The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing guardrail spacer

Pile driver machines are essential pieces of equipment for many construction and engineering projects. They are designed to drive piles into the ground, providing a stable foundation for buildings, bridges, and other structures. With so many different pile driver machines available on the market, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. In this buyer's guide, we will take a closer look at the different types of pile driver machines and provide some tips on how to choose the best one for your needs.

With competitive price and timely delivery, DACHU sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Types of Pile Driver Machines

There are several different types of pile driver machines available, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Here are some of the most common types:

• Vibratory Hammer: A vibratory hammer is a type of pile driver that uses vibrations to drive piles into the ground. It is typically used for driving sheet piles and H-beams, and it is well-suited for use in soft or sandy soils.
• Hydraulic Hammer: A hydraulic hammer is a type of pile driver that uses hydraulic pressure to drive piles into the ground. It is typically used for driving steel pipes and concrete piles, and it is well-suited for use in hard or rocky soils.
• Diesel Hammer: A diesel hammer is a type of pile driver that uses a diesel engine to drive piles into the ground. It is typically used for driving large steel pipes and concrete piles, and it is well-suited for use in tough soil conditions.
• Impact Hammer: An impact hammer is a type of pile driver that uses a heavy weight to drive piles into the ground. It is typically used for driving large concrete piles, and it is well-suited for use in dense or hard soils.
• Press-In Machine: A press-in machine is a type of pile driver that uses hydraulic pressure to press piles into the ground. It is typically used for driving small to medium-sized piles, and it is well-suited for use in soft or sandy soils.

Choosing the Right Pile Driver Machine

When choosing a pile driver machine, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision:

• Soil Conditions: The type of soil you will be working in is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a pile driver machine. Different types of soil require different types of machines. For example, a hydraulic hammer is ideal for use in hard or rocky soils, while a vibratory hammer is better suited for use in soft or sandy soils.
• Project Requirements: The size and scope of your project will also determine the type of pile driver machine you need. If you are working on a large construction project, you may need a diesel hammer or an impact hammer. For smaller projects, a press-in machine or a vibratory hammer may be sufficient.
• Noise Level: Pile driver machines can be quite loud, and some models are louder than others. If noise is a concern for your project, you may want to choose a machine that is designed to be quieter.
• Cost: Pile driver machines can vary widely in price, with some models costing tens of thousands of dollars. When choosing a machine, it is important to consider your budget and choose a model that fits within your price range.
• Maintenance: Like any piece of equipment, pile driver machines require regular maintenance to keep them in good working condition. When choosing a machine, it is important to consider the maintenance requirements and choose a model that is easy to maintain.

Final Thoughts

Pile driver machines are an essential tool for many construction and engineering projects. When choosing a machine, it is important to consider factors such as soil conditions, project requirements, noise level, cost, and maintenance requirements. By taking the time to choose the right machine for your needs, you can ensure that your project is completed on time and on budget, with a solid and reliable foundation that will last for years to come.

In addition to these considerations, it is also important to choose a reputable manufacturer and dealer when purchasing a pile driver machine. Look for a company that has a strong reputation for quality and reliability, and that offers a comprehensive warranty and support program. This will ensure that you have access to the resources you need to keep your machine running smoothly and efficiently. If you are planning to purchase pile driver machines, you can contact Roadskyguardrail directly.

Finally, it is important to remember that safety should always be a top priority when using a pile driver machine. Make sure that all operators are properly trained and certified, and that all safety protocols and procedures are strictly followed. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your project is completed safely and successfully, with a solid and reliable foundation that will last for years to come.

So what's the Story?!?

I don't really do any outrageous projects that truly warrant linear guide rails, but something about the modification seemed achievable and the benefits, undeniable. I'd love to write a full blown tutorial; however, my documentation from this install has a bit too many holes. If my local buddy that just picked up an SO3 XL feels like investing in linear guide rails, I'll be sure to do a better job at picture taking and making notes. Be warned: this is a glorified brain dump!

I have plans to install the Y-axis rails, but decided to complete the X-axis rails first so I can experience improvements in performance while milling the Y-plates.

STEP 1: Fabricate the Z-Adapter Plate, Spacer Plate, and X-Axis Motor Mount/Guide Bearing Plate
Download the Files (Dan Story's Thingiverse Post)
Make Any Desired Design Changes
Plan Your Stock Type and Workholding Strategy

• .375" -T651 Type 200 Tooling Plate Aluminum for the Z-Adapter Plate (locally sourced from SMC Metal)
• 5"x10" 1/2" ATP 5 Cast Aluminum for the Spacer and X-Axis Motor Mount/Guide Bearing Plates ($16.75 + shipping at the time).
• Oversized stock with C3D Gator Tooth clamps.

Program Toolpaths
Mill Adapter, Spacer, and X-Axis Motor Mount Plates

Drill and Tap Threaded Holes in Plates

STEP 2: Install the Linear Guide Rails
Remove X-Axis Extrusion
Mark Linear Rail-One Mounting Holes

Drill and Tap Linear Rail-One Mounting Holes

Install Linear Rail-One

Mark Linear Rail-Two
Drill and Tap Linear Rail-Two Mounting Holes
Install Linear Rail-Two
Install Bearing Blocks
Install Adapter Plate

Re-install X-Axis Extrusion

STEP 3: Install the Z-Axis, Spacer, and Motor Mount/Guide Bearing Plate

Looking at the steps and pictures above, it makes it seem like everything was easy and smooth sailing, but there were a few bumps and bruises along the way. All-in-all, a pretty good experience.

Fabricating The Plates

• I killed two brand new ZrN C3D 1/8" single flute cutters as well as a ZrN C3D 2mm single flute.
• I gummed up a couple of end mills, skipped steps, had to restart.
  Fortunately, I stumbled upon Chip welding boring operation 1/8" endmill in 1/4" hole in aluminum - #6 by The_real_janderson, so thanks to @The_real_janderson for the target chip load and pitch, my success rate increased dramatically. I used these dirt cheap 1/8" single flute end mills for inside work and the C3D 1/4" ZrN single flute for the outside adaptive contour cuts.
• I could have dialed in some of the IDs that were going to be tapped, but I just relied on my drill press to size holes for tapping.
  TIP: If you're not interested in risking a broken end mill for the small diameter holes, simply spot mill in your CNC program then use a drill press.
• I broke a couple of drill&tap bits trying to rush things with a cordless drill early on.
  *TIP: Use a tap in a drill press and manually rotate the spindle pulley to tap the plate or extrusion this ensures perpendicularity which reduces the risk of breaking a tap (don't forget to unplug the machine).

Installing the Linear Guide Rails
I didn't really have any issues here, but wanted to drop a bunch of notes for those interested in the details.

• I ordered mm rails (cheaper and readily available at the time $75 for two rails and four bearing blocks - eBay) and had them cut to size via surface grinding zip wheel and Bridgeport mill.
  

• I chose a length of 39 inches, but I think you could get away with avoiding any cutting by buying the mm standard rail length. Caution: If you flipped your OEM X-axis end plates you have to pay attention and design around the PEM nuts and M8 bearing guide SHCS.
  
  
• I rotated the X-axis extrusion to have the v-wheel rails face the back side of the machine mainly so I didn't have to remove my stickers, but it also made it easy to register off of a flat edge.
• I used F-style and quick-grip clamps to secure 1-2-3 blocks to the extrusion as a datum then assembled the necessary gage block stack heights to space the linear rails accordingly. I bought the Wen steel gage block set ($95 at the time) specifically for this project.
  **TIP: It can be difficult to assemble the same gage block stack heights because you have to use different combinations for each stack, so I employed my feeler gage set in tandem with the blocks to help me achieve the necessary spacing - they're cheap and handy.
  ***TIP: If you are willing to modify Dan's Adapter Plate's bearing block hole spacing, you could install the linear guide rails using @BartK's method of installing the bearing blocks on the rails and registering them against 1-2-3 blocks - this would effectively circumvent the use of gage blocks/spacers. SO3 on steroids - build log
• I wholeheartedly nominate the Pittsburgh transfer punch set ($10.99) as being one of Harbor Freights' best buys. Transfer punching the holes and using a drill press fence were key to keeping the mounting holes positioned in a straight line.
• Rail-two mounting holes were marked after installing rail one then registering three equal gage block stacks across the length according to the designed spacing which prioritizes parallelism.

Mounting
Relatively straight forward, but I think the million dollar question here is' 'what can I re-use from my existing setup (what hardware do I really need to buy)?'

• (16) M4x10mm for installing the Z-Adapter Plate to the bearing blocks.
• (3) M4x25mm for installing the X-Motor Mount Plate through the Spacer and into the Z-Adapter Plate.
• (36) M4x16mm for installing the linear guide rails to the extrusion. NOTE: YMMV depending on rail length or where you decide to cut your rails.
• (6) M5x14mm for installing the Z-Adapter Plate to the HDZ. NOTE A: I used M5x14mm screws in the preexisting stepper motor holes as well as the top v-wheel hole locations; Dan suggested (4) M5x14mm for the old stepper motor holes and (4) M5x20mm for the old v-wheel holes in his Thingiverse description. NOTE B: I used button head screws because I plan on using the lower profile head in the Y-axis rail install. If you choose to use button head screws, the clearance holes in the Spacer Plate has to be enlarged.
  ****TIP: I reused the M5 SHCS with the HD eccentric nuts for the two bottom old v-wheel locations - be sure to use the bearing shim/washer underneath the head of the SHCS to prevent bottoming out the screw.
• The motor spacers/M5 SHCS, M8 bearing guides, and items not specifically mentioned' are reused.
  Caution: Those that are using the mechanical homing switches, I assumed that the mounting holes on the Z-Adapter Plate bumpers would allow me to use the existing M3 SHCS and nylon nut. It may have been a machining mistake that I did; however, the holes are too close to the back plate of the HDZ so it won't allow a screw to pass through the hole. I had cleared the holes too big to tap the hole for an M3 SHCS, but fortunately the hole was large enough that I could tap an M4 thread in place - this meant that I had to enlarge the hole in the homing switch (proof of concept on a spare switch then snipped and soldered in the switch with the enlarged hole). It worked out! EDIT: Dan confirmed that it is designed to be a tapped M3 hole in his reply below.
  
  

Miscellaneous
Since I rotated the X-extrusion, the v-wheel rail on the backside interfered with the drag chain by forcing the chain to be a little closer to the X/Z assembly than I would have liked or wouldn't allow the chain to sit flat. I ended up fabricating a 3D printed drag chain support that hung on the v-rail. It took a couple of tests to iron out the geometry, but I eventually gravitated towards a snap on design. I finally learned how to share Fusion 360 files like normal people.

I still have to make a spacer to extend the OEM drag chain mount that's installed on the back of the HDZ so the drag chain is collinear, but overall this gets me to the point where the moving assembly won't interfere with the drag chain.

Special thanks to @DanStory for leaving a cookie trail to lead people like me to the promised land; @BartK for giving the community a peek into your process; @Vince.Fab for showing us what's possible with our machines (and linear guide rails); and people like @fiero1, @diegocolonnello, and @ydrefalk for motivating me to give living on rails a go. @Julien

Deep down in my heart I must have known this, but too much time had elapsed from spot drilling those holes and milling the plate that I was able to convince myself that I could just clear the holes; and that the M3 spiral tap I specifically bought for that hole was for something else haha.

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You're not kidding; it's easy to forget to capture all of the details.

@LiamN I just wish I had remembered to grab some photos when I had all of the gage blocks and clamps secured on there. I feel like the way the pictures (or lack there of) look, it makes it appear that you can just drill some holes in a straight line and the fit of the mounting holes will align the rails. In actuality I had them looking like the leg braces that the character Vincent had to wear after his surgery in Gattaca

I'm still kicking myself for not taking the pictures, but I use this technique where I leave my somewhere that way, my wife and children know that I'm not just on my and also maybe they think I'm doing something relatively quick in the basement/workshop. @neilferreri also has three young children too, he's got to know what I'm talking about.

Since I still have an MDF wasteboard currently, I just stood by with an air compressor and nozzle to blast the chips away. The ZrN coated end mills are nice but breaking a few isn't; I am very impressed with the performance of those cheap non-coated single flutes I hyperlinked.

Hey Liam,

I'm not sure what resources you have close by, but I bought -T651 Type 200 Tooling Plate local to me (added more detail in my original post). I bought the plate to size (.375") measuring with calipers in multiple areas, the thickness was on the money, it didn't reveal any rocking or gaps when laying it on my table saw's cast iron top, and if I recall correctly I slid a mounted dial test indicator around the plate to look for any glaring deviations - nothing jumped out at me. I also bought the ATP 5 Cast Aluminum Tooling Plate to thickness, and that seemed good enough for me too.

Since you're also using an MDF wasteboard, it may or may not be of interest to you that I used @RichCournoyer's method of dial test indicator and 1/4" shank holder mounted in the spindle indicating on a plate of glass to tram left-to-right and front-to-back to <.005". Using this method, the indicating radius is probably around three inches or so. Dialing in the left-to-right was much easier than the front-to-back.

Yeah, one of my regrets is the design has a mix of metric and imperial units. Sorry about that I prefer metric, easy on the math but my mind can only picture imperial. The motor spacer and mount plates aren't critical as long as they're thick enough to clear the vee groove but not too far that misaligns the belt too much.

As for tolerance, being no machinist and an amateur at best I didn't define them, nor sure where to start on how to procure them. Being through-hole mounting of the Shapeoko and my designed parts, they allow for some slop in the system. The biggest factor is the flatness of the plates that mount to the carriage blocks and I wasn't able to find an specification from HIWIN on the surface mounting outside of the rail height differentiation allowance which is about 0.005" for HG15 series of Z0 light preload. I originally used 1/2" -T6, which has varying gauge tolerance and flatness and surfaced them with my benchtop mini mill to >0.003" flatness across the work pieces. I started to use 3/8" ATP-5 tooling/fixture plate (to cut down on work time and setups, also MIC-6 is an option) which has a gauge tolerance of +/-0.005" (that doesn't matter as much) and flatness guarantee of <=0.015". Which, well isn't great for our use case, but due to the short spans of the plates in use (5.5"x9" is my largest stock I start with) hasn't be worse than 0.005".

The Y-axis is a little bit more complicated because of the dado, which you would want a snug fit (not necessarily press fit). I used gage blocks to get the dado to fit .375" gage block stack and surfaced down the mating plate to fit snug. However if using 3/8" fixture plate, you would just want to use that as your measuring tool. I used stock to leave in Fusion 360 to slowly creep the width of the dado until I got a good fit.

I also see it, It's still on the base of a Shapeoko platform, it's still a desktop CNC. I'm not going to try to aim for tenths precision. I mean, I used knock-off HIWIN rails and carriage blocks. They aren't going to win awards or match HIWIN tolerances and spec's in my eyes. But they make my CNC much more approachable and desirable results for my hobby use.

Great, thanks for that, clarifies a lot and answers a couple of questions I hadn't realised to ask yet

The CAD files are super helpful to figure out what's going on and to have a solid place to start, unfortunately Fusion 360 cannot change the display units in an existing file apparently so, despite many of the measurements being input in mm it will only show them in inches. I'm cloning them into mm to work from.

I'm just trying the X at the moment to see if I'm OK with the remaining slack after fixing the worst offender. We'll see how long I can go before the Y beams get railed. Once I've done the X I may feel more comfortable cutting the more complex parts for the Y.

And I'm with you on the achievable precision thing, if I want microns I need a mill, not a CNC router.

From my understanding is the same as ATP-5 (or at least 'Modified Aluminum Alloy'). Just a matter if its pre-machined with in the same tolerances.

I've been told the tool plate can be more gummy compared to -T6, I hadn't had troubles with it when using single flutes but only has been with my modified Shapeoko, not before the mods.

Cast Aluminum Tooling Plate or Jig Plate
Is known by various trade names:
Mic 6® (a registered trademark of Aloca Inc)
Alpase K100-S® (a registered trademark of TST, Inc)
Alca 5' (a trademark of PCP Canada)
Vista Metals ATP 5' (a trademark of Vista Metals Corp.)
Alimex

At least from composition, they seem to be the same:
Aluminium
Chromium: 0.05-0.25% max
Copper: 0.1% max
Iron: 0.4% max
Magnesium: 4.0 to 4.9%
Manganese: 0.4 to 1.0%
Silicon: 0.4% max
Titanium: 0.15% max
Zinc: 0.25% max

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