[pzzamakr1980]

For doing prototyping where you might have to make a part a few times to get it right what do you use? I was thinking of delrin or something similar because its cheaper than aluminum and cuts easily but doesnt get deformed much. Any suggestions.

[Geof]

.....I was thinking of delrin or something similar because its cheaper than aluminum...

Cheaper than aluminum? Who is your supplier? I could be interested in this we pay more for Delrin than similar sized aluminum bar.

Regarding your question about what to use have you tried the machinable wax? It can be re-used by collecting the chips and scrap and remelting. The strength is less than Delrin but not much.

[pzzamakr1980]

To be honest I've never heard of it. I have never had formal training or any training other than what I teach myself so unless I come across it here I tend to miss out on some stuff. As far a supplier goes Ebay has scrapish delrin available all the time for pretty cheap. Cheaper than aluminum anyways. I was talking about flat bar not round stuff too. Thx for the wax advice Ill go look that up right now.

[Geof]

Do a search for 'machinable wax' using the Google window in the upper right corner and you will get 139 posts mentioning it.

[pzzamakr1980]

Thanks geof. Ive been taking a look at that stuff and it seems like the perfect solution to my dilemna. Which is what it was intended to be. I actually just ordered some. Thx for tip

[MichaelHenry]

PVC or wood might be cheaper.

Mike

[Oldmanandhistoy]

PVC or wood might be cheaper.

Mike

Cheaper than recyclable wax?

John

[digits]

What makes machineable wax more machineable than standard candle wax?

[Oldmanandhistoy]

What makes machineable wax more machineable than standard candle wax?

I believe it is the different additives they use in each type of wax but could be wrong.

John

[Geof]

What makes machineable wax more machineable than standard candle wax?

More rigid. Higher melting point.

If you do the search I suggested above you will find a thread describing making your own machineable wax by dissolving polyethylene in molten paraffin wax. What you are doing is making an alloy with parffin wax and polyethylene.

[digits]

More rigid. Higher melting point.

If you do the search I suggested above you will find a thread describing making your own machineable wax by dissolving polyethylene in molten paraffin wax. What you are doing is making an alloy with parffin wax and polyethylene.

Thanks for the explanation. :cheers: