Nut files

[Robert Edington]

Is there a place to find a file for a nut. You know how Russ cuts those holes and puts a m3 nut in it and presses it in with a pair of pliers. And it fits snugly and perfectly. I would like to cut some nut holes for a project I want to make. I have tried to make my own, but I'm not smart enough. I was using InkScape. I only have InkScape and Lightburn software.
I am new to lasers and I have a 50 (40) watt blue chinese laser. I'm trying to make a tool for my wood lathe.
Any help is appreciated.

RP

[Pete Cyr]

Is there a place to find a file for a nut. You know how Russ cuts those holes and puts a m3 nut in it and presses it in with a pair of pliers. And it fits snugly and perfectly. I would like to cut some nut holes for a project I want to make. I have tried to make my own, but I'm not smart enough. I was using InkScape. I only have InkScape and Lightburn software.
I am new to lasers and I have a 50 (40) watt blue chinese laser. I'm trying to make a tool for my wood lathe.
Any help is appreciated.

RP

What size nut?

[Gene Uselman]

Here is the dimensions of my 3mm nut and a dfx file [saved in inches]. You should always do a test cut as your laser beam kerf will be important on this small an object. I would advise buying a cheap [$15-20] digital caliper- most diy stores have them now- stainless rather than plastic.

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3mm nut.jpg

3mm nut.dxf

[Robert Edington]

It's a large nut that threads on my live center for my tail stock on my wood lathe. It's ~28mm (1.1") across the flats. I'm pretty sure it a 3/4"x 10 thread. I'm designing a insert for a steady rest.
I'm sorry I misled you in the nut size. I meant that only as an example of what Russ Does.
Gene, can I enlarge the one you sent me and make it fit my nut?
Sorry I ask such rudimentary questions. I'm new to lasers and CAD/drawing software

RP

[Gene Uselman]

You absolutely can do that- your software will have a way to scale it proportionately, I am not familiar with that program.

I see you have Lightburn- it is probably a more capable software for you- the polygon tool is the 6st one down on the left.

[Pete Cyr]

It's a large nut that threads on my live center for my tail stock on my wood lathe. It's ~28mm (1.1") across the flats. I'm pretty sure it a 3/4"x 10 thread. I'm designing a insert for a steady rest.
I'm sorry I misled you in the nut size. I meant that only as an example of what Russ Does.
Gene, can I enlarge the one you sent me and make it fit my nut?
Sorry I ask such rudimentary questions. I'm new to lasers and CAD/drawing software

RP

28mm is a non-standard size -no one makes a 28 mm nut for sale
I created a hex that is exactly 28 mm flat to flat across the diameter
I would make a test cut to see how much you have to adjust for the kerf and the desired class of fit.

[Tim Mellor]

One of the best resources for hardware drawings to import is https://www.mcmaster.com/hex-nuts if you look at the product detail most of them have 2 and 3D files available to export.

It is also available as part of a Fusion 360 plug in if you get into 3D modelling I use it a fair bit rather than creating standard fasteners or parts from scratch.

[Chris Medcalf]

One of the best resources for hardware drawings to import is https://www.mcmaster.com/hex-nuts if you look at the product detail most of them have 2 and 3D files available to export.

There we can see that a 3/4" 10 nut is 1 1/8" across flats, that's 28.575mm.

[Robert Edington]

Thank you everyone for your help on this. I measured that nut with a digital caliper. It measured from 27.9xxmm to 28.05mm. I appreciate all your help and a steer to McMaster Carr for the drawings.

RP