Model Boat Mayhem
Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Engineering Techniques and Materials. => Topic started by: Mark T on October 19, 2017, 09:12:00 pm
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Hi All
For ages now I've had lots of different diameter brass rods and tubes floating around my workshop that all seem to be about 12" long. There is only a small quantity and it doesn't take up much space but every time I need something in particular I have to root through it all with a vernier to find the correct diameter rod/tube that I need.
I have scoured eBay, B@Q, Dunelm and Tesco's to find a suitable container that will store these items and also keep them separate in their different diameter sizes. I have also tried to make a container out of round plastic tubing glued together; one tube for each size but it just did not work.
So - how do you store items like this? I need something that will keep each diameter separate for sizes from 1mm - 8mm. I'm sure that there is something out there I just cannot find it. If you have any solutions for me please let me know
Mark
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In a similar vein to your requirements I ended up with a rack as shown below. It is an Ikea (letter rack?) item. I had some sheets of hollow box section plastic from some where I do not recall; maybe Hobbycraft. I laminated these together to fit the respective voids but included bigger vertical holes for larger items. Eventually all manner of items ended up in the rack in addition to brass sections. This is for another hobby of making O Gauge railway items.
The problem with such a rack is storing sections that have been cut down. The tier sections accommodate this to an extent. Nearby is a block of wood 25mm thick with all manner of holes drilled vertically where the final stumps of sections hang out until needed.
It would be possible to label areas for different section sizes perhaps. I try and keep materials in original packaging but do sometimes reach for the vernier gauge. Sometimes I just add a masking tape flag to the end of a section with the dimensions written on (hence the blue flags).
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I like that idea....I may have to borrow it!
The plastic sheet with the square section looks to be the same material used for estate agent signs, I’ve used it in the past for various things.
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I am surprised the plastic tube did not work.
I would still try approaching this using plastic or copper pipe of 1"or more diameter. Thin wall pipe would be better, plastic waste pipe is thinner walled than water pipe. Usually the cheaper it is, the thinner the walls.
The idea for the box in the figure below could easily be wall mounted. There is also a little space for additional storage between tubes if needed.
The idea in the figure has 4 tiers of tubes in the bottom section, this could easily be just 2 tiers, and maybe a single tier top section. The storage would then be much smaller.
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One of three storage solutions. Theres a drawer full of short bits.
A rack and cabinet for wood, and a rack of plastic strips, tubes, rod and sheet.
ok2
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Thanks for the replies :-)) Davo and Umi I like your solutions but I am hoping to get something that I can put away in a drawer. The amount of tubes and rods that I have could probably fit in one fist when all put together but there are so many sizes I am always having to sort through them.
tiger tiger thanks very much for such a detailed drawing it must have taken ages! I like this idea and my be a winner but I would make it a bit smaller for my needs. I guess the easiest solution for me would be some sort of sealable container with long individual compartments but I've not found one yet.
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Try a cutlery tray.
Personally I can pretty much guess what sizes are but I also like my digital vernier and any excuse to use it {-)
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There are sewing, art, or fishing tackle boxes with plastic trays, like this one. Just check dimensions.
They will also give you additional storage for other items.
You can use plastic storage boxes (see pic) and use scissors to selectively cut out some of the dividers, leaving a longer storage hole.
Some of the rods and tubes with same diameter could be bundled together with elastic bands before storage.
If you are only going to access them occasionally, a large tool roll might be suitable. The one in the pic is canvas, but there are cheap plastic ones out there.
If you are keeping them in a drawer, perhaps bundle them and then store in a cutlery tray, as T3ecno suggests. With a wooden cutlery tray it would be easy to glue in extra dividers and even attach a lid with a cloth hinge. Again, space for additional storage.
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How about put away in a model cupboard if you look at how I have done it in my building threat,
SD14 CARDBOARD MODEL that's in my inside hobby room bits of plastic waste pipe and clips one end with black plastic stoppers all at eye height so I can see whats in each tube all sorts of profiles and bars and tubes some plastic some brass less then £2 a length at wicks
Regards Howard
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Howard you must have the most organised hobby room in England - very nice and thanks for the ideas
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Well after much over thinking I've solved my problem. I simply bought some 15mm ferrules from ebay for £3.50 and cut up some 15mm plastic pipe that I had. Its certainly tidied up my draw and also protects the thin brass rods and tubes. I guess I could make some longer ones for wooden dowels etc out of 22mm pipe. Thanks for the input from the other members of the forum
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A neat and fool proof system. Certainly takes away the guess work when choosing your materials.
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Have been watching this post, waiting for the great answer!!! the tubes and ferrules is a superb idea, ebay hear i come. Thanks guys, always on Mayhem
Mark