designs around, including Scott M's LOD.

With regard to pulling to door, that appears to be fairly uncommon based on pictures here and elsewhere.

Shops are inherently dangerous places; every time I'm tempted to remove or modify something that has a safety function, I ask myself if this is a common-sense device or a safe-to-the-point-of-stupid (ie, OSHA) device. An easy way to tell is to look at older designs. Belt and motor housings have been standard for many decades. This one covers moving parts that are mostly at eye-level. A much shorter belt guard might be as good. Or maybe not- Tormach is still spending the money for the sheet metal, and they are very cost-aware.

Your shop, your rules. For what it's worth, this is a mod I wouldn't make.

[Gilmax]

Keep it on and live with the minor hassle or just buy the PDB. If your at the point where your considering removing it to save time and hassle it only makes sense to buy the PDB. Besides, it just wont look nearly as nice