What kind of retail stores other than big boxes stock 3/4" conduit?

Mostly Printed CNC - MPCNC Advice
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I got the conduit for my MPCNC from my local big box hardware store. I think the lengthwise gantry conduit is bowing upwards - it manifests when I’m doing pen plotting; a spring-loaded pen will draw fine at the X/Y 0 point but the paper falls away below the bottom of Z0, even on a leveled spoilboard or a piece of smooth glazed porcelain tile. It almost looks like it’s bowing upward a little but I don’t think I have the equipment to measure it to get to 100% confirm.

I honestly don’t know what type of store would sell the next best rigidity 3/4” conduit. There’s a Metal Supermarket not far from me but I get the feeling they sell to trades and I’d be coughing up for minimum prices even if all I need is 5’ of conduit. What kind of places should I be looking for in my nearby area? Electrical supply, plumbing supply, etc.?

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You should be able to get it at any “hardware” type store. I buy mine from the orange store usually. But I take it down and roll it on the floor first to catch any with a bow in it.

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Their cut length prices aren’t too bad, and are shown on their website for stock items. Whether or not they’ll have the OD you need… perhaps.

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If trying Metal Supermarket, consider getting quote via online website, and separate one via their local sales rep. In person quotes can be cheaper. Check out their off cuts section too for nice deals.

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for my mpcnc, I asked an electrical contractor where he would get it and he just gave me some. check with an electrician…

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Ace Hardware sells it in Colorado (for more money than the big box stores.)
Most independent home center stores sell it.
Electrical job shop stores sell it.
Most electricians have a source, if you see a truck out and about ask them where they get theirs.

I had a contractor at work who had a bunch of offcuts tell me to take them and give them away when I asked what they were doing with the offcuts.

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I think almost everyone missed that @MohnJadden is asking about acquiring something more rigid than EMT, not where to get straight EMT.

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Thank you, Daryl. Complete reading comprehension fail on my part.

Next question to @MohnJadden - Do you have strut plates on? Are they milled and measured to be square? The strut plates and braces should more or less force the bow out when assembled.

I don’t think it’s more rigid conduit you need, it’s straight conduit. I sight mine then roll it on the floor to make sure it isn’t bowed.

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@MohnJadden was talking about 3/4" conduit on his MPCNC. :slight_smile:

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DUH. Time for a break. Thank you.

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I was about to say that was a new term for my Primo experience.

I might see if I can find stainless either from offcuts or coughing up directly if it’s not too expensive - I don’t mind throwing like $20-$30 at this, but that’s a good idea for rolling the tube. I’ll take the current gantry tube off and roll it before I pay for a new one.

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If you want a little better stuff look for DOM tubing (Drawn Over Mandrel) look at

Mcmaster.com they a verity of different wall thickness

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I was able to get some good clean straight stuff at JEGS, shipping wasn’t too bad. https://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchResultsPageCmd?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&q=tubing