Is there anyone on here in christchurch new zealand, whats tube size did you use and where from, im wanting to make a full sheet size machine but struggling to find lenths long enough in the kit sizes
There have been a few threads on here from us Kiwis.
My dad built an LR3 recently using stainless 25.4mm x 2mm tube from Industrial Tube in Hamilton. For shipping you can get them to cut it down to a size thatâll go on a courier and itâll end up cheaper.
NZ Steel and Tube was another option that seemed decent.
Ultimately youâll probably need to be dealing with metal suppliers rather than Bunnings/Mitre10 so itâs a bit more legwork, but well worth it. If thereâs a local steel supplier you could always give them a ring and explain what youâre looking for and if they have any suggestions. The stainless tube from Industrial Tube in Hamilton was dairy grade but with cosmetic blemishes from the welding, so basically a âbyproductâ so cheap for the size/weight/finish etc.
For my MPCNC build I used 25mm OD aluminium extrusion but that was from the before-times when 25.4mm wasnât an option yet.
Also, as a word of warning, if you buy 25mm make sure you check the actual outer dimension before getting too caught up printing parts. Tons of places advertise 25mm tube thatâs actually 25.4mm/1" nominal tube. There are also a bunch of tube standards that specify based on the internal diameter which can get confusing.
Sing out if you get stuck, Iâm sure we can help.
Very late reply to this - but you can sign up for an account at Steel and Tube online, they cut to length and from memory last time I had steel delivered it was $15!
Might help with your search. And make sure you source your tubes before you start printing A lot of places claim something is 25mm but itâs 1". So make sure you have measured it before you start printing.
I just finished my LR3 with this from Steel and Tube. You can setup a cash account and they delivered a 2.8m length to a residential property.
1x 2.8m and 2x 1.6m cut to length and delivered for NZ$87. The quality is great and looks fantasticâŚcertainly much better than the crappy Bunnings galv tube which is similar price.