Need help finding rack supplier in UK

[Smiler]

Hi everyone.

I'm trying to get the parts together to build a Solsylva 4X2 CNC router. The plans call for rack and pinion drive which I would prefer to use. I have run into a brick wall trying to locate any in the UK at anything like a reasonable price.

Does anyone in the UK know of a supplier that won't break the bank (i.e. RS comp) or does anyone know of a US supplier willing to ship to the UK (McMaster's will not).

Desparately want to get going but keep hitting obstacle after obstacle, even Xylotex, whom I was going to get my steppers etc from no longer ship to the EU.

Thanks for any leads.

Regards, Jeff.

[Al_The_Man]

I am not sure what the UK prices are like, but have you checked out Misumi World Wide?
They show an address in Milton-Keynes.
Al.

[DMIOM]

Originally Posted by Smiler ........... does anyone know of a US supplier willing to ship to the UK (McMaster's will not)........

Jeff - can't help with a UK supplier, but one possibility is to get yourself a US address - Parcel2Go (DHL) offer a service for a nominal fee where you effectively get a US address, so your supplier doesn't have to ship outside of the contiguous US, and when it arrives, Parcel2Go bring it to Britain for you. http://www.parcel2go.com/mail-forwarding-service.html

(I've no connection with P2G/DHL - just satisfied customer)

Also, may be worth having a look at the supplier thread(s) or ask the same question in the 'Europe / UK clubhouse' section.

cheers / Dave

[Richster]

No ideas on the rack/pinion sourcing I'm afraid - I hadn't spotted that David had released some further plans, but that will doubtless end up being my next marathon project!

If you need ideas on any other aspects pls let me know - I might be able to offer some UK insights

Good luck...

[gandalf1]

Could you use roller chain and sprockets? Not sure about linear accuracy but over 4 feet the motor steps should be easy to work out and then the step per inch for the motor settings.
John

[edmond]

Marchant Dice sell rack and pinions check the link below they are based in the UK

http://www.worldofcnc.com/main.asp?c...ack+%26+Pinion

good luck

[Smiler]

Thanks to you all for the excellent suggestions. Parcels2go have moved all their customers to BorderHQ and that looks like a real possibility.

Prices here in the UK are double or more compared to almost any other country even after shipping and import duty.

I'm at a loss to explain why rack is so scarce over here, I used to buy it in hundereds of metres at a time off the shelf with prices nothing like they are now and not so long ago either. Ondrives, one of the largest mech component suppliers in the UK only supply rack to export customers.

Anyway, thanks for the suggestions, and Richster for the offer of advice which I am sure I will need in abundance.

regards, to all, Jeff.

[Richster]

Yes, I had a look at some prices on that website - ouch! Rip-off England strikes again...

[Smiler]

Just an update.....

I registered with BorderHQ, got my shiny new USA address and re-submitted my order with McMaster-Carr. They sussed out I was not a US resident and declined the order again. Damn, my quest for the Holy Rack of Solsylva is not at an end.

Upside is SWMBO is now cruising all the US shopping sites and making a big list of things to buy therefore keeping her out of my hair and scoring me brownie points at the same time. Result!

Regards, Jeff

[gandalf1]

Hi Jeff,
Not sure where in UK you are but Huco in Hertford sell racks and pinions in a variety of materials with racks both rectangular and circular Xsection. I bought some 12x3 trapezoidal thread from them and found they had the best price hoever Marchant Dice were the cheapest for bronze nuts. I sacrificed a small piece of thread to make a tap that I cut nylon nuts with for 'free' though. You can see their range at http://www.huco.com/products.asp?p=true&cat=275
Which hopefully will work as I copied it from my address bar.
John (not far from Peterborough)

[Smiler]

Cheers John,

I'm on the Isle of Arran, west coast of Scotland just to add to the difficulties in aquiring gear

Thanks for the link to Huco, I'll drop them an email and see if they can help.

Regards, Jeff.

[gandalf1]

Jeff,
I spoke to a very nice yopung lady called Helen Wicks who was most helpful when I explained what I wanted and what I was doing. Phone number below.
Huco Dynatork
Direct Dial 01992 514616
She helped the sorting out of postage which for 2 metre lengths of spindle came via GPO parcel rather than courier as it was cheaper but being a retired 'geriatric' maybe she took pity on me. I seem to remember a £10 minimum order though but I am guessing your needs are much bigger than my computer workstation sized machine (toy size really). I'll follow your progress with interest.
John.