Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Materials for machines. Was MDF for machines

Thanks to everyone who replied to my question and especially to
Ballendo for doing all that research.

I would have to check to be sure but I think most of the Trespa
used in that plans was around 1/2" thick but guestimating around
$8.00 a square foot that's still pretty expensive for a whole
sheet. I could probably find scrap aluminum plate for around the
price of the Trespa on a per square foot basis. Of course I'd
have to be carefull to ensure that those things which need to be
electricly isolated remain that way.

One thing the instructions that came with the plans said was that
Trespa is also used by sign makers so maybe it's possible to come
up with a good price on some scrap.

I will have to admit that the white Trespa with the black edge
looks pretty cool though.

Thanks again,
Drew

ballendo@... wrote:

>
> Drew,
>
> I have not used this product, but using the 1-800-4trespa number
> posted at the link you provided, I found a pretty knowledgeable
> receptionist:
>
> Trespa is a wood fiber or kraft paper cored, composite laminate. So
> it is like phenolic, and phenolic could likely be used instead. The
> edge is non porous, so another description might be MDF which is
> fully impregnated with resin. There is a "color" sheet top and bottom
> (again like "paper" phenolic), and it is being marketed to make lab
> ware and walls, and now is being sold for architectural usage.
>
> Smallest order is for one sheet, sold through mfr. distributors only.
> Ballpark pricing is about $3.45/sq.ft. for 1/4 inch thick. About
> $9.60/sq.ft. for 3/4 inch. (I've seen the pics of the edm machine on
> Camtronics website, but don't have the plans so dont know what
> thicknesses are involved. Looked like 5/8 or 3/4...)
>
> Panel sizes(in feet) are 5x10, 6x8, and 6x12(when available).
>
> One distributor is Alan Coote in San Francisco. His number is (415)
> 541-0969.
>
> The core is black (as seen on the webphotos; I thought it was "edged"
> melamine board from the pics when I first saw them).
>
> So, depending on the size(s) needed; and whether a "group" purchase
> could be arranged if the amount needed is small (as it appears to be,
> relative to the sheet size):
>
> You might want to investigate the pricing of phenolic sheet stock, as
> it will be available in smaller quantities. Phenolic is made in
> three "grades": Linen, Canvas, and paper. "Paper" would probably be
> closest to the Trespa material, with linen also likely usable. Paper
> phenolic has a tendency to split when fastened through the edges, my
> guess is that the Trespa will also need care here.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Ballendo
>
> P.S. The 5x10 sheet size might work well for the table of a cnc
> router. Thicknesses available up to one inch. The approx. 500 buck(in
> 3/4 thckness) price would need comparison with alternatives, for
> sure.
>
> P.P.S. Another possibility is a "chemical grade" sheet plastic. Don't
> use plain polycarbonate(Lexan, Tuffek are two trade names), as the
> hydrocarbons of the dielectric will weaken and "craze" it... Acrylic
> might also work, and PVC sheet seems a (good)possible alternative.
>
> I suspect that the plastic alternative panels will not have
> the "stiffness" of the trespa or phenolic, so consider this when you
> are deciding.
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Drew Rogge <drew@p...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi All,
> >
> > Speaking of materials to build machines out of, I got the sinker
> > EDM plans that Dan Mauch sells and the basic frame for the machine
> > is made from a material called Trespa. See:
> >
> > http://www.trespanorthamerica.com/
> > or
> > http://www.trespa.com
> >
> > for a description. Has anyone ever done anything with this stuff?
> > I've never heard of it and am afraid I'm going to have a hard time
> > finding it.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Drew
> >
> > --
> > Drew Rogge
> > drew@p...

--
Drew Rogge
drew@...