Unexpected Source of Materials

[Steve CrowParticipant @stevecrow46066]

I wanted some small steel balls for a capstan handle for a sensitve drill I'm "refreshing".

So I looked on eBay and found a cheap and varied source – body piercing jewellery!

The internally threaded balls are surgical steel (allegedly) and are available from 2mm to 6mm diameter with a M1.2 or M1.5 thread. They also come in black and gold colours. The black ones might be good for scale models of full size machines. No doubt other colours are available – I didn't want to delve too deep.

I used 5mm for this but I've got some 6mm on order for some small locking levers.

And the cost? £3.31 including p&p for a pack of 10.

Steve

[Steve CrowParticipant @stevecrow46066]

[Anonymous]

Another source for useful bits and bobs (if you can find something similar closer to home).

[Bo’sunParticipant @bosun58570]

Useful post Steve. Anyone else sourced materials from an unlikely source? It just goes to show what's out there if you broaden your search criteria.

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

They are just the job, Steve!

.

I’ve used all sorts of odd sources.

One of my early model-engineering attempts was a small, static, freelance, motor-tricycle with an engine loosely resembling the VW flat-four “Beetle” unit popular for full-size trikes as it, the gearbox and axle form a self-contained, complete unit. (Other builders used ‘Reliant’ parts, just as successfully.)

For the working “springer” forks, I imitated the chrome-plated steel by turning the nickel-silver handles from old cutlery, to cylindrical rod for the four columns and the decoratively extended conical nuts that retained the upper, ex-ballpoint pen, springs.

I recall the “tubular” steel frame members were ex-lampshade frame wire about 1/8″ diameter.

I never completed this and I have no idea where and how it eventually disappeared, long ago last Century.

.

Otherwise I have scavenged pre-loved material from old printers (high-quality round bar), broken iron castings, bits of domestic appliances and the like; but have sometimes bought specific new materials or parts from caravan-site shops and builders’-merchants.

[Author]

Posts