Link Drill Bushing

[JeepinDoug]

As a RC Crawler I know how making your own stuff to fit your needs is important.

As a machinist I see many fine small opportunities to help the small fabricator.

As a new vendor here I'd like to help out the small fabber by offering a small tool that helps making your own links, suspension or steering, a much cleaner and easier job.

A simple drill bushing for drilling a 3mm pilot hole in 5/16" diameter rod. The bushing pilot hole is .0995", the link holding diameter is 5/16".

Recommended pilot drill size is a #39 or #40 drill.
I also recommend buying quality delrin rod from McMaster-Carr, the outside diameter is always very good. If you buy substandard delrin rod the diameter may be larger than .315" which will not fit in this bushing.
I made an extra effort to control the link holding diameter in order to give you the best drill alignment possible.

A very simple operation;

1.) Cut the delrin link as square as possible, clean the burr from the corner of the delrin and push into the bushing.

2.) Hand drill or drill press, doesn't matter. Drill into the link material to desired depth.

Done.
Countersink the hole for the tap. I usually just put the tap into my handdrill (not tight, natural clutch) cause the delrin is so easy to tap, just don't bottom the tap out.

Here's pics;
Two bushing to show both sides.

Ready to drill.

Finished product.


This bushing could be used successfully on aluminum but anything harder will wear it out.
The bushing is made from 303 stainless steel.
I recommend using a sharp drill, plastics love sharp tools. Also, let the drill cut, no need to force it.

You want to drill for a larger thread?
Just use this bushing to pilot hole, then remove the bushing and drill with a larger bit.
For black delrin.
McMaster-Carr online.
Catalog page number 3494
Part number 8576K12
Online they show sold in 48" lengths but if you call, they'll sell by the foot.
$.70 a foot.

Price edit......
The price of one bushing is $7.50 shipped.
Two bushings are $12 shipped.
All three bushings are $18 shipped.

BUSHINGS AVAILABLE ARE;
1/4" x 3mm (#39 drill)
5/16" x 3mm (#39 drill)
3/8" x 4mm (#39 drill)

Paypal purchases only.
I do not have an online store, all purchases will be done thru manual PMs and replies, no automated emails.

I have another tool coming soon for MOA owners, keep an eye out.

[mtnyote]

what a great Idea

this will make my life a lot easier

thanks doug

[keala]

simple, damn why didn't i think of that. good price too.

[JeepinDoug]

Thanks guys.
For black delrin.
McMaster-Carr online.
Catalog page number 3494
Part number 8497K153
Online they show sold in 48" lengths but if you call, they'll sell by the foot.
$.70 a foot.

I couldn't figure out how to hyperlink the url but the above info will take you there.

[Eritex Inc.]

Very creative, way to think outside the box

[1beatjeep]

sweet i new you could do it.

[bcrofts]

sweet nice job

[ROLANDROCKSHOP]

Simple Idea! Nice!

[JeepinDoug]

Thanks guys, I like making stuff that helps people work on their own stuff..
Richard, Big D has a beta tester, tell him to get to work, .

[BILLYGOAT]

wow doug great product . good to see your still around.

[Offroader5]

And you could use it for 1/4" material too by just wrapping a bit of masking tape around the material to fit this bushing.

Good idea

[JeepinDoug]

Oh yea, I'm still around

Aluminum foil or maybe some alum tubing from the LHS could be a spacer for small link sizes.

[axman2010]

So where do you get your 5/16 delrin, I looked on tap plastics but they have 1/4 and then .375 so its to big for your bushing

never mind I just found it lol I overlooked that post

[666]

How about making some for 3/8" and 1/2"?

[JeepinDoug]

Originally Posted by 666

How about making some for 3/8" and 1/2"?

I need to run around 200 pcs to make it practical. When I run a larger diameter I also need to run a longer bushing, the length of the link holding diameter is very important to ensure the straightest hole.
At this point I don't see a high demand for a bushing that big and I don't want to sit on 50lbs of stainless for two years.

[Racer4Life]

Where do I pay. I need one!

[JeepinDoug]

Originally Posted by Racer4Life

Where do I pay. I need one!

You could PM me or post your Paypal addy asking for an invoice, or both.

[towtruckmikey]

Glad I found this, just about to build new links. Im gonna get me one.

[JeepinDoug]

All PMs have been replied to unless the PM says payment sent.
For payment sents, your bushings will be in the mail tomorrow morning.
Thanks

[binaryterror]

You have PM