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My first mill is a First mill
- Thread starter PaulL
- Start date
I had the same attitude from Fastenal, mind you it's a head office rule not the guys at the counter.
As for Fastener Force, the only thing I find with them is that you (I) need to take a sample for them to match. I tried to get a 1.5x8tpi nut from them and when I got home it turned out the I.D of the nut was 1.5, it slipped right over the spindle of the SM9 instead of threading on.
As for Fastener Force, the only thing I find with them is that you (I) need to take a sample for them to match. I tried to get a 1.5x8tpi nut from them and when I got home it turned out the I.D of the nut was 1.5, it slipped right over the spindle of the SM9 instead of threading on.
mickeyf
Super User
It was several years ago, but I discovered that the company I worked for, who did develop electronics, had an account with Fastenall for our "nuts and bolts". You could walk in and say "I'm with xyz company" and they'd sell to me. (I did run this by our accounting dept first, and they said fine as long as we know it's personal so the accounting does not get confused.) Mostly they didn't even ask for any kind of confirmation - you could have mentioned any well known company and they probably would have sold to you. Not suggesting this is ethical, but the front counter guys may be less fussy than the bean counter guys.
I typically drill and tap a collar and then spilt it once to take the set screw and then mount the whole thing on the lathe as an assembly. The chuck jaws tighten the split collar onto the grub screw so I can make whatever I need.
Sometimes it's easier to face a regular nut and then split that the same way.
Both are plenty accurate enough to hold a grub screw (or any other fastener) properly for turning.
Some folks just chuck the screw, but I prefer not to risk damaging my jaws.
You can also use a collet with a piece of pop can to hold the screw in the collet.
140mower
Don
The split nut is the method I have been using, just put the split flat between the jaws and tighten.
Same for me with Fastenal but when they would ask who it was for I'd tell them it was "cash sale" and they'd be happy with that. I've done that for things they had to bring in as well, actually most things they have to bring in...
I've been using Grainger lately and they prefer to deal B to B (which I have) but they don't save the info unless you want to open an account which I have not.
D
I've been using Grainger lately and they prefer to deal B to B (which I have) but they don't save the info unless you want to open an account which I have not.
D
Mine is 1/8 Allen. Junk ones are easy to find and modify. No more wiggling required.
Here is a modification I made to my spindle to simplify access. Just used a die grinder to make a clearance relief.
I see it's time to replace the electrical tape I used to improve the contrast against the reflector tape I use to measure rpm. All just temporary till I install an rpm sensor.
Also the huge nut I modified to make nose removal easy. I don't like pin spanners.
Same for me with Fastenal but when they would ask who it was for I'd tell them it was "cash sale" and they'd be happy with that. I've done that for things they had to bring in as well, actually most things they have to bring in...
I've been using Grainger lately and they prefer to deal B to B (which I have) but they don't save the info unless you want to open an account which I have not.
D
I have actual accounts at both. But usually just do cash orders anyway. Fastenal is usually 4x as fast though. Both will deliver. But I can get free pickup with Fastenal.
Funny how location matters. The small town folks at the Fastenal place in nearby Chatham are awesome!
They will often spend hours for me on a sale they might make pennies on.
VicHobbyGuy
Ultra Member
I'm impressed that you found those items (milling vise, etc..) in Victoria! How'd ya do that??
Chicken lights
Forum Pony Express Driver
I generally avoid Fastenal, mostly due to having to buy a box of 50 (or whatever the minimum is). However on some items you can order in minimum quantities. My local Fastenal doesn’t need an account but they won’t sell to the general public
I had Bolts Plus price match me a large order and they couldn’t believe how cheap Fastenal quoted me. So whether it’s a loss leader to get a new customer or just crappy quality, I don’t know.
Brafasco lost me as a customer when they went to a minimum $10 purchase
Just to spell it out, the First uses an M6x 1 screw that needs an M3 hex key as opposed to the 1/8 for a BP and as it would be also a Hartford. I started in on the First thinking BP clone until the hex key didn't fit well......
I like your nut pin spanner, more scrounge recycling, not that I have nuts that big in my scrounge pile...
D
Yep, that's exactly the setup. I have the flat point grub in there still, but not the dog point. Probably got removed by someone who only used larger R8 tools that give you some grip and would be annoying to align.
The vise I got from KMS, for just under $300 after tax. No-name, 6', rotary base that's now sitting in a drawer, and probably good enough to get me going until I notice I need better. Seems on par with the cheap vises I could fine online, and I got it same-day.
KMS tools have much more interesting stock since their big remodel. The machinist section is still a dog's breakfast, but George there can usually find what you're looking for while telling you that it's on the list of departments to get to soon...I'm impressed that you found those items (milling vise, etc..) in Victoria! How'd ya do that??
I see your pin spanner replacement, and raise you last night's monstrosity:
Yes, I'll make a proper one before I damage the pin holes in the nut, says he in retrospect. The holes are fine.
Fastenal has always allowed me to buy low quantities as long as I was willing to wait. If I wanted it fast, I had to order a whole box at whatever quantity that was. I've never dealt with those other outfits.
Most farmers have big nuts.
Even if you don't, you can get them at a farm supply place or anyplace that has big equipment.
The nice thing about nuts that big is that they are easy to get a grip on with the right socket.
VicHobbyGuy
Ultra Member
IMO it's been a long and steady downhill slide since they decamped from Colwood some years back.... I still can't find what I'm looking for, even though they have reduced the inventory quite a lot. In the 'olden days'they had a big clearance section, for instance and a big display of stationary tools. And don't get me started on their online order 'system'..been there, done that, and hopefully learned my lesson..
Back to our regular programming....
You need to strike up a relationship with Jeff, the store manager. He's bent over backwards to help me.IMO it's been a long and steady downhill slide since they decamped from Colwood some years back.... I still can't find what I'm looking for, even though they have reduced the inventory quite a lot. In the 'olden days'they had a big clearance section, for instance and a big display of stationary tools. And don't get me started on their online order 'system'..been there, done that, and hopefully learned my lesson..
Back to our regular programming....