Are the holes in the axis rods really necessary? Is their function to prevent the braided line to slip horizontally on the rod (and keep alignment) or to prevent them to slip during the rotation? I'm asking this because it is somewhat easy to get the rods for a reasonable price down here in Rio, but the costs for having them perforated would make them 3 times more expensive. I also don't have the right tools to make the holes myself (and maybe others don't as well), so I was wondering if there wouldn't be another way to prevent them from slipping (I noticed the opposite rods don't have such holes). https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?279,211553,211553#msg-211553 Sat, 10 Oct 2026 23:14:50 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?279,211553,211857#msg-211857 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?279,211553,211857#msg-211857
Also, use some drilling or thread cutting lubricant. It will keep things nice and cool.

With a drill press though, this will be a piece of cake.]]> lajos Tantillus Fri, 24 May 2013 21:31:45 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?279,211553,211838#msg-211838 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?279,211553,211838#msg-211838 I also found out that a friend of mine does have a dremel with a workstation that may work as a drill press.
So, I will probably try this first.
And thanks a lot for offering a backup plan if all goes wrong. :-)]]> colpaert Tantillus Fri, 24 May 2013 18:24:33 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?279,211553,211802#msg-211802 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?279,211553,211802#msg-211802
[attachment 15236 jig1]
[attachment 15237 jig2]

I've used also these to help cutting the rods (hence they are dirty ; ). It's basically a piece of wood with a 5/16" hole drilled through, then cut in half. Then a 1/16" hole is drilled in the middle. Place the rod in the guide, clamp it and drill the small hole through the 1/16" hole.

Or maybe you could go to a car mechanic or some machine shop where they have a drill press and ask them to drill the holes for a beer.

I think I have enough leftover 5/16" rod from my build for two 230mm rods. If all else fails I can give you two drilled rods, if you don't mind paying shipping from US.]]> lajos Tantillus Fri, 24 May 2013 14:49:57 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?279,211553,211570#msg-211570 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?279,211553,211570#msg-211570
The holes in all my rods I drilled with a cordless hand drill and a 1/16" HSS drill bit. It is not that easy but it can be done (drill it quickly otherwise it will work harden the metal). All the ones I sold I drilled with a dill press and were much easier.]]> Sublime Tantillus Thu, 23 May 2013 21:07:42 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?279,211553,211553#msg-211553 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?279,211553,211553#msg-211553 Is their function to prevent the braided line to slip horizontally on the rod (and keep alignment) or to prevent them to slip during the rotation?
I'm asking this because it is somewhat easy to get the rods for a reasonable price down here in Rio, but the costs for having them perforated would make them 3 times more expensive. I also don't have the right tools to make the holes myself (and maybe others don't as well), so I was wondering if there wouldn't be another way to prevent them from slipping (I noticed the opposite rods don't have such holes).]]> colpaert Tantillus Thu, 23 May 2013 18:22:26 -0400