Mechanical suppliers

[cyber_drifter]

I'm trying to build a robotic arm by scavenging old spindles and cogs etc. But does anyone know of a supplier of mechanical parts on the net that caters for this sort of hobby. I've searched google but without any success.

Thanks in addvance,
Tom

[Parmin]

Where are you? what country?
What budget are you looking at?

[cyber_drifter]

Hi Parmin,

I'm in the UK, and unfortunately my budget is on the low side. I used to work repairing amusement machines so I have lot's of bits and pieces from fruit machines - steppers, senses. I also have a workshop for making mechanical bit's, but still need to buy certain parts like bearings, cog's, spindles, etc.

Best wishes,
Tom

[Parmin]

I'm in the UK,

You are a tad far from me. Almost half way around the world actually..
Cant help much..
Being in the UK its more likely that you have access to more goodies than most of us anyway..
I get my parts from old machines such as printers, copiers, etc.
Old pre year 2000 copiers uses a lot of cogs spindles and clutches.. best of all, they can be bought cheaply from disposal places.

I found buying from the net although you get exactly or near to what you want, they are usually more expensive than buying the whole machine and rip them apart yourself    GRAAOOWLLLL!!

[cyber_drifter]

Damn, just tossed a massive old photocopier out, and it was full of mechanical part  .
What I think I'll do is use belts from old printers for the transmission, which some commercial robot arm builder use. But I'll still have to get close tolerance tubing to drive the belts though. But I think I know of a source for them. Cheers Parmin for your help.

Tom