Paper Towel Dispencer

[Jigantor]

I have started this thread to show want I made.
This is not the only way to make one nor is it the best way.

I work on old MX bikes. Forks, shocks and engines all pulled apart leaking oil everywhere. I don't use rags to mop up the oil as this would mean having an endless supply. Rather I perfer to use paper towel. I went looking for a dispencer a month ago but none of the machinery shops I purchase from had any for sale nor did they know where to get one.

Today I decided to make one out of, you guessed it "Aluminium"
The Ali I used is 3mm or 1/8" thick 6060 T5.
I had this laying around after a job so the material this time did not cost me anything.
I also used a length of 19mm or 3/4" diameter ali tube, also 6060 T5.

Ji

[Jigantor]

First of all I marked out the design and cut out the shape.
I left some material to my pencil line for shaping.

Ji

[Jigantor]

I then clamped it into a soft jaw vise and with a trusty file removed my pencil lines.
I did not spend to much time with this, after all ali files like wood.

Ji

[Jigantor]

Finding a large drill bit that was sharp I drilled the holes for the round tube.
The hole has to be larger than the tube but not by much.
Debur and smooth all edges with a sanding block.

Ji

[Jigantor]

If you have a folder or pan brake like me fold up the sides, if not clamp the sides into a soft jaw vice and bend.
Test fit the tube.
It is starting to look like something.

Ji

[Jigantor]

The paper towel dispencer needs to be sanded and polished but basically it is done.
I have to drill two small holes in the end of the tube for the locking pins but the hardware shop is shut today so that will have to wait till tomorrow.

Pretty pleased with the result.

Ji

[welder_one]

i wish i had the aluminum resources that you do... i cant afford to play around with aluminum very often

[Jigantor]

Is aluminium expensive or just hard to come by in the States?

Ji

[welder_one]

alot more expensive than mild steel... it's easy enough to find, just alot more expensive (and i am good friends with the metal sales girl...and it's still expensive)

[Jigantor]

Since China started buying steel the cost has gone through the roof.
Aluminium is still more expensive but not by a mile anymore.
Stainless steel is still pretty expensive.

I love aluminium because you can work it like wood and it does not need painting.

Ji