Thread: New Aussie Build

Hello Alan

I was just talking to a mate with a CNC business business, we were talking about swarf and recycling it, he mentioned that the scap dealer he uses price for steel has gone from $440.00 per ton for bar, plate scrap to $70.00 per ton.

It would be interesting to know if Capral reduces the price of Aluminum, he was saying the global downturn affected metal as well.

One thing I have realised with Capral is it is better to order the size you want rather than go through their offcuts, the reason is they don't give a discount off the square meter price for off-cuts, so if you get a bigger piece than you need to allow for cutting you pay top dollar for the waste, whereas if you order the size you need, you don't, they only need 1-2 days to cut to size - in my experience.

If you PM me I'll give you a number that you can quote for their " trade cash " price, you still need to pay up front but it is the best price.

Ed

Hi Ed,
Yes the scrap prices have gone down as China is using their stockpiles so not buying new scrap. It is a bit early to see a drop in the price of new steel and ally although the stock market has adjusted to the downturn. Fingers crossed.
As you say if you can get off first tier pricing there are big savings to be made. The prices I got quoted for a half sheet of plate varied by 50% so it is worth having a contact in the game.
It's a mugs game when you price goods to what you think the market can stand rather than the cost of production plus a decent profit.

Originally Posted by twistedfuse

Hello All,

Blueray:
The rack and pinion was from TEA transmissions and it was basic spur gear and rack (module 1). It was just over $250 for 2 of 2000mm length, 2x pinions and postage to the doorstep by TNT couriers. I thought it was quite good. I was thinking about getting helical rack and pinion but it was dearer so i would check which type they are offering you.

Daniel

dam a bargain in my books, maby my local was looking at the helical ones?

I needed some 2500mm Length so ill see if they can help thanks for that.

I was originally going to go timing belts but the length is just too long.

Blueray,

Who knows. They might just be profiteering. I know the maximum length through TEA was 4m of continuous rack but it was secial order(I Think) as most are supplied in 2m lengths cut to be interlockable). Look forward to seeing that cnc going with a 2.5m long cutting space.

Daniel

Originally Posted by twistedfuse

Blueray,

Who knows. They might just be profiteering. I know the maximum length through TEA was 4m of continuous rack but it was secial order(I Think) as most are supplied in 2m lengths cut to be interlockable). Look forward to seeing that cnc going with a 2.5m long cutting space.

Daniel

If its interlockable 2m would be fine, its just I want to be able to cut a full 2400,1200 piece of MDF.

Most likely will be months before its done the first one (thread: chris's first build) took me alot longer than I thought but its completed now and im looking to build a proper one now.

My original thought started with belts so it will need to be altered now with the good price of rack and pinions.


BTW still looking to see how yours goes together

Hello Blueray

Don't give up on belts just yet, have a look at the Econobelt site in the US, FYI a T10 16mm wide 5360mm long belt is listed @ US$63.71.

I think Pies here will make one for you but it won't be AU$91.00ish.

Ed

Great News,

Well didn't think i would get much done this month but this weekend i was able to progress a little. I was able to get my s/s cap screws and was able to get some rust prevention, primer and epoxy paint for the channels. Got "she who controls the money" to pick the paint scheme. We have our dog inside the garage after she was de-sexed, so i wasn't able to do any painting this weekend but next weekend i will get around to it before any rust gets going. Then I'll look at mounting the rails and working on drilling and tapping the rack as well. That way i should have the main channels completed before the end of this month awaiting the construction of the main frame next month. Before i go ahead and paint these channels, i am looking at notching the bottom face of the channel on both ends to have the legs at either end bolt directly to the back face of the channel to give the strength as mentioned above. I realised this shouldn't cause any bowing as the 'skin' holds most stresses and this was machined away. Also its only the last 65mm(depending on the leg size.) So next weekend will be interesting as i'll have to do this with a hand hacksaw(Hope this will work), then file it smooth before wire brushing and sanding the steel clean before painting. So all in all there is a bit to do before going on to the next steps. If all works out maybe i can get the framework steel organised before next month and get it welded so i can just paint it and assemble it. But thats all hopes and wishes, but who knows, ive been lucky so far.

Daniel

Originally Posted by appiwood

Hello Blueray

Don't give up on belts just yet, have a look at the Econobelt site in the US, FYI a T10 16mm wide 5360mm long belt is listed @ US$63.71.

I think Pies here will make one for you but it won't be AU$91.00ish.

Ed

They dont stock the 2.5M lengths so I just asked them to order it in. ~ 2 weeks wait.

I wanted to give the racks a try as I have never used a machine with one yet.


BTW ed did you get module 1 or 1.5?

Hello Blueray

Sorry I must have made myself less than plain, I was suggesting toothed belts not rack, I would like to try racks someday but am happy with belts.

Ed

Originally Posted by appiwood

Hello Blueray

Sorry I must have made myself less than plain, I was suggesting toothed belts not rack, I would like to try racks someday but am happy with belts.

Ed

Probbaly just myself getting confused.

Nevermind thou, Module 1 and 1.5 are the sizes of the track.


I'll stop posting in your thread now.

Blueray,

as soon as i get this machine together ill let you know how the rack works out.

In regards to the build. The dogs finally outside, so ill start hacksawing my way through the channel. Might have to look at a cheap jigsaw to save my wrists. lol. But hopefully some photos of the channels painted this week.

Daniel
P.S Greg, did you paint the top where your rails were mounted. How can i preserve the accuracy but still protect it from rusting?

Originally Posted by twistedfuse

Blueray,

as soon as i get this machine together ill let you know how the rack works out.

Ahh I got my users confused.

I just wanted to know did you get module 1 or module 1.5? Its just I have the choice of either as they ordered both. and wanted to know if that is module 1 that you have in the pictures.

EDIT: I should read the thread, Module 1. As said I shouldnt be allowed to post questions

From the specs it looks bigger in the picture.

Hi Daniel,
Have you thought of using an angle grinder and cutting disk for the channel?

Blueray, doesn't worry me, its good to help out. I'm the same sometimes.

Rod, I was thinking the jigsaw/hacksaw over the angle grinder to prevent heating the channel. Im sure it wouldn't make much of a diffeence would it? Sounds like a much better idea. Thanks rod.

Daniel