Any CNC machinists in ATOT? I need advice for getting...

iRONic

Diamond Member
Jan 28, 2006
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a quote to duplicate two parts.


My 35 year old Technics SL7 turntable is in a friend's shop for overhaul and mods.




Current state.

The following images are of the stands the TT sits on. They're made of cast aluminum and can't be found anymore. As a surprise I want to give him a pair for his own SL7.

If you're a machinist, how much would you charge to make these out of billet aluminum?












 

phucheneh

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2012
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Um, just trying to help you out, dude. And your friend.

Are you thinking that just because it has a linear arm, it doesn't benefit from being level? 'Cause it does.

Also, you're putting axial load on a direct drive table. The platter is meant to sit horizonal; not load up one side of the motor.
 

Tommy2000GT

Golden Member
Jun 19, 2000
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I'd make them on a Fadal 4-axis vertical mill, no need for a 5-axis. I'd charge $30 for 6061-T6 material, $100/hr for program, $80/hr for setup and run. So the price for 2 pieces will be $550/ea.
 

RGUN

Golden Member
Dec 11, 2005
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No need to go the CNC route here. For parts that simple manual machining should be cheaper. I would be very surprised if you can get the pair done for less than 3-400 dollars
 

Howard

Lifer
Oct 14, 1999
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No need to go the CNC route here. For parts that simple manual machining should be cheaper. I would be very surprised if you can get the pair done for less than 3-400 dollars
The time it takes to manually cut those scallops, or build a jig to do it, would be cheaper to do CNC.

No way you're getting that much material for $30, Tommy. Also don't forget to factor in the cost of the sandblast (to emulate the cast finish) and the anodize.
 
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PottedMeat

Lifer
Apr 17, 2002
12,363
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sweet jesus

the turntable goes for ~100-200$ on ebay, the stands for ~$100-140

Six feet of 3/8" X 2" is less than $30.

milling from a solid block seems like a waste. i wonder how much it would be with 3 pieces of 3/8"x2" for each stand, some machine screws, and maybe some socket head cap screws for the stubs
 

BladeVenom

Lifer
Jun 2, 2005
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I guess it depends if it has to duplicate the function and just be aluminum, or if it has to match the looks exactly.
 

iRONic

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Jan 28, 2006
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I'd make them on a Fadal 4-axis vertical mill, no need for a 5-axis. I'd charge $30 for 6061-T6 material, $100/hr for program, $80/hr for setup and run. So the price for 2 pieces will be $550/ea.

No need to go the CNC route here. For parts that simple manual machining should be cheaper. I would be very surprised if you can get the pair done for less than 3-400 dollars
These posts are giving me some perspective. Thanks.

Going to drop in on a local shop today right after lunch.
 

iRONic

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iRONic

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sweet jesus

the turntable goes for ~100-200$ on ebay, the stands for ~$100-140
I can't find the stands anywhere. Mine were purchased new with the TT back in '80 or '81.

Any SL7 bought on ebay will still have ~30 year old capacitors. They need to be replaced.
 

iRONic

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I guess it depends if it has to duplicate the function and just be aluminum, or if it has to match the looks exactly.
Yup, function only. Aluminum that isn't aircraft grade should suffice.

If I can get these made for ~$200 I'll just give my friend the OEM ones I have now.
 

jaedaliu

Platinum Member
Feb 25, 2005
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something about isometric views

Unless there's some free software out there that does that, nope.

He just wants to see the stands from some different angles that will let him get more of a feel of the detail inside so he can provide more information. But, it sounds like you've gotten the information you need. Hope you can find the right small machine shop that will model the pieces for cheap.

Depending on the shop, it might be worthwhile to model the pieces yourself (google sketch up or whatever other software you might have access to)
 

iRONic

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Jan 28, 2006
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He just wants to see the stands from some different angles that will let him get more of a feel of the detail inside so he can provide more information. But, it sounds like you've gotten the information you need. Hope you can find the right small machine shop that will model the pieces for cheap.

Depending on the shop, it might be worthwhile to model the pieces yourself (google sketch up or whatever other software you might have access to)
Gotcha. The place I'm headed to is in town so I'll know more this afternoon. I'm bringing my set with me.
 

SSSnail

Lifer
Nov 29, 2006
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You should look into 3D printing, or some company on the web that will machine it for you. I remembered a while back I found a company that will take your CAD and manufacture it. They even give you their CAD program so you can draw it and send them the final drawing.

Shouldn't be to expensive for something like this. Try this http://www.emachineshop.com/
 

iRONic

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Jan 28, 2006
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I'll check 'em out if the local place doesn't work out.

Thanks, SSSnail.
 

iRONic

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Jan 28, 2006
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Dropped my stands off at lunch for a quote. He just called me back -- $200 each. Aluminum, same outside dimensions, non-CNC made. I told him I'd let him know tomorrow.

Just checked eBay one last time... There's a pair for $189.00 BIN!

Thanks for all your input.