I have need of some ptfe rod of about 8mm diameter. The exact diameter doesn't matter, but it has to be the same within a couple of 1/100mm. I will more of it in future, ie I need a continuing supply.
When I buy ptfe rod it is typically oversize, eg nominal 8mm is maybe
Any ideas?
Ta
Peter Fairbrother
Hi Peter,
That's a tight tolerance considering the high expansion coefficient of PFTE, much temperature change and it'll be out of spec. My suggestion though would be what I made some years back for a job I do from time to time turning parts out of acetal bar and the same problem with the rod being over the size required, basically a travelling steady with ball bearing tips to support the rod and a turning tool built in right next to the rollers, in my case I mount it in the toolpost and run it down the rod. Maybe you could mount something similar in a vice and feed the rod through using a drill to turn it. Food for thought maybe.
Just occurred to me that travelling steadies usually have 2 supports, the one I made has 3 at 120 degrees apart so it looks like a fixed steady with roller tips.
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required