what are you guy's using for home made 4 links, steering rods and alike?

[northerngames]

what are you guy's using for home made 4 links, steering rods and alike?

I seen where one guy was using aluminum bow and arrow shafts and some type of thread but he never posted the size's or part numbers or rod end type etc.

then I have seen post where people were using automobile brake line and all thread rod or something and was wondering how that works.

another is where one tap's there own rod's but with what size and what tools what rod ends etc.

what are you guy's using to make yours and what are the known methods that are out there and what size's work best?

 

[mcfig]

Mostly what I have seen is all-thread covered by brake line (or something like it)

 

[kevinatfms]

either all thread inside a tube or CPE threaded links here.

 

[william g]

k&s tube or similar http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXS021&P=7
covering 6-32 all thread http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXTDS2&P=7
then traxxas ends http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDDV6&P=7

or buy 1/4'' or 3/16'' rod then drill for 3mm #39 and tap
or 6-32 #35 and tap
or 4mm #30 and tap and use revo ends http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXHGB7&P=7

 

[Orange Pedeanaut]

Its cheaper if you have an ACE Hardware store around, I get my aluminum tube there for about half of what Tower charges. Then I go to Rural King and get 6/32nds all thread.

 

[SWMS]

So let me get this straight. You all just slide the all thread all the way through the tube instead of tapping the ends and using the short treaded rods you find like on ESP links? Am I reading this right?:conf

 

[DEVASTATOR]

Or save yourself the trouble of using weak all thread and contact me for your link needs:cool I'll make you any size links you want for a decent price from 1/4" or 5/16" solid aluminum round stock.

 

[Twin92]

Or save yourself the trouble of using weak all thread and contact me for your link needs:cool I'll make you any size links you want for a decent price from 1/4" or 5/16" solid aluminum round stock.

I tried the all thread and tubing on a truck i built years ago and i was constantly bending the dang links.Solid aluminum is much better.Someone on here made me a set of graphite links for my Centurion years ago,but i can't remember who it was!I believe he was in North Carolina if i recall correctly.

 

[joe]

Or save yourself the trouble of using weak all thread and contact me for your link needs:cool I'll make you any size links you want for a decent price from 1/4" or 5/16" solid aluminum round stock.

Mike makes awesome links!
ive had a set on my wk since 06 and I beat the snot out of it... never a problem!

 

[TurnMeOver]

I am a firm believer in the solid link option myself. I make mine out of 1/4" solid rod 7075 aluminum. To date I have never bent one.

 

[Mo']

Solid links with set screws are the only way to go if you want a long lasting setup.



As its already been stated allthread is alot softer than set screws and will bend much much more easily. Mike makes amazing links if you want the best setup.

 

[metalicagod]

whats the trick to drilling a hole in exactly in the center?

 

[JKRacing37]

whats the trick to drilling a hole in exactly in the center?

A lathe.

If that isn't an option (I don't have access to one) then resort to plan B:

1) Cut link, then I sand on a belt sander to ensure a square cut/finish to the rod.

2) Chuck the rod up in a drill press. Spin at a decent speed - 900-1200 rpm should do fine.

3) Lightly touch the end of the rod with an automatic center punch. The end of the center punch will "find" the center of the rod.

4) Once the center punch stops walking and has found the center of the rod, push up on it and let it work it's magic. Ca-Click!

5) Put rod in vise and drill out on drill press. It's not always 100% centered but it will be close enough to do the job and not look like garbage. Been making links like this for years with no issues.

Bonus Tip - When drilling or tapping the alunimum rod, use this:

http://www.steco.com/TMaluminum.htm

Your life will be much easier and your taps/bits will last much longer.

 

[nosyajg]

Or save yourself the trouble of using weak all thread and contact me for your link needs:cool I'll make you any size links you want for a decent price from 1/4" or 5/16" solid aluminum round stock.

i have to remember this! wish i knew this earlier...

i dont need any right now, but will it come with set screws or set screws and rod ends? if so, what size set screws/rod ends?

 

[th67ss]

Mike makes awesome links!
ive had a set on my wk since 06 and I beat the snot out of it... never a problem!

I'll second this!!

 

[DEVASTATOR]

I usually only offer Traxxas rod ends and 3mm stainless set screws. Too expensive stocking tons of different options. I can make them just links and you provide the rest or they can come ready to bolt on with Traxxas ends.

 

[william g]

if you want to make your own try a drill guide like these http://www.crawlerfoams.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=282&category_id=22&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=80

 

[northerngames]

k&s tube or similar http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXS021&P=7
covering 6-32 all thread http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXTDS2&P=7
then traxxas ends http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDDV6&P=7

or buy 1/4'' or 3/16'' rod then drill for 3mm #39 and tap
or 6-32 #35 and tap
or 4mm #30 and tap and use revo ends http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXHGB7&P=7

I think I am going to order the drill guide set you posted.

now forgive me on being dense here but what does the #39 mean exatly? the drill number and if so I am having a hard time finding it or if it is just a 3mm drill what is the correct pitch like .5 .6 etc.s as I would assume certain aluminum rod ends have a fine coarse, standard, machine etc. thread right?

I ask becuase I dont want to have a rod end, rod, and threaded rod all with mix matched thread patterns/pitch's

 

[spyderwebbcustoms]

for rod ends I use the the hd revo ends that has the 4mm hole in it. that way I can use 8/32nd ready rod, with 1/4in stainless steel. been doing that way for my crawlers and haven't had any break. but for taps/ drill bits. I really don't use them. I just cut a small section off the ready rod, and put it my drill. the end of the ready rod should have a slit tapper to it. so that way it'll be easier to start in the plastic rod end. hope this helps

 

[northerngames]

not really if anything I am more confused after reading that lol.

I just need to know the correct drill bit size like what the #39 means and the most common thread pitch that is best to use for the threaded set screws that match most rc rod end patterns.

like does a standard thread hold better or the fine coarse machine thread etc.