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Post by Rockoonz on Mar 16, 2011 20:27:56 GMT -5
Very slick design, I would probably use aluminum to extend it's life expectancy.
Lee
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rocksnot
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2011
Posts: 7
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Post by rocksnot on Apr 10, 2011 17:42:28 GMT -5
Please do tell where you got such heavy (thick n dense) plastic lumber! I tried home depot and menards. both sell crap that is too thin and not dense enough. Tried to build one and it did not last very long at all. The screws were starting to elongate the holes after only 3 cuts. low density and only 1" thick just were not enough. The pic looks like maybe 1 1/2" thick? Fab idea I have the hardware (and now a supply of standard plastic deck board LOL)
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Post by parfive on Apr 11, 2011 15:45:52 GMT -5
These blocks were just offcuts picked up on a job years ago, so I can’t give you a supplier. It is dense material and the threads have held up fine – four years now, and counting.
It’s not as good as Delrin*, but probably similar to HDPE, high density polyethylene. If you have a plastics distributor nearby, a couple of scrap pieces should be cheap.
I wouldn’t hesitate to use a couple of blocks of maple either. You can cut threads in a fine-grained hardwood no problem. One other tip – don’t use short screws like ½" or 3/8” which would be more prone to tear-out. I use 1” screws.
Rich
* Great stuff. I used Delrin to make more ¾” to 1” bushings for the cabbing machine.
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bushmanbilly
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2008
Posts: 4,719
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Post by bushmanbilly on Apr 11, 2011 17:57:36 GMT -5
Thanks Rich, have to make one. Already have some scrap Maple and ready rod in my shop. Very nice.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Apr 11, 2011 21:36:51 GMT -5
I bought a piece of 2x2 composite deck lumber (Trex or ChoiceDek) at either Home Depot or Lowes. It works fine. I didn't tap the holes, but used self-tapping 1" or 1.5" aluminum screws so that if I cut them they wouldn't damage the blade. I've already shaved the heads off of them with the saw. It really works well for getting those last few slabs off when the rock is too thin for the vise.
Chuck
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herchenx
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2012
Posts: 3,360
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Post by herchenx on Mar 14, 2012 15:29:45 GMT -5
Thanks for bumping this - great idea!
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chromenut
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2009
Posts: 1,971
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Post by chromenut on Mar 14, 2012 21:13:12 GMT -5
Now THAT is a brilliant idea! I've been trying to figure out a way to mount one on my saw and you just answered my prayers! Great idea!
I think I'm going to model some aluminum blocks on this, drill and tap threads into multiple openings, then I can use a narrower piece for top and bottom, will fit my 10" better that way. Great stuff!
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Post by jakesrocks on Mar 14, 2012 21:36:38 GMT -5
Check any shop that installs Corian counter tops. They'll have off cuts that they'll probably give to you. Corian can be drilled, tapped and machined just like metal. Yuo may have to glue a couple layers together to get the thickness you want, so buy a small bottle of the special Corian glue.
Another good material if you can find it would be Phenolic.
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vwfence
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2013
Posts: 557
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Post by vwfence on Nov 3, 2015 12:00:14 GMT -5
This is way late on this post , but if you can find a contractor that builds decks they probably have drop offs from building decks and railings that they will probably give you of the different composite materials
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