Chase recommendations

I need some chases made for a Nonpareil No. 22.

Does anybody know a machinist or company that can do this? Or even what an approximate cost would be if I can locate somebody in my area?

How about advice on how to find a machinist in my area? What kind of business would I be looking for?

Any help is greatly appreciated. I’m anxious to get this little guy up and running!

Rachel

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Rachel,

The key to accurate part manufacturing is detailed instructions. These include multiple view drawings with dimensions, tolerances, material call outs and special instructions. Where there are no drawings a sample will often work. In the absences of either I am afraid we are all nearly helplessly lost.

How to find a machinist … hit the pavement. Find one that will listen to your needs, seeks to understand exactly what you require, communicates openly about shop equipment limitations, is realistic about timelines and when a product can be delivered and last but not to be forgotten – pricing.

Some parts beg to be recast but I dare say this service has shrunken to nearly non existence in the U.S. besides being cost prohibitive the EPA has inflicted so much pain on the small foundry they have all but vanished. If you find one the process begins at the top as a pattern is required to make a casting.

If you can solve the drawing and or pattern challenge there is hope and opportunity.

Tom

Tom,
I have a diagram with all the dimensions from Jim Jereb, so I at least have a place to start. Mostly, I’m just clueless as to where to find a machinist. Search results give me job listings and manufacturers. I didn’t figure I’d be able to find a place to cast new ones.

Any thoughts on having an aluminum base made in lieu of a chase? Ultimately I’d like to utilize my lead type, but for so many things, photopolymer is more efficient.

Thanks,
Rachel

Rachel:

Ask around for the best welding shop in town. They should be able to fabricate a frame that will be suitable for a small chase and could grind indentations as required to fit. You should emphsize that it must be prefectly flat and sides parallel.

John Henry

I agree with John, a small welding/machine shop should be able to fabricate a chase out of mild steel as a weld up. You will need a few passes on a mill to cut the various reliefs to make it fit. Milling one out of flat steel would be the best way to go - but milling machines are not fast and the cost would be out of sight. The more accurate the machine work the more it will cost.

Rachel,

I had two chases machined for an old press from solid steel plate, cost was around $400 per chase unfortunately, but since the press was rare and valuable I paid it. I sent them detailed engineering specifications/drawings and they did a fine job. Look for a machinist in your area. Welding will definitely be cheaper and in most ways as good as machined.

Alan