Attaching a rod to wood

[ajh88]

Totally new to woodworking and I've got a little toy / contraption in mind. Two pieces of wood with some gearing inbetween ... I'm wondering how to attach a gear shaft to the wood housing? Ideally i'd like to put an end cap on each side, like a connecting screw. The gear shaft will also need to be pretty firmly in place (need a mechanical solution rather than an adhesive).

Thanks for the help!

Here's a side view
gearq.jpg

[stevesfr]

Totally new to woodworking and I've got a little toy / contraption in mind. Two pieces of wood with some gearing inbetween ... I'm wondering how to attach a gear shaft to the wood housing? Ideally i'd like to put an end cap on each side, like a connecting screw. The gear shaft will also need to be pretty firmly in place (need a mechanical solution rather than an adhesive).

Thanks for the help!

Here's a side view
gearq.jpg

First thread each end of the metal rod. Second install appropriate threaded inserts in each wood housing. The first end of the rod will "screw" into one insert, after the "gears" are placed on the rod, screw the second wood housing onto the rod. Of course, you only have one shot in getting the distance between wood housings perfect. You didn't mention of the metal rod had to be free or stationary?
HTH

[Hermit]

Can you just drill a hole part-way through on each side for the ends of the shaft to sit into?

gearq.jpg

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

1. Is the cog free to rotate on the shaft?

or

2. Do the ends of the shaft need to rotate in the timber frame? (ie. the answer to 1 is 'no.')

If the answer to 1. is yes, then I'd simply tap both ends of the shaft, fit a nut/washer on the end, insert the ends into the holes in the frame and then add a second nut/washer to lock it into place. This is pretty similar to Stevesfr's suggestion, except with nuts on the inside as well you can fit multiple shafts and still be able to 'adjust' the lengths so the sides of the frames stay truly parallel.

IMHO it'd also be worthwhile adding bushes to the shaft on each side of the cog, to hold it central.

[crowie]

I'd encourage a bearing in the blind hole for the shaft...something like these..
1/4" Nickel Shelf Sleeves/Grommets | WidgetCo®

[crowie]

OPPS - Forgot to welcome "ajh" to the form....

G'Day & Welcome "to the Great South Land" & to a top forum "ajh".
There are quite a few members from the USA on the forum as well as across the rest of the world..
You'll find a heap of helpful & knowledgeable blokes & ladies on the forum and for most very willing to assist.
Make sure you show off your handiwork as everyone loves a photo, especially WIP photos with build notes.
Enjoy the forum.
Enjoy your woodwork.
Cheers from On Top DownUnder, crowie

PS - Thanks for doing your first post in the toymaking & scale modelling section.....great mob of blokes & ladies....