3 ms·

I've been working on a workshop workbench, also using 20 series aluminum extrusion. Here's a picture of 2 of the 4 pieces: https://photos.app.goo.gl/AMaBwa5pRB

I've been working on a workshop workbench, also using 20 series aluminum extrusion. Here's a picture of 2 of the 4 pieces: https://photos.app.goo.gl/AMaBwa5pRBQfqDPQ7 https://photos.app.goo.gl/AMaBwa5pRBQfqDPQ7 Aluminum extrusion is pretty nice to work with, though in retrospect I probably wouldn't do it again for the workbench. I was able to source it from China via Alibaba, and even with $200 shipping the pricing is way less than you can get it in the US. It was so inexpensive that I ordered a bunch extra in case I want to build a custom 3D printer or CNC or something. The extra was nearly free. You can cut aluminum on woodworking tools. I went slow, and the cuts I got looked nearly as good as the factory cuts. They are quite sturdy. My idea was that I could use the extrusion channels for mounting accessories or clamping. For example, mounting rollers when using it as an in/out feed table. A jig for flattening some raw wood using a router. Channels to lock the 4 into a 4x8 assembly table, but split it apart to store along the back and sides of the garage.

pimlottc 6y ago
Looks good! What’s the reason you say you wouldn’t use aluminum next time?
- R0b0t1 6y ago
  Having built stuff with it before I assume weight. If you buy decent tools aluminum is about as easy to work as wood. Maybe easier, because it warps less.
- linsomniac 6y ago
  I meant to go into a little more detail about that, got sidetracked. Part of it was cost/ease of obtaining. Part of it was COVID delays, but it took months to get the extrusion. Part of it is that it's an extra step; I had to build the extrusion frame and then build the panels and tongue them to fit the extrusion. As opposed to just putting together a simple cabinet and top. And if I damage it, it may involve significant disassembly to replace. I kind of wanted to use it for stiffness and straightness, but in retrospect adding T track to wooden carcasses probably would have been a better option. Especially as 20 profile isn't the same size as typical T-track and associated tooling. It is stiff and strong and straight though.
jpitz 6y ago
You might find this interesting: https://www.reddit.com/r/woodworking/comments/ir9cv2/slabology_sled_is_nearing_completion_anyone_want/ https://www.reddit.com/r/woodworking/comments/ir9cv2/slabolo...
- linsomniac 6y ago
  Yes, very, thank you.
nabilhat 6y ago
> ...even with $200 shipping the pricing is way less than you can get it in the US. The worst part is that the US extrusion isn't overpriced. For someone who wanted to start a small business making and selling this extrusion, dies would be $xx,xxx for each shape, and getting 6061 through those dies from a local extruder would run around $3, maybe $4 a pound for the more detailed shapes. Prices presented to individuals are $4-$5 per pound.
- linsomniac 6y ago
  I went back and looked at the details so we could talk apples/apples. I calculated it out as $1.30 per 20 series foot, so $2.60 for a foot of 2040, landed. It was $190 in extrusion, $336 for shipping. The only available shipping was air because of the "small" quantity. They recommended that trying to ship it would likely lead to delays and possible loss because it was so small. But if you were buying a ton or more it would decrease the shipping component. It seemed like an opportunity to get a bunch in and resell it, but that's not something I'm looking to do.

pimlottc 6y ago

Looks good! What’s the reason you say you wouldn’t use aluminum next time?

R0b0t1 6y ago
Having built stuff with it before I assume weight. If you buy decent tools aluminum is about as easy to work as wood. Maybe easier, because it warps less.
linsomniac 6y ago
I meant to go into a little more detail about that, got sidetracked. Part of it was cost/ease of obtaining. Part of it was COVID delays, but it took months to get the extrusion. Part of it is that it's an extra step; I had to build the extrusion frame and then build the panels and tongue them to fit the extrusion. As opposed to just putting together a simple cabinet and top. And if I damage it, it may involve significant disassembly to replace. I kind of wanted to use it for stiffness and straightness, but in retrospect adding T track to wooden carcasses probably would have been a better option. Especially as 20 profile isn't the same size as typical T-track and associated tooling. It is stiff and strong and straight though.

jpitz 6y ago

You might find this interesting: https://www.reddit.com/r/woodworking/comments/ir9cv2/slabology_sled_is_nearing_completion_anyone_want/ https://www.reddit.com/r/woodworking/comments/ir9cv2/slabolo...

linsomniac 6y ago
Yes, very, thank you.

nabilhat 6y ago

> ...even with $200 shipping the pricing is way less than you can get it in the US. The worst part is that the US extrusion isn't overpriced. For someone who wanted to start a small business making and selling this extrusion, dies would be $xx,xxx for each shape, and getting 6061 through those dies from a local extruder would run around $3, maybe $4 a pound for the more detailed shapes. Prices presented to individuals are $4-$5 per pound.

linsomniac 6y ago
I went back and looked at the details so we could talk apples/apples. I calculated it out as $1.30 per 20 series foot, so $2.60 for a foot of 2040, landed. It was $190 in extrusion, $336 for shipping. The only available shipping was air because of the "small" quantity. They recommended that trying to ship it would likely lead to delays and possible loss because it was so small. But if you were buying a ton or more it would decrease the shipping component. It seemed like an opportunity to get a bunch in and resell it, but that's not something I'm looking to do.