3/32 axles

Gpa113 · 30th-Oct-22, 07:24 PM

Evening,

Does anyone cut their own 3/32 axles for scratchbuiding ?

If so, what exactly do you use?

3/32 stainless steel rod, like K&S, KS 87133 seems about right from searching.

Any thoughts or suggestions.

Thanks,
Pip

Kevan · 30th-Oct-22, 07:28 PM

Stainless steel is too soft, grub screws gouge it and it can bend in a bad shunt.

3/32 piano wire is great for front axles but 3/32 drill blanks are best for rear axles.

...if you can get hold of some, 3/32 mold tool ejector pins are the best things I've used, harder than nails, ground true and straight.

Gpa113 · 30th-Oct-22, 07:39 PM

Thank you Kevan,

Wasn't sure, so always worth asking!

Will have a look and see what is available.

Thanks,
Pip

Qman · 30th-Oct-22, 08:01 PM

I get mine here
https://www.zoro.co.uk/shop/cutting-tool...ZT1137157X

munter · 30th-Oct-22, 08:13 PM

Qman....that is 2.19 GBP per axle?...... er drill blank?

Kinda pricey isn't it because Slotit axles are only a fraction more for a pair. (see Pendles)
Unless you buy in bulk which a person may well do.

I have said it before...... I like Slotit axles and Champion oilites.....a match made in heaven.

I have and do use drill blanks bought mostly from eBay US....seller was Doug Freshlee if I remember correctly.

What's your source, Kevan ?

Gpa113 · 30th-Oct-22, 08:19 PM

Hi Qman,

Thanks for the link, I was looking on their site a few minutes ago.....

Is the price of £2.19 for just one 57mm axle?
So to do 20 cars I'd need 40 of these, so it comes down to £1.97 per axle. That's a lot more than Pendles axles from memory....

Pip

Kevan · 30th-Oct-22, 10:31 PM

SlotIt axles are soft and don't fit in NSR wheels or gears, NSR's are hardened and ground.

...I haven't bought drill blanks for 3 years and can't remember where I got them, probably a cheap ebay purchase. Don't buy el cheapo ebay rubbish because you'll find some are slightly bent.

munter · 30th-Oct-22, 11:24 PM

Quote:SlotIt axles are soft and don't fit in NSR wheels or gears, NSR's are hardened and ground.

Never had any issues with softness or hardness when using Slotit axles...at least they are 2.38mm unlike the other brand you mention which is the other 3/32" or in reality 2.37mm.

Never had any bent eBay drill blanks either.....Kevan, can you tell us about the straightness test you use, please?

Kevan · 31st-Oct-22, 08:09 AM

Well I have. Rolling them on a sheet of glass is more than good enough to see if they're not straight.

Like I said avoid el cheapos.

Qman · 31st-Oct-22, 12:14 PM

(30th-Oct-22, 08:19 PM)Gpa113 Wrote: Hi Qman,

Thanks for the link, I was looking on their site a few minutes ago.....

Is the price of £2.19 for just one 57mm axle?
So to do 20 cars I'd need 40 of these, so it comes down to £1.97 per axle. That's a lot more than Pendles axles from memory....

Pip

I was just sharing the link that I used.

Seems like the prices have gone up somewhat....

My first order was Nov 2020 when 28 cost me £20.72 (over £20 was free delivery)
then in June 2022 20 cost me £20.60
Now 20 would cost £39.40 which as you say isn't exactly cheap, all I will say is that they are 'proper' 3/32 blanks, & perfectly straight.