[Yaesu] FT-901 loading shaft repair help

[Dr. Gerald N. Johnson]

I've not beein that deep into a FT901, so I don't know what is there. I 
would presume something like a straight shaft with a shaft coupler. 
Might be 6mm, might be 6.35 mm (1/4"). I think McMaster-Carr carries 
metric fiberglass rod, I know they have 1/4" actually in several 
insulating materials. www.mcmaster.com They take plastic, but like to 
think they are selling to a company.

If only 1/4" insulated shaft is available, its only about .014" fatter 
than 6mm and it won't take long spinning the shaft with a drill motor 
and some fine sandpaper to bring it down to 6mm. Fiberglass epoxy also 
shapes nicely with a metal file.

I'm guessin that at the capacitor end there some sort of coupling, 
probably simply a plated brass sleeve with pin through the fiberglass 
and set screw for the capacitor shaft. If its not easily recovered from 
the old shaft, I'm sure McMaster has a new one with two setscrews in 
1/4" and that's close enough to 6mm. Dan's Small Parts and Kits may also 
have that coupling as well as Mouser Electronics.

If you have a lathe handy to turn it down, bicycle flag mast or garden 
fiberglass posts, usually about 3/8" diameter are an easy to find raw 
material. And common in farm stores and big box stores with a garden 
department.

Gerald J.

On 6/17/2012 10:25 PM, larry wrote:
> I am trying to locate a replacement loading shaft for this radio. Anyone
> know where I can order a sufficient replacement shaft? Repairing for a
> friend. It is busted completely off  due to a solid hit to the knob during
> transport (fairly common, I think). Prefer to keep it non-metallic if
> possible. Ideas or sources anyone? Thanks...
>
> Larry
> N1MIW
>
>