Rod End Help
 

Im going to be using some 6061 1/4" aluminum rod to make some links.
Im going to drill/tap it for 8-32 threads.


I assume I need a bottoming thread tap RH. McMaster has too much stuff... Same with the drill bit... (help...)

Anyways is there a benefit between a female or male Rod End? And what size rod end fits a 8-32 tap/threaded rod? 8-32?

Im trying to find some rod ends in aluminum.


Thanks.

i dont see why you would need aluminum.

a lot of people use traxxas ones
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXHGB7&P=ML

i think rc4wd has them ... but inetrc carries those alu ends too.

I don't think those traxxas ends can take 8-32. Sorry I can't be of more help.

Just like the look. And they arent that expensive. Just seems hard to find a 8-32 rod end.


Any benefit of using Male or Female rod ends?

Well in that case should I just drill/tap them to a different spec?

10-32? Whats normal?

Also can someone find the right tap/drill bit I need to drill/tap to 8-32 on the McMaster site?


thanks

here for the tap/drill bit sets...
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0093p?&C=RAV

http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/...tion_Guide.pdf

Ofna Part numbers 36700 and 36850

Im wondering if it would just be easier to just use threaded rod sleeved with aluminum.

Drilling and tapping sounds like alot of work... I know aluminum rod would be stronger...but is it worth the time/effort?


Thanks

i run 1/4 inch .035 wall tubing over 8-32 all thread with mgt and lst rod ends. it works pretty well and is tough enough. you can bend them but it takes a hell of a crash to do it.

Go big or go home :mrgreen:


From LEFT to RIGHT...

Tamiya(TLT stuff)
Traxxas
BFT
LST
XTM

That is 8/32 rod above the ends. There is 3mm rod plugged into the Traxxas end. Look how small that 3mm looks in that Traxxas end!



http://www.rcrockgear.com/BC/random/PICT7595_RE.jpg

http://www.rcrockgear.com/BC/random/PICT7596_RE.jpg

yea. I will be getting some ofna rod ends most likely. Unless I can find some 8-32 aluminum ends for cheap.

Thanks for all the help guys.

So what exactly does 8-32 mean?

Difference between 10-32, 8-32 and 6-32?

What is the diameter of a 8-32 threaded rod?


Thanks

6/32" vs. 8/32" vs. 10/32" It's the size. 6/32" threaded rod is just a bit bigger than 3mm threaded rod, yet a tad small than 4mm...if that's any help :-P


Traxxas ball ends will take 6/32" rod, but run a 6/32 tap into it to make it easier. The 8/32" threaded rod is about as big as you really need to go, IMO.

so If I did 6-32 threaded rod what size aluminum tube would I need to sleeve it?

The first number is the gauge size of the thread, the second number is the number of threads per inch (the pitch).

#6 screw = .138" diameter - about 3.5mm dia
#8 screw = .164" dia. - about 4mm dia
#10 screw = .190" dia. - about 5mm dia

I just bought 144" of 1/4 aluminum rod. 6061 T6

$11 shipped aint bad.

How hard will it be to drill/tap to 8-32?

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXE216&P=7
Is that the correct tap?

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXK367&P=7
or is this any better?

Thanks

Either tap/drill set would be fine, it would be easiest to drill the ends in a lathe, then you could tap the holes by hand. Be sure to use some cutting oil such as tap magic when tapping the holes. You may also need to get a tap handle if you don't already have one.

nope need to get a tap handle too...

Where can I get cutting/tapping oil?

I dont have a lathe BTW... Wish I did.

Its going to be hand drilled...

You can probably get the tap, drill, tap handle, and cutting oil at a hardware store or Home Depot type store, I use what I need at work. Be careful drilling the end of the rod by hand, maybe you have a vice to hold it in, it would suck to slip and drill your hand.