I'm seriously considering installing Rapid Aire Maxline air compressor line in my shop. The tubing is aluminum with a polymer cladding inside and out, and comes on a spool.
The company sells a tool for straightening the stuff, but $150 for a tool I'll likely use one time is a non-starter for me. The tool is simply a series of 7 rollers with concave faces, that works like a brake line straightener. You push/pull the curved stuff through and it comes out the other end straight (more or less).
So I'm thinking about fabricating this straightener for nearly no cost from parts on-hand.
I have plenty of leftover stock on Delrin rod from an old project, and am thinking I could make my own rollers on my lathe similar to the pic below, but am wondering about the the tool to cut the approx 1in diameter and how would it bolt up in my BXA tool holders, which can accommodate 5/8in tools. Also wondering if a plunge cut, even on Delrin, is practical and if the chatter would be excessive.
I suppose I could buy a cheap 1in wood gouge (if they exist) and grab the edge of it with my tool holder but that strikes me as rife with drama.
Anyone have any pearls of wisdom?
The company sells a tool for straightening the stuff, but $150 for a tool I'll likely use one time is a non-starter for me. The tool is simply a series of 7 rollers with concave faces, that works like a brake line straightener. You push/pull the curved stuff through and it comes out the other end straight (more or less).
So I'm thinking about fabricating this straightener for nearly no cost from parts on-hand.
I have plenty of leftover stock on Delrin rod from an old project, and am thinking I could make my own rollers on my lathe similar to the pic below, but am wondering about the the tool to cut the approx 1in diameter and how would it bolt up in my BXA tool holders, which can accommodate 5/8in tools. Also wondering if a plunge cut, even on Delrin, is practical and if the chatter would be excessive.
I suppose I could buy a cheap 1in wood gouge (if they exist) and grab the edge of it with my tool holder but that strikes me as rife with drama.
Anyone have any pearls of wisdom?
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