What's new
What's new
By:
Advanced search…

Rack/pinion source

I

icecats

Plastic
Joined
Aug 27, 2017
Hello,
I am working on a project that requires a small rack and pinion of about ~8" long. I can't seem to find an affordable rack. There are some options for DIY CNC routers, but they are often >3' long and quite expensive.
Does anyone have a good source for gear racks? I would also consider scrapping a set from an old piece of equipment, I just can't think of something that would use one.
Thanks
 
Only 8" long and I presume a simple rack?

Check out the parts used for carriage travel on the T*** micro lathe (can't say the actual name here). No actual experience with one but AFAIK about the right size and quite affordable.

Another option might be to cannibalize a large junk bellows camera. They used a rack and pinion to expand and contract the bellows while adjusting focal length. Many of them have been stripped of bellows, image plate, and lens mount to repair other cameras. Many years ago I used the guts of a smaller one as a basis for a slide duplicator.
 
"Affordable" was not defined in the OP, so no way to get specific. I have bought a lot of Boston Gear 48 DP 14.5 PA gears on Amazon. By checking prices from time to time, I have sometimes found them marked way down, like 80 or 85%, so that is when I buy most of them. In fact, I just looked and found three sizes that were cheap today and bought them. The 36 tooth gears were only $3.98. I can make these gears, but I would rather buy the stock sizes on sale and just make the odd sizes. They have matching rack, and today's price is $18.08 for two feet.

An alternative to rack and pinion is roller chain and sprocket. There might be some deals on eBay.

Larry
 
Misumi also has them. I don't see 8". You'd have to cut one down, but they have lengths around a foot (300mm).
 
icecats,

What size of rack do you need? I scavenged some rack (and maybe the pinions?) from some scrapped photographic equipment some years ago; may still have some of it out in the bone pile. Going by memory, I'd say it was in the vicinity of 1/2" wide and 24 DP. If that works for you, and if I still have it, you're welcome to a piece (and a gear, if I can lay my hands on that - not as sure whether I kept that) for the cost of shipping. Let me know if you're interested.
 
I have some in various sizes and lengths at home I am happy to pass along. I won't be home until Tuesday and I will check what I have and post it here.
 
I have 3/4", 1/2" and 3/8" and can easily cut you an 8" or longer piece. I also have some gears that will work with the 1/2". Note that everything has surface rust on it, so hopefully you don't need pristine stuff. It should clean up easily enough.
 
Hey folks,
Thanks for all of the help and offers to supply some material! I ended up finding what I needed on McMaster for a reasonable price. I had just been scared away initially by some much more expensive options.
Thanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

K
King 52" VTL rack pinion gear broken
Replies
1
Views
296
Bill D
B
A
Help with rack and pinion
Replies
11
Views
924
EmGo
EmGo
D
DIY Roller Rack & Pinion - Need solution from experienced machinists
2
Replies
27
Views
1K
David_M
D
H
Looking for Help/Recommendations on Wilton VSG-20 Table Rack
Replies
2
Views
1K
metalmagpie
M
D
Boyes and Emmes lathe apron removal question, broken rack pinion teeth
Replies
9
Views
730
Double N
D








 

ABOUT PRACTICAL MACHINIST

With more than 10.6 million unique visitors over the last year, Practical Machinist is the most visited site for metalworking professionals. Practical Machinist is the easiest way to learn new techniques, get answers quickly and discuss common challenges with your peers. Register for the world’s largest manufacturing technology forum for free today to stay in the know.

Learn more about us.

STAY CONNECTED

Facebook Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Pinterest Twitter Tiktok

Register Become a forum member. Register today.

Sign Up Sign up for our e-newsletter.

© 2024 Copyright Practicalmachinist.com. All Rights reserved.

Back
Top