Hex Broach Options?

[Dick Linn]

Doug, you said it! I've not asked a lot, but I did get a shaft and some sprockets machined down for no charge. I think there are certain trades like machining and welding that, if you appreciate their art, will go way out of their way to help you. They guy who turned down out driveshafts one year proceeded to give me a 1/2 hour shop tour and offered to let us feed off their scrap metal pile as well. It never hurts to ask..politely!

[ChuckDickerson]

I've been searching around some more for less expensive hex broaches and so far the least expensive I have found are the "Value" hex broaches at J&L:

http://catalogs.shoplocal.com/jlindu...genum ber=418

(see bottom of the page)

Has anyone used these? They are significantly less expensive than Dumont anywhere but I am wondering about the quality. I am no stranger to cheap import tools and believe they have there place but I am wondering if these are just a waste of money or a good deal. I haven't had good luck with cheap import taps and dies but have found some of the import drill bits, end mills and collets to be of decent quality for my needs. Does anyone have any guidance on "value" broaches?

[Doug G]

Originally Posted by DeepWater

I've been searching around some more for less expensive hex broaches and so far the least expensive I have found are the "Value" hex broaches at J&L:

http://catalogs.shoplocal.com/jlindu...genum ber=418

(see bottom of the page)

Has anyone used these? They are significantly less expensive than Dumont anywhere but I am wondering about the quality. I am no stranger to cheap import tools and believe they have there place but I am wondering if these are just a waste of money or a good deal. I haven't had good luck with cheap import taps and dies but have found some of the import drill bits, end mills and collets to be of decent quality for my needs. Does anyone have any guidance on "value" broaches?

While I haven't bought import broaches, I'd be a bit leary. It really comes down to how much you plan on using it. If you had a specific piece you'd like to broach and you don't think you'd ever use it again, perhaps saving the money and purchasing an import broach is good. But if you know your team may use it each year - buy a Dumont and you'll know it'll get the job done when you need it too. I'd hate to imagine having to broach a part 2 days before ship and have it fail (imports will simply break). Don't put your team in that position. If you do go with an import, make sure to use lots of cutting fluid and stick to broaching only Aluminum and Mild Steel components not stainless (which some stock gears come in). Hope this helps provide some insight.

[ChuckDickerson]

Originally Posted by Doug G

While I haven't bought import broaches, I'd be a bit leary. It really comes down to how much you plan on using it. If you had a specific piece you'd like to broach and you don't think you'd ever use it again, perhaps saving the money and purchasing an import broach is good. But if you know your team may use it each year - buy a Dumont and you'll know it'll get the job done when you need it too. I'd hate to imagine having to broach a part 2 days before ship and have it fail (imports will simply break). Don't put your team in that position. If you do go with an import, make sure to use lots of cutting fluid and stick to broaching only Aluminum and Mild Steel components not stainless (which some stock gears come in). Hope this helps provide some insight.

Thanks for the good advice. I was thinking about the same thing but wondered if anyone would reply with a "Yeah, they work fine and are justs as good as Dumont". I kind of doubt I will hear that though. Like you said, I suspect they would do fine for aluminum and mild steel but anything harder would wear them out quickly.