Printed collator parts ?

[6bg6ga]

Just wondering if anyone has attempted to make printed bullet or case collators from scratch.

[Jamezius Maximus]

If there have been some testing, check out grabcad or any other dad library's. Just search for lee reloading and see what pops up.


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[jmorris]

I have made a number of collators, both case and bullet, don’t have a 3D printer though.

[Mr_Sheesh]

Might be able to make those from laser cut parts too, hmmm

[dikman]

I mentioned this in my 3D printer post - http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?348278-I-just-built-a-3D-printer. It's from thingyverse (so not mine). It's not as big as the Lee, but works fine for my needs.

[Carrier]

My son bought one before Christmas. How does one duplicate a part to print? I'm talking about printing the LNL case feeder pivot and maybe a little different than the original.

[dikman]

You have to design it using 3D software to produce an .STL file which you then convert using a slicer programme to an .OBJ file which is what the printer uses.
Unless you happen to own a very expensive bit of 3D scanning gear, in which case you can leave out the design part!

[Carrier]

You have to design it using 3D software to produce an .STL file which you then convert using a slicer programme to an .OBJ file which is what the printer uses.
Unless you happen to own a very expensive bit of 3D scanning gear, in which case you can leave out the design part!

Oh is that all:killingpc:killingpc

[6bg6ga]

Oh is that all:killingpc:killingpc

I'm probably too old to try to make something from a printed machine. Does anyone make a bullet collator kit?

[jmorris]

There was a kit out there but it was an infringement on a patent and once lawyers got involved they quit making them.

I make mine from 6” pvc pipe and 1/2 in plastic. The first photo are two of the fixtures I used to get the spacing, drill one hole then index it to the bolt and continue until your all the way around.

The other two photos are the key. If the bullet is base down it rides over the slot and drop out the hole into the feeder. If it’s nose down the smaller diameter falls into the slot and drags the tip out, laying the bullet down. The. The ramp cut into the side of the pvc flips it back up base down.

[dikman]

Oh is that all:killingpc:killingpc

:lol: That "smiley" is probably my favourite, as I can relate to it quite well!
It's actually not as bad as I made it out, the "hard" part is creating the design in a 3D format, the other bits are pretty easy. I'm sure if your son put his mind to it he could work it out, as we all know how well kids and computers get on.

[jmorris]

This one is a similar concept to the entirelycrimson bullet feeder that they stopped making.

https://www.glocktalk.com/threads/question-about-diy-bullet-collator-motor.1688127/

A base plate and wheel with a wrap for the sides.

[flyingmonkey35]

I'm new to the 3d printer game. But have found it quite usefull for parts.

However there's a learning curve.

The cheaper you get the more work they take.

You can get them as low as 130 bucks on up. Great tinker toys.

Pla or. Pegt for parts pegt is the better version as it's stronger and dose not have the draw back of abs. It also dose not shrink like abs.



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[Carrier]

:lol: That "smiley" is probably my favourite, as I can relate to it quite well!
It's actually not as bad as I made it out, the "hard" part is creating the design in a 3D format, the other bits are pretty easy. I'm sure if your son put his mind to it he could work it out, as we all know how well kids and computers get on.

Well he's 34 but is a pretty smart guy with this stuff. We just have to get some time as its -30 here and both really busy. I'm not sure what brand though it is a Chinese one that cost $300 or so.

[dikman]

Which brand doesn't matter much. Once they're set up properly they should all pretty much do he same thing.

If you are talking about a motorized one, as per JM's, then I wouldn't bother with trying to use a 3D printer as it would be much simpler to make one from the right "bits, pieces and scrap".

[6bg6ga]

There was a kit out there but it was an infringement on a patent and once lawyers got involved they quit making them.

I make mine from 6” pvc pipe and 1/2 in plastic. The first photo are two of the fixtures I used to get the spacing, drill one hole then index it to the bolt and continue until your all the way around.

The other two photos are the key. If the bullet is base down it rides over the slot and drop out the hole into the feeder. If it’s nose down the smaller diameter falls into the slot and drags the tip out, laying the bullet down. The. The ramp cut into the side of the pvc flips it back up base down.

I have reviewed the concept but unfortunately I don't own a router, drill, mill, or lathe. We have a mill and lathe at the shop but the boss won't let me use it to make something for myself.

[jmorris]

I suppose there is nothing that would stop you from “printing” one, the hard part is “make one myself” without tools. With a 3D printer and knowledge of how to 3D cad and you are in business.

[dikman]

Only proviso would be the maximum size that the printer can print (for example mine is limited to 200mmx200mmx200mm).

[jmorris]

I guess if you lack any tools that can do the job, the best thing to make at that point is money and go buy the product you want or tools.

[6bg6ga]

I guess if you lack any tools that can do the job, the best thing to make at that point is money and go buy the product you want or tools.

Probably better to buy the tools than to buy the product. Thinking about a bench top mill and a decent vice for it and then I can make the collator.

[dikman]

I bought one of those (smallish, I suppose) benchtop mills some time ago. Yes, it's obviously limited in what it can handle but I've found it more than adequate for my needs. It's let me make stuff that would have been difficult to make without it. It can also function as a drill press (although I have one of those) and along with the lathe has made my life much easier!

[6bg6ga]

I bought one of those (smallish, I suppose) benchtop mills some time ago. Yes, it's obviously limited in what it can handle but I've found it more than adequate for my needs. It's let me make stuff that would have been difficult to make without it. It can also function as a drill press (although I have one of those) and along with the lathe has made my life much easier!

I spent many years running Bridgeport mills and many different lathes. Both are extremely handy and I would love to have both when I retire in a few months. However, since the wife and I will be moving to AZ it would be difficult to move a 2500lb mill and a tool room quality lathe that far. I have given the lathe purchase some thought and I believe for right now I will purchase a bench top unit with a digital readout. When we get to AZ I will be looking for a Bridgeport and a decent lathe.