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Metric woes

BlackDragon

Metric woes
February 11, 2014 06:17PM

Registered: 10 years ago
Posts: 20

So, unfortunately, in the U.S., it is almost impossible to get metric rod stock without having to custom order it.

I'm wondering if anyone knows if the standard (made for metric) printed parts take well to SAE rod stock? And, if so, what size rod would you recommend?

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tmorris9

Re: Metric woes
February 11, 2014 08:40PM

Registered: 11 years ago
Posts: 1,171

It's actually very easy to get all kinds of metric parts in the U.S., rods included. I just replaced the 8mm rods on my printer, I was torn between using McMaster Carr (supplier) or ebay. I ended up with some great chrome hardened rods off ebay from VXB bearings (great place to find bearings of all kinds).

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KingRahl

Re: Metric woes
February 11, 2014 08:49PM

Registered: 10 years ago
Posts: 241

The only interchangeable size could be 8mm to 5/16". It actually measures 7.9375mm. Since it's just a fraction smaller than 8mm, you may have more wiggle on your rod than you want.

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dissidence

Re: Metric woes
February 12, 2014 05:11AM

Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 800

i have use 5/16ths rod for my frame, that dose not need to be metric for any reason. dont feel so bad though, i am in canada and its still a pain here to get metric parts here, though i now know where to look for most of what i need.

[mike-mack.blogspot.com]

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brnrd

Re: Metric woes
February 12, 2014 07:43AM

Registered: 13 years ago
Posts: 1,780

I just bought 10-24 threaded rods from Home Depot for the z axis instead of M5 threaded rods. I expect that it would work just fine.10-32 is the best match for M5, but they don't sell those. I'm not sure if there's a good match for 10 mm rods. If you're building a Prusa3, it's easy enough to change the openscad source for SAE. Finding linear bearings might be tricky.

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cdru

Re: Metric woes
February 12, 2014 08:34AM

Registered: 10 years ago
Posts: 869

You can get anything mail order from a variety of sources. If you must have local, check to see if a Fastenal is in your area. M5 or M6 are under $4 for a 1m length. M8 is a few bucks more. And all likely are stocked. If they aren't stocked, it would only be a day or two away.