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Metal Plate Sources?

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 1:19 pm
by deanimator
Given that optical breadboards are pretty steep in price, and not readily available in this area, I'm exploring the possibility of making my own macro mounting plate.

Does anyone know a reasonable source in NE Ohio for scrap aluminum or steel plates in the vicinity of 1' x 3' x 1/4-1/2"?

I'm going to have to drill and tap my own 1/4"-20 accessory mounting holes on somebody else's drillpress, but it's still cheaper than a legit breadboard. They run upwards of $300 on the low side.

Re: Metal Plate Sources?

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2017 6:57 am
by gilly32
PM sent.

Re: Metal Plate Sources?

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2017 7:54 pm
by deanimator
gilly32 wrote:PM sent.
Here's a drawing. In truth, I don't need that many drilled and tapped holes, probably just three lines of them along the long axis.

Image

Re: Metal Plate Sources?

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2017 9:42 pm
by M-Quigley
I need to find a source of steel plating also. I'd like to make some reactive targets.

Re: Metal Plate Sources?

Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 8:25 am
by Bruenor
Out of curiosity I looked at several local metal distributors charging $60-$80 for a 0.25" x 12" x 24" aluminum plate.
You can get pretty much the same aluminum plate new on ebay for around $35.00 + s&h

I always wonder how some stuff on ebay is so comparatively inexpensive.

Re: Metal Plate Sources?

Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 9:03 am
by deanimator
Bruenor wrote:Out of curiosity I looked at several local metal distributors charging $60-$80 for a 0.25" x 12" x 24" aluminum plate.
You can get pretty much the same aluminum plate new on ebay for around $35.00 + s&h

I always wonder how some stuff on ebay is so comparatively inexpensive.
Volume. Of course you get killed on shipping.

Re: Metal Plate Sources?

Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 12:27 pm
by scottb
Check local metal fabrication/welding shops. They usually have bits and pieces of material laying around in case they find a need for it. You will likely get it at a very reasonable price.

Another option (for aluminum) is Thyssenkrupp Materials. I buy (for my work) from them on occasion. They are in the Cleveland area.

Re: Metal Plate Sources?

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2017 7:39 am
by AlanM
Questions:
How accurately do the threaded holes be located?
Does the surface have to be perfectly flat?

If the answers are "not very" and "no" you might want to save yourself A LOT of time by NOT tapping the holes.

Surebonder 8510 6-32, 8-32, 10-24, 10-32, 1/4-20 Threaded Insert Tool

uxcell 100 Pcs Zinc Plated Carbon Steel Rivet Nut Flat Head Insert Nutsert 1/4-20UNC
Threaded holes: less than $9 per 100. (Why did I just flash back to the movie "ET" and the "portable hole" reference?

This gives you steel threads instead of aluminium threads which I consider an advantage.
Personally, I would try a backing block with a half inch hole in it and a large leather mallet before buying the insert tool.

Also if you need to mount something that has multiple mounting holes, using cone point set screws in the mounting holes would make marking the plate for drilling a breeze.

http://catalog.westernstateshardware.co ... se-1-4--20

Re: Metal Plate Sources?

Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2017 5:45 am
by deanimator
AlanM wrote:Questions:
How accurately do the threaded holes be located?
Does the surface have to be perfectly flat?

If the answers are "not very" and "no" you might want to save yourself A LOT of time by NOT tapping the holes.

Surebonder 8510 6-32, 8-32, 10-24, 10-32, 1/4-20 Threaded Insert Tool

uxcell 100 Pcs Zinc Plated Carbon Steel Rivet Nut Flat Head Insert Nutsert 1/4-20UNC
Threaded holes: less than $9 per 100. (Why did I just flash back to the movie "ET" and the "portable hole" reference?

This gives you steel threads instead of aluminium threads which I consider an advantage.
Personally, I would try a backing block with a half inch hole in it and a large leather mallet before buying the insert tool.

Also if you need to mount something that has multiple mounting holes, using cone point set screws in the mounting holes would make marking the plate for drilling a breeze.

http://catalog.westernstateshardware.co ... se-1-4--20
The purpose of the plate is to mount:
  1. a ballhead onto which an automated macro focusing rail and camera will be mounted
  2. two or more magic arms onto which lights will be mounted
  3. an adjustable subject stage
It probably doesn't require optical breadboard levels of precision.

Re: Metal Plate Sources?

Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2017 6:05 pm
by steves 50de
deanimator wrote:
gilly32 wrote:PM sent.
Here's a drawing. In truth, I don't need that many drilled and tapped holes, probably just three lines of them along the long axis.

Image
Would 16 gauge be suitable, I can get you that no problem. :?:

Re: Metal Plate Sources?

Posted: Sat Sep 16, 2017 8:13 am
by AlanM
Ummm, other than using the threaded rivnuts I suggested, how would you put 1/4-20 threads in 16 gauge sheet metal?

Re: Metal Plate Sources?

Posted: Sat Sep 16, 2017 12:34 pm
by deanimator
steves 50de wrote:Would 16 gauge be suitable, I can get you that no problem. :?:
As pointed out by somebody else, that wouldn't work, for a variety of reasons. This is to mount a camera, automated focus rail, lights and subject stage. Sheet metal would be neither thick enough to allow 1/4"-20 threads to engage, nor be heavy enough to be stable without flexing and vibration.

It really does need to be plate, either aluminum or steel, and a minimum of 1/4" thick.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Re: Metal Plate Sources?

Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2017 5:01 am
by rimfireOH
deanimator wrote:It really does need to be plate, either aluminum or steel, and a minimum of 1/4" thick.
McMaster Carr wants $73 for a 3' x 1' x 1/4" plate.

Re: Metal Plate Sources?

Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2017 6:34 am
by pirateguy191
Check with Marsam Metalfab in Twinsburg. Contact Jim Bayus, tell him Jeff Asbury sent you.

Re: Metal Plate Sources?

Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2017 1:28 pm
by deanimator
pirateguy191 wrote:Check with Marsam Metalfab in Twinsburg. Contact Jim Bayus, tell him Jeff Asbury sent you.
Thanks.