Shoebox part

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wyshadow

wyshadow

Member
May 11, 2015
1,723
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Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
Does anyone know where I can buy this part?

1598207173_19729999615f42b4c5027c22.10127316.jpeg


1598207190_3384255555f42b4d65fa3b9.90583444.jpeg


I tried looking on McMaster Carr but couldn't find this part. I might have to try making this part but would rather buy it if I can.
 
The large piece is called the “connecting rod” and its production has been discontinued by the manufacturer. The bushings at either end are replaceable separately and can be purchased through McMaster Carr.


Is the bushing worn all the way through and into the connecting rod? If the wear is minor and to one edge, it may still hold new bushings snugly... otherwise if you can’t find a forum member with a spare connecting rod to sell, you may be forced to fabricate one.




 
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Does anyone know where I can buy this part?

1598207173_19729999615f42b4c5027c22.10127316.jpeg


1598207190_3384255555f42b4d65fa3b9.90583444.jpeg


I tried looking on McMaster Carr but couldn't find this part. I might have to try making this part but would rather buy it if I can.
Click to expand...

I had a similar problem with my Shoebox. That exact same bushing was wearing prematurely. The problem wasn’t the connecting rod or the bushing. The crankshaft was actually bad. The pin on the crankshaft that the bushing on the connecting rod rides on was welded so it was not parallel with the main crankshaft rod. As the crankshaft rotated, it was creating an eccentric motion with the connecting rod and bushing causing the bushing to wear. The connecting rod would actually work it’s way off the crankshaft pin while the Shoebox was running. I ended up purchasing a new crankshaft and it fixed the problem.
 
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A followup of my shoebox. I was able to purchase and install the connecting rod from eBay. I also ordered the parts needed to make one on my own from McMaster Carr.

The one from eBay is well made but is not an exact fit.

Resized_20200902_223433.1599191867.jpeg


I had to shave off several layers of one corner so it didn't hit the bleed screw on the shoebox.

Resized_20200902_223501.1599191899.jpeg


I also had to shave off half of the this plastic nut on the first stag piston so the arm could rotate all the way around.

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As you can hopefully see, the one from eBay is a few mm shorter then the one I made, and the one I made is the exact length.

Resized_20200902_223630.1599192106.jpeg


The eBay connecting rod is well made and the ends have roller bearings to reduce friction. Great design but just wished the length was correct.

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Because of the Ebay connecting rod is a little short, it makes the shoebox even slower to fill your tank. What would normally take me 5 hours to fill my tank from 1500 psi to 4500 psi, it took me 8 hours to fill from 1800 psi to 4100 psi but at least my tank is filled. What I think is wrong are the pistons are not getting the full stroke of air. Just wishing this virus would go away so I could order me a new compressor. I have the money for an AireTex Compressor but Bruce doesn't know when he will have any in stock. I'll just have to limp along with my shoebox
 
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Thanks for the update. I almost ordered one but that being a part relatively easy to build, I finally decided not to buy. I am glad I did not.
Click to expand...

I you decide to order parts from McMaster, I would recommend ordering the .257" ID bushing and not .25" ID bushing. The .257" fit perfect while the .25" are too tight.
 
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