Canadian price lists...

[johnny v]

I'm finding it very difficult to get local (Toronto) quotes on cnc parts. For example, I have been trying to price out some of the PBC "Integrated rail" systems so I can make an informed decision when buying. The retailer replied to my first quote request (see below), but since then the other two quotes I emailed about have gone unanswered (other PBC "integral rail" extrusions). I thought since we all do so much research, we could pool some info about prices and suppliers in Canada. Here's my first findings while trying to price out tulsa turbos shopdroid designs:

NoSleep Studio ...

PBC rail IVTAAG is 11 cents per mm
PBC rail IVTAABAR is 66 cents per mm (IVTABAAR would make a great instant router gantry assembly, but is expensive)

If you have priced commonly sought after cnc stuff (v-bearings, aluminum extrusions...whatever was difficult to get a price on)...please post it here. Or if you found a great local supplier, for ???, That would be great too...Here's one: Solway Metals in Toronto is the cheapest of the metal supply stores and you can wander the indoor scrapyard...I have bought extrusions there cheap (by the pound, scrap price)!

Thanks very much

[ZincBoy]

I actually purchased a kit from NoSleep Studio to put a plasma system together but got distracted by moving house

I purchased the PBC linear rails from Motion Industries Canada (Motion Industries - Keeping Industry in Motion) and they were helpful with quotes and I was able to pick up from their warehouse. I don't have the prices handy, but you should be able to get a quote from them.

The V bearings I purchased from Ball Bearings:Miniature bearings:Ceramic Bearings:Bearing since they ship to Canada.

Like you, I have found it hard to locate suppliers in Canada and have switched to using a cross border warehouse for a US address and just picking the stuff up from there. This depends on how close you are to the US border

[johnny v]

I am close enough to go cross border. I've heard about using a cross border warehouse, how did you go about doing that? How was customs on the way back? I'll probably order from VXB, but I heard they really get you on shipping.

Thanks for the leads Zincboy

[ZincBoy]

I am close enough to go cross border. I've heard about using a cross border warehouse, how did you go about doing that? How was customs on the way back? I'll probably order from VXB, but I heard they really get you on shipping.

I use CBI (CBI USA | US Mailbox Rental & US Shipping Address Services) and you just have your packages shipped to their address with your name on the label. You then drive over and pay $5.95 for each package (unless it is oversize). You don't need to prearrange anything with them and I usually wait until I have a few things to pick up.

They will not notify you that your package has arrived, so make sure to use a shipping service with tracking.

Customs is not too much of a problem. I always take my invoices and receipts (printed out from on-line orders) and declare what I have at the border. Since I am a hobbyist, I make sure to state that it is non-commercial. 95% of the time you will need to go in and pay tax on the purchase. I have not had to pay duty on anything so far.

Be prepared for some tough questions about why you are bringing back servo motors and ball screws for a hobby I just stick to my answer that I am a hobbyist and I don't sell or make money from any of these things. If you are doing this on a commercial basis, then a brokerage would be recommended.

[johnny v]

Checked out CBI, GENIUS! I feel a bit foolish, but I had no idea such a business existed. So I CAN order 80/20 extrusions from their garage sale ebay store after all. COOL!

Thanks