Need some recommendations for tooling

[Sperkowsky]

Originally Posted by Monochron

I would guess this is more dependent on your teams design habits than anything else. For instance, we always design to use COTS shafts and spacers (or shaft collars), but often find the need for machined tubing or plate aluminum for gearboxes and the like.

It seems to me like having the freedom to design a gearbox or sheet metal that requires machining saves a lot more time than having the freedom to use custom shafts/spacers , but having to fit your geometric design to COTS parts. Machine geometry is the big time sink for us, and a CNC mill/router would alleviate that a lot more than a lathe. Would you agree?

That's how I feel. I have never felt the need to make a custom spacer and really I see no advantage over cots offerings. But, being able to precisely make something like a drive train rail is going to be amazing.