www.thomasnet.com

Try talking to some welders or plumbers?

I come across the same difficulties on the west coast.

good luck. If nobody can help, can you make the prototype in plastic pvc piping?

Hi Rory, have you tried to look under machinist?. They are the ones who have the skill and equipment to fabricate what it sounds like you are looking for. Just a thought.

Thanks all!

I’ll see what I can get out of your suggestions. Sometimes our Google searches become too complex and what you really need is just to get back to the basics!

Cheers, R.

Rory,
try http://www.emachineshop.com they have a CAD program you can download and use and it will even give you a price. it is a little tricky to use but they should be able to help you. If you like, I would be happy to sign an NDA and maybe then look at what you have and see if I can help or direct you in the right direction. you can email me at gallowaytechconsulting@live.com or visit my website at http://www.gallowaytechconsulting.com. It may take a few days for me to get back, though not normally but I have been busy lately, but I would be glad to try to help.

Hi Rory, I texted my son, he’s a journeyman-welder, and he says “The two tubes meeting up need a smaller tube on the inside. The inner tube having the outside deminsion same as the inside deminsion as the outer tubes to fit snug.” ;-)

Rory, Try going to your local votech or community college. The department head of industrial design or fabrication is usually happy to help. Sometimes you can sign NDA’s and they will take on developing your product, in exchange for credit/recognition. Or they might refer you to someone who could do it. Great resources at the college.

rory (and everyone else needing to source):

you absolutely, positively have to check out this website:

www.mfgquote.com

go there, and click on all the links…

you will breathe a big sigh of relief knowing that it is there to help you and totally FREE

i posted a topic about mfgquote.com on the edison nation forum, too

Thanks everyone!

I’ve a lot of different avenues to test now. Much appreciated.

R.

Rory, how long , thick wall, and what diameter are the tubes? Does one have to slide completely in to the other, or is a short overlap OK? If you know someone with a lathe, they might be able to reduce the end of one tube or press in ball bearings to enlarge the end. I’ve had luck with both processes on thin-wall tubes.

Hi Rory, by Marry Up, do you mean just come together or come together and lock or fit one inside the other ? Depending on it"s size you can sometimes find them at Home Depot, poles for tents may work or they may be able to lead you to some one who can help. I would try hardware stores too, don’t give up.

I have a lathe and mig welder, though my lathe is a small one, I can work with up to three inch diameter and ten inch lengt, for smaller diameter I can go a little longer too, what is it you are trying to do exactly Rory.

http://www.gallowaytechconsulting.com