RCCrawler Forums

89redranger · 07-18-2011, 09:49 PM

Recently I broke the carbon side plate right at the link pin on my Pro chassis and I was considering alternatives.

I could build a chassis from aluminum, but it hard to work with on a small scale such as this.

I considered thin gauge steel as well... Far to heavy and hard to work with on a small scale as well.

Then I remembered some of the newer chassis' being made and the fact that they are constructed of Delrin.

I think that Delrin is an awesome material for a crawler. It's light, flexible, slick, and can be worked with fairly easily from what little I've seen.

My question is, does anybody know where to find a good write-up of the tools needed, and any tips for working with the material (such as cutting out intricate openings in the chassis)?

I'd appreciate any input anyone may have on the subject...

Charlie-III · 07-18-2011, 09:53 PM

Delrin or Lexan (Lexan the brand, NOT just clear polycarbonite sheet since they are different).
You could use a jigsaw/scrollsaw, or small jewlers bow saw to cut.
Belt sander to get finish shape.
Files (flat & round) for other shapes.
Easy to drill either one.

The top for my sons 2.2 Bully as well as mine are made out of ~1/8" thick Lexan sheet I bought at Home Depot.

89redranger · 07-19-2011, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie-III

Delrin or Lexan (Lexan the brand, NOT just clear polycarbonite sheet since they are different).
You could use a jigsaw/scrollsaw, or small jewlers bow saw to cut.
Belt sander to get finish shape.
Files (flat & round) for other shapes.
Easy to drill either one.

The top for my sons 2.2 Bully as well as mine are made out of ~1/8" thick Lexan sheet I bought at Home Depot.

I did know that Lexan is a brand name, but I did NOT know they made more than the clear poly. I've been locally trying to find Acetal (Delrin) sheet with no luck, but I'm checking with a local plastic supplier right now. Home Depot didn't seem to have what I was looking for, but I may have not been looking for the right stuff. Doesn't help much that the people working there don't know their own inventory or what any of it does or is used for.

Out of 5 people I talked to only one even got the idea that I was looking for raw material to build something. The rest kept trying to sell me cutting boards. I had to laugh and say thanks because, while it's the right material, I need 1/8th and 3/16ths inch sheets, not 3/4"...

If you've got any info on what Home Depot calls it or where in one of their stores I may find it that'd be awesome. Apparently I'm speaking Lebanese when I ask for it by name...

Slaughter · 07-19-2011, 03:09 PM

As far as I know, Home Depot only carries LEXAN Clear Polycarbonate. They have transparent black as well. They don't have a huge selection though.

highlandcrawler · 07-19-2011, 03:42 PM

You can easily order your material from Mcmaster carr on the web.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#plastics/=d8yp6j

It is very easy to work with. I use a 4" grinder with a cutoff wheel to make big rough cuts. Then a scroll saw is very nice to cut the finer details.

eedew · 07-19-2011, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highlandcrawler

You can easily order your material from Mcmaster carr on the web.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#plastics/=d8yp6j

It is very easy to work with. I use a 4" grinder with a cutoff wheel to make big rough cuts. Then a scroll saw is very nice to cut the finer details.

Agreed. And be careful, from my outings to local plastic stores, delrin can get pretty pricey.

skullking · 07-19-2011, 06:25 PM

Yeah Delrin is expensive. Mcmaster is going to be your best bet. Its best to call them during normal business hours so you can get a shipping price. The website does not give you a price for shipping. I called them the other day about it and the guy told me that the site will not do it...you will just see it on your invoice after its paid. Kinda stupid if you ask me. Anyway they are the best price and ship that day or next day. If you want to save some money you could use ABS plastic very strong but cheaper then you could use the extra cash for Delrin Skid and round rod brace material. Oh yeah...if you have a local plastic supplier they probaly have the ABS Black plastic. I get mine locally and they just sell me drops plenty of material to make a chassis. Just my 2 cents....

Whop · 07-19-2011, 09:09 PM

I go to my local plastic supply an tell em what I'm trying to do an most time they give it to me if it's small but they have gave me 4x4 sheet of .03 petg free! I just had to bring body I made an let em see it. I guess just depends on store luckily my local supply is close an rarly costs anything. All you do is ask an tell em you may get small chunk free

brazwewn · 07-19-2011, 09:20 PM

I got it dirt cheap from Amazon.com of all places. Just do a search for Delrin. Cuts like butter with a jigsaw. Place blue painters tape to draw your pattern. Make the other side a little bigger and bolt together at the mounting holes. As stated earlier belt sander, dremel and files make quick work. I built a topper over my lunch break. That included my drive home and back to work. They are super easy to make!

Wes

Charlie-III · 07-20-2011, 01:23 PM

I stated Lexan because you can also buy plastic polycarbonite sheet that "looks" like Lexan. The difference is that a non-Lexan plastic will be brittle and break easily whereas Lexan is better.

Delrin is great but more expensive. It is also not quite as stiff as Lexan for the same sheet thickness.
This is where you have to decide what properties you need when selecting material.

07-18-2011, 09:49 PM	#1
89redranger RCC Addict Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bend Posts: 1,577	Can I build a Delrin chassis at home??? Recently I broke the carbon side plate right at the link pin on my Pro chassis and I was considering alternatives. I could build a chassis from aluminum, but it hard to work with on a small scale such as this. I considered thin gauge steel as well... Far to heavy and hard to work with on a small scale as well. Then I remembered some of the newer chassis' being made and the fact that they are constructed of Delrin. I think that Delrin is an awesome material for a crawler. It's light, flexible, slick, and can be worked with fairly easily from what little I've seen. My question is, does anybody know where to find a good write-up of the tools needed, and any tips for working with the material (such as cutting out intricate openings in the chassis)? I'd appreciate any input anyone may have on the subject...

07-18-2011, 09:53 PM	#2
Charlie-III I wanna be Dave Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: 07456 N. NJ USofA Posts: 8,314	Delrin or Lexan (Lexan the brand, NOT just clear polycarbonite sheet since they are different). You could use a jigsaw/scrollsaw, or small jewlers bow saw to cut. Belt sander to get finish shape. Files (flat & round) for other shapes. Easy to drill either one. The top for my sons 2.2 Bully as well as mine are made out of ~1/8" thick Lexan sheet I bought at Home Depot.

07-19-2011, 03:09 PM	#4
Slaughter Quarry Creeper Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Austin Posts: 414	As far as I know, Home Depot only carries LEXAN Clear Polycarbonate. They have transparent black as well. They don't have a huge selection though.

07-19-2011, 03:42 PM	#5
highlandcrawler Rock Crawler Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Grants Pass Posts: 806	You can easily order your material from Mcmaster carr on the web. http://www.mcmaster.com/#plastics/=d8yp6j It is very easy to work with. I use a 4" grinder with a cutoff wheel to make big rough cuts. Then a scroll saw is very nice to cut the finer details.

07-19-2011, 06:25 PM	#7
skullking I joined the Band! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: norfolk Posts: 705	Yeah Delrin is expensive. Mcmaster is going to be your best bet. Its best to call them during normal business hours so you can get a shipping price. The website does not give you a price for shipping. I called them the other day about it and the guy told me that the site will not do it...you will just see it on your invoice after its paid. Kinda stupid if you ask me. Anyway they are the best price and ship that day or next day. If you want to save some money you could use ABS plastic very strong but cheaper then you could use the extra cash for Delrin Skid and round rod brace material. Oh yeah...if you have a local plastic supplier they probaly have the ABS Black plastic. I get mine locally and they just sell me drops plenty of material to make a chassis. Just my 2 cents....

07-19-2011, 09:09 PM	#8
Whop Rock Stacker Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Red stick Posts: 54	I go to my local plastic supply an tell em what I'm trying to do an most time they give it to me if it's small but they have gave me 4x4 sheet of .03 petg free! I just had to bring body I made an let em see it. I guess just depends on store luckily my local supply is close an rarly costs anything. All you do is ask an tell em you may get small chunk free

07-19-2011, 09:20 PM	#9
brazwewn RCC Addict Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Alburtis Posts: 1,227	I got it dirt cheap from Amazon.com of all places. Just do a search for Delrin. Cuts like butter with a jigsaw. Place blue painters tape to draw your pattern. Make the other side a little bigger and bolt together at the mounting holes. As stated earlier belt sander, dremel and files make quick work. I built a topper over my lunch break. That included my drive home and back to work. They are super easy to make! Wes

07-20-2011, 01:23 PM	#10
Charlie-III I wanna be Dave Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: 07456 N. NJ USofA Posts: 8,314	I stated Lexan because you can also buy plastic polycarbonite sheet that "looks" like Lexan. The difference is that a non-Lexan plastic will be brittle and break easily whereas Lexan is better. Delrin is great but more expensive. It is also not quite as stiff as Lexan for the same sheet thickness. This is where you have to decide what properties you need when selecting material.

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