Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

mbell wrote:Thanks Phil, my memory was Sarto's design was folded metal with leather. So not really machinable on a cnc mill. I might be wrong on that front thou.

So I think the tools would be different design to be milled from Ali round stock. Likely look more like the ones kelvedon list.

The main profile is CNC'd, the center portion turned on a lath:


Anyway, up to you guys, I have one already!

pharriso wrote:The main profile is CNC'd,

That's a different kind of cnc machine (cnc just means it's computer controlled). Those are done on some kind of router, laser or water cutter for cutting sheet metal.

That's possibly an option but likely to make them on cnc Mill from billet.

The Kelvedon tool looks exactly the same as my Lionel supplied one so I suspect that he is/was their supplier. If so, I hope they are looking to source from elsewhere.

That was what I thought the situation was. Seems there two tools and both suppliers have stopped supplying the tools.

That's why I contacted my friend as he maybe be able to make these and seems like he wouldn't be stepping on anyone's toes doing so. And good for him as known market/demand for the tool.

Bumping this to get input.. I wont need it in the immediate future but want to wrap my head around it.

I always thought I would need something like this

https://www.ebay.com/itm/275788491461

but it seems there are more elegant solutions nowadays

Brass 3lb
https://www.homedepot.com/p/URREA-54-oz ... /202797824

2mAn wrote:Bumping this to get input.. I wont need it in the immediate future but want to wrap my head around it.

I always thought I would need something like this

https://www.ebay.com/itm/275788491461

but it seems there are more elegant solutions nowadays

Sarto's tool is being made again, available through RDent...

Anyone know whether 3D printed ones would be strong enough?

Isn't the torque rating for the wheels 150 or 200ft/lbs?

Not a 3D printing expert but very seriously doubt anything but a very specialized, likely metal, printer could produce a part capable of handling that.

elanfan1 wrote:Anyone know whether 3D printed ones would be strong enough?

No way Steve!

200LbFt is a lot of torque, even the newer carbon fiber materials are not that strong. Now if you had access to some of the metallic fusible materials maybe, but very expensive

I see Kelvedon are still selling the ' Lionel' spinner tool At £ 98, expensive but great quality: Get one while you can I'd say; it's tried and tested and they ain't making 'em like that anymore..,!

These are in stock at R D Enterprises, [email protected]

Item# 026 T 0341K. priced at US$176

Cheers