Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! Hello all, Just wanted to share my experience of getting a quote for parts for the extruder tip shown here: http://www.reprap.org/wiki/Geared_extruder_nozzle Attached is the quote file for different quantities VERY Expensive. I am very grateful for this community to provide me with cheaper parts. I hope we can continue to help each other. Greed usually ruins this cooperation... https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84038#msg-84038 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 01:15:24 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84880#msg-84880 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84880#msg-84880
:) Chris]]> unexpectedly General Thu, 26 May 2011 01:02:29 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84472#msg-84472 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84472#msg-84472
take care]]> owism8 General Sat, 21 May 2011 05:18:48 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84450#msg-84450 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84450#msg-84450
I have the Sherline 4400, the long version.

Keep in mind that it is a light machine and has about a 1/3 horsepower motor. It will work fine with plastic, brass, and aluminum. You can machine steel; but, you need to take very light cuts. I haven't had any luck with steel that is greater than an inch or so in diameter.

At [www.sherline.com], you can see the different packages.

It has a ton of accessories and many of the accessories can be used with the milling machines as well.

I would recommend shopping around and not buying the machine straight from the factory. You can usually save a few percent off of the purchase price that way.

Even though it is a light machine, you can do a lot with it. It just takes more time as you can't take heavy cuts with it. I used it to fix my 10 inch Pratt and Whitney lathe when I got it.

For anything small, it is the machine I usually use.

You can thread on it buy buying a threading package that includes change gears. However, you do not cut the threads under power. Instead, you put a handle on the spindle and crank it by hand. (I have heard of that being done on a big lathe in order to thread up to a shoulder.)

Regards,

Brian




owism8 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hey Brian,
>
> Which Sherline model did you buy, or advise for me
> to purchase for use in this reprap project?
>
> thanks.
>
> reifsnyderb Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------]]> reifsnyderb General Fri, 20 May 2011 22:10:24 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84447#msg-84447 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84447#msg-84447 www.reprap.org]

I want to use kapton tape. Will this increase the life of the tip? I've heard the nichrome is the issue? Anyone have any success with Nichrome? I did get my heater block, but I want to give the nichrome another shot before I try the heater block.

Thanks all.]]> owism8 General Fri, 20 May 2011 21:55:58 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84436#msg-84436 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84436#msg-84436
Which Sherline model did you buy, or advise for me to purchase for use in this reprap project?

thanks.

reifsnyderb Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hello,
>
> The all-in-one machine is for wood. I would avoid
> all-in-one machines of any sort as they always
> have compromises.
>
> The drill press looks ok.
>
> For what you want to do, a metal lathe is
> required. A metal lathe can also be used for
> light milling and as a horizontal drill press, if
> necessary. When my drill press was broken, I used
> one of my lathes as a horizontal drill press and
> it worked pretty well.
>
> Regarding Metal Lathes:
> If weight is a problem, something like the G8688
> (7x12 from Grizzly) would work as it is pretty
> light. There is also quite a lot of information
> and upgrades available for them. My only concern
> would be the electronics. I am a fan of the
> "KISS" principle.
>
> The G4000 (9x19 from Grizzly) is also pretty
> popular. However, it has a really bad spindle
> height to bed width ratio and, as a result, has
> some issues with rigidity. (Harbor Freight sells
> this model, as well.)
>
> The G0602 (10x22 from Grizzly) is said to be nice.
> Don't be fooled by any of the Quick Change Gear
> Boxes (QCGB ) that are advertised on these
> machines, however. They still require a lot of
> gear changes and, in my opinion, the QCGB is
> simply a marketing ploy.
>
> With your budget, my preference would by something
> like the Lathemaster 8x14. It is heavy for it's
> size and uses change gears (which you will have to
> deal with in this class, anyhow). (This machine
> is also available through Harbor Freight)
>
> A Taig or Sherline may be a little small for
> quickly making extruder parts. (I use the
> sherline for drilling the orifice holes and
> cleaning up the nozzle tips.) A Sherline would
> work, however you would have to take light cuts
> and large holes would have to be drilled in steps
> and/or bored.
>
> A Taig does not have any threading capability at
> all. Some people have added it, however. I
> didn't buy a Taig primarily because of the lack of
> threading capability.
>
> Without a known good lathe, I would be careful
> about buying a used lathe. Most used lathes
> require some sort of repair and a known good lathe
> can be used to fix it. However, that being said,
> if you happen to find a 9 inch SouthBend in great
> shape I would jump on it. A fully tooled 9 inch
> SouthBend, in good condition, could be purchased
> for no more than $1,500 or so. (This does depend
> upon the scarcity and area of the country. You
> may even be able to find one in the $1,000 range.)
> The 9c used change gears, the 9b had a QCGB
> (quick change gearbox) and no power cross feed,
> the 9a had a QCGB and both power feeds.
>
> Here is a link to some advice on how to evaluate a
> used lathe: [www.mermac.com]
>
> Regards,
>
> Brian]]> owism8 General Fri, 20 May 2011 18:15:49 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84328#msg-84328 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84328#msg-84328
You might also find it interesting that I mount the hot end to the extruder body by clamping onto the PTFE directly with four set screws, and no other supports. This only works if your extruder body is made from ABS. PLA absolutely will not work with my hot end.

One other hint, which I've posted in various places: You need to set the extruder stepper current just high enough so that it backlashes when run on a cold hot end, rather than strip the filament. This eliminates problems with clogging the hobbed nut, and reduces excessive force on the hot end mounts.

By the way, the blue wrap is know as Emergency Tape, or Silicone Tape. It can be purchased at many hardware stores, as can almost all of the parts of my extruder.]]> jcabrer General Thu, 19 May 2011 19:42:13 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84266#msg-84266 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84266#msg-84266
Thanks

jcabrer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Your post has inspired me to update the Wiki page
> information for my extruder design. One of the
> design goals was to avoid the need for fancy
> tooling. I think with the current design, I've
> reduced it to simple elegance. Check out the
> Wildseyed Simple Hot End v2.
>
> I got a good start on setting up the page
> formatting, and getting some good pictures in
> there, but the instructions are still incomplete.
> I'll be filling in the remaining items this
> evening. I'll be sure to post in the General
> forum when it's all there.]]> owism8 General Thu, 19 May 2011 08:28:15 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84223#msg-84223 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84223#msg-84223
Yeah i was waiting for pictures because that helps the most for myself and im sure to all others to visualize this contraption.

Awesome. I'll try it out. Whats that blue wrap made of, or where can I acquire it. Also please put up a list of where you purchased the parts. For noobs like me, I'll need that! (reprap guideline: to allow this to be replicated by noobs ofcourse)

Thanks Jcabrer]]> owism8 General Wed, 18 May 2011 21:30:30 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84217#msg-84217 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84217#msg-84217 Wildseyed Simple Hot End v2.

I got a good start on setting up the page formatting, and getting some good pictures in there, but the instructions are still incomplete. I'll be filling in the remaining items this evening. I'll be sure to post in the General forum when it's all there.]]> jcabrer General Wed, 18 May 2011 20:20:03 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84207#msg-84207 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84207#msg-84207 owism8 General Wed, 18 May 2011 16:51:09 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84202#msg-84202 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84202#msg-84202 Crawmach.
I know of them through the amateur astronomy community. He is an astronomer that started to maker
telescope focusers. He is a great guy to deal with. Worth checking out.]]> BoriSpider General Wed, 18 May 2011 16:03:17 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84168#msg-84168 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84168#msg-84168 -------------------------------------------------------
> I also did an extruder hot-end block with Round
> PEEK - Here only using a pillar drill and basic
> tools.
> So how are the results?

It worked very well and is still all connected up to a Wade style extruder, I moved onto printing with 1.75mm Filament, so I may not ever use it again, but I expect I will use round PEEK again at some point for new hot-end supports.]]> richrap General Wed, 18 May 2011 10:32:37 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84162#msg-84162 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84162#msg-84162
Many people regard the new, under $3,000, lathes as kits. Many people have had to tear them down and clean them up first. They have been reported to ship with extras such as casting sand in the various nooks and crannies and cheap fasteners.

I can personally vouch that the Sherline was pretty much ready-to-go out of the box.

Regards,

Brian]]> reifsnyderb General Wed, 18 May 2011 10:13:50 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84161#msg-84161 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84161#msg-84161
The all-in-one machine is for wood. I would avoid all-in-one machines of any sort as they always have compromises.

The drill press looks ok.

For what you want to do, a metal lathe is required. A metal lathe can also be used for light milling and as a horizontal drill press, if necessary. When my drill press was broken, I used one of my lathes as a horizontal drill press and it worked pretty well.

Regarding Metal Lathes:
If weight is a problem, something like the G8688 (7x12 from Grizzly) would work as it is pretty light. There is also quite a lot of information and upgrades available for them. My only concern would be the electronics. I am a fan of the "KISS" principle.

The G4000 (9x19 from Grizzly) is also pretty popular. However, it has a really bad spindle height to bed width ratio and, as a result, has some issues with rigidity. (Harbor Freight sells this model, as well.)

The G0602 (10x22 from Grizzly) is said to be nice. Don't be fooled by any of the Quick Change Gear Boxes (QCGB ) that are advertised on these machines, however. They still require a lot of gear changes and, in my opinion, the QCGB is simply a marketing ploy.

With your budget, my preference would by something like the Lathemaster 8x14. It is heavy for it's size and uses change gears (which you will have to deal with in this class, anyhow). (This machine is also available through Harbor Freight)

A Taig or Sherline may be a little small for quickly making extruder parts. (I use the sherline for drilling the orifice holes and cleaning up the nozzle tips.) A Sherline would work, however you would have to take light cuts and large holes would have to be drilled in steps and/or bored.

A Taig does not have any threading capability at all. Some people have added it, however. I didn't buy a Taig primarily because of the lack of threading capability.

Without a known good lathe, I would be careful about buying a used lathe. Most used lathes require some sort of repair and a known good lathe can be used to fix it. However, that being said, if you happen to find a 9 inch SouthBend in great shape I would jump on it. A fully tooled 9 inch SouthBend, in good condition, could be purchased for no more than $1,500 or so. (This does depend upon the scarcity and area of the country. You may even be able to find one in the $1,000 range.) The 9c used change gears, the 9b had a QCGB (quick change gearbox) and no power cross feed, the 9a had a QCGB and both power feeds.

Here is a link to some advice on how to evaluate a used lathe: [www.mermac.com]

Regards,

Brian]]> reifsnyderb General Wed, 18 May 2011 10:02:33 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84158#msg-84158 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84158#msg-84158
The all in one appears to be for wood.]]> Andrew Diehl General Wed, 18 May 2011 09:31:00 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84157#msg-84157 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84157#msg-84157
I plan on buying atleast a vice and using my dremil for drilling. Obviously this isnt the safest method, but as reifsnyderb said, you have to start somewhere.

I've taken machining classes at RPI and used lathes and drills and all the jazz before, its really not too difficult a learning curve.

I'll keep my budget at $2,000 for purchasing a drill, lathe.

Here are some i saw on craigs list in my area: Albany NY

Is this a good deal? [albany.craigslist.org]

drill press: [albany.craigslist.org]

three in one: [albany.craigslist.org]

8 inch drill press: [albany.craigslist.org]

I really appreciate this community. Thanks all for your help.]]> owism8 General Wed, 18 May 2011 09:09:22 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84094#msg-84094 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84094#msg-84094
As an aside, if you are going to get something done at that cost it's probably worth while to re-design it for optimal performance rather than ease of DIY manufacturability.]]> Andrew Diehl General Tue, 17 May 2011 16:27:37 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84090#msg-84090 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84090#msg-84090
While I appreciate your point, if owism8 wants to do this as a hobby or business he has to start somewhere. I started out with a Sherline lathe in a corner of the kitchen.

$40.00 to $60.00 per hour is a pretty low rate. I guess your bring along pretty good beer. :D

Regards,

Brian



13thfloor Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'd say that unless you want to go into the
> machining as a business or start a new hobby, you
> are better off letting the experts helping you
> out. It takes lots of skill to get a good piece
> out correctly. Plus it takes tons of time to
> learn how to use these machines. I have 2 CNC
> machines myself. I use them mostly for wood
> works. But when I need, or want, tolerances in
> the thousandth, I get my machinist friends to help
> out. Take your time and find someone willing to
> help for a reasonable price. Typically I'm
> charged anywhere from $40-$60/hour, depending on
> the type of beer I bring. It's well worth it.
> I've compared my work piece to that done
> professionally....there is no comparison.]]> reifsnyderb General Tue, 17 May 2011 15:55:14 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84089#msg-84089 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84089#msg-84089
Well, it really depends upon what you want to do. Do you want to go into production or just make a few items for your own use? Another factor is your budget. You should always consider the tool to be about 1/2 the price of using it due to the cost of the tooling. i.e. If the lathe costs $1,000, budget $2,000.

Finally, what kind of space do you have?

Regards,

Brian




owism8 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Any suggestions for some good machines to buy so I
> can make the extruder tip pieces on my own?
>
> Thanks
> from noob
>
> reifsnyderb Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Yeah, you could get a pretty nice lathe for
> > $9,000. (:D
> >
> > Dale Dunn Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > This looks like the quote of a shop that
> > doesn't
> > > really want the work, for whatever reason.
> > >
> > > For that cost, I imagine you'd just buy your
> > own
> > > machines.]]> reifsnyderb General Tue, 17 May 2011 15:50:18 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84086#msg-84086 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84086#msg-84086 Anonymous User General Tue, 17 May 2011 15:43:06 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84078#msg-84078 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84078#msg-84078
Thanks
from noob

reifsnyderb Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Yeah, you could get a pretty nice lathe for
> $9,000. (:D
>
> Dale Dunn Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > This looks like the quote of a shop that
> doesn't
> > really want the work, for whatever reason.
> >
> > For that cost, I imagine you'd just buy your
> own
> > machines.]]> owism8 General Tue, 17 May 2011 15:15:38 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84077#msg-84077 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84077#msg-84077
Quote

I also did an extruder hot-end block with Round PEEK - Here only using a pillar drill and basic tools.
So how are the results?]]> owism8 General Tue, 17 May 2011 15:09:13 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84076#msg-84076 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84076#msg-84076
Dale Dunn Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> This looks like the quote of a shop that doesn't
> really want the work, for whatever reason.
>
> For that cost, I imagine you'd just buy your own
> machines.]]> reifsnyderb General Tue, 17 May 2011 14:38:41 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84075#msg-84075 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84075#msg-84075
For that cost, I imagine you'd just buy your own machines.]]> Dale Dunn General Tue, 17 May 2011 14:15:51 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84074#msg-84074 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84074#msg-84074 Round PEEK - Here only using a pillar drill and basic tools.]]> richrap General Tue, 17 May 2011 14:14:28 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84068#msg-84068 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84068#msg-84068
Is there a specific thread for this?

Thanks!]]> owism8 General Tue, 17 May 2011 13:09:10 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84066#msg-84066 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84066#msg-84066
Regards,

Brian

jsadusk Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If the support block is a problem, I was able to
> make this without any lathe at all
> [reprap.org]#
> Rounded_Support_Block
>
> It also helps that PEEK rod is inexplicably far
> cheaper than PEEK sheet.]]> reifsnyderb General Tue, 17 May 2011 12:40:59 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84065#msg-84065 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84065#msg-84065
SO i might just do this in August and try to sell off 199 of them. B)

Thatll require me to put $9,000 down and thats more than what i have in my bank account sadly.

Anywho. there you go.

What machinery would i need to purchase to make these parts myself?]]> owism8 General Tue, 17 May 2011 12:40:15 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84061#msg-84061 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84061#msg-84061 [reprap.org]

It also helps that PEEK rod is inexplicably far cheaper than PEEK sheet.]]> jsadusk General Tue, 17 May 2011 11:28:34 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84058#msg-84058 Re: Machining quote for extruder parts - TOO EXPENSIVE! https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,84038,84058#msg-84058
The biggest problem, in my opinion, is the PEEK support block as I can only get it in sheets and not bars. So, a lot of time is spent band sawing them to size. Maybe by using round PEEK, with the correct CNC machinery, the PEEK blocks could be made much cheaper.

Regards,

Brian]]> reifsnyderb General Tue, 17 May 2011 10:36:58 -0400