Rotex turret punch

[isb cornbinder]

This reminds me of another auction where I was the only bidder on a really big two stage compressor. the pump needed bearings and the interest was very low. $25 was my bid and I was the owner of this great big turd. While I was standing there wondering WTF, a man asked if I would sell the compressor to him. He offered $100 and I was relieved of my problem. He said he had a set of bearings to fit the pump. RESOLD!

 

[OccupantRJ]

isb, I needed a new 3/16” punch in my Rotex as I was assembling it yesterday, and remembered some spare pieces being with it when I got it. I rummaged in a few storage drawers and look what I found! I looked online and this stuff ain’t cheap!

 

[isb cornbinder]

I will be looking for a replacement 5/32" for my punch. It is good to know this stuff is available.
I was going to start work on a base/cabinet yesterday. I called about picking up an order of 2 1/2 sets of casters in a mixture of locking swivel, standard swivel and locking wheel brakes. I want extra sets here so I don't have to brave traffic so often. I ordered the 4 inch by 2 inch with bearings. the wheels are a black Poly-Olefin.
The distributor is closed until after the holidays. Not a big deal for me, my order will be filled and then I will get a call in early January. I am trying to make most if not all of the casters,in my shop, match. I prefer the Canadian ALGOOD casters. I like ALGOOD because they work really well and I am supporting a home industry. I have all of the other materials in stock.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I unloaded some cold rolled steel flat bar and dropped it in the shop. I cut off 8 pallets to accommodate caster bases. One of the pallets is drilled and will be used as a template for drilling the other pallets.
I bought more steel, in the dimension I need, rather than cutting up plate.
The pallets will be welded to rectangular steel tube corner pieces. This will form a base cabinet for my ROTEX turret punch. The punch weighs about 536 pounds, strength and stability is a priority.
I want a table top similar to the link. I may add folding table extnesions.
https://www.google.ca/search?q=rotex+punch+cabinets&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjLvs3u5drfAhUoHDQIHaVhA_QQ_AUIDigB&biw=1280&bih=642#imgrc=EMQQJyHW2zz7CM:

 

[isb cornbinder]

It was time to make some chips. Measure a few times, cut once and there was a pile of pieces ready for fitting. I had planned to MIG/tac the pieces together for later welding, but, someone left the shielding gas turned on and the last of my two tanks of 75-25 were empty.
Option two, TIG/tac the bits and pieces. The fit-up went well. I may TIG all of the joints, I am in the mood.
There are a few more pieces to cut/fit and weld.
The painting will have to wait for spring and better weather. I don't want to get overspray on the blue car.
First thing tomorrow morning will be a trip to AIR LIQUIDE to exchange two empties for full 75-25 shielding gas cylinders.

 

[isb cornbinder]

Some assembly required. All of the pieces are fitted
Weld-up tomorrow morning.

 

[zr1nsx]

These Rotex punches are very sought after by anyone in the motorsports industry. I have restored 4 or 5 of these over the last 8 years. I found a outfit that made replacement punches and die buttons and ordered a variety of configurations only to be very disappointed in the quality and heat treatment of the hardware I purchased. They worked, but I thought the quality left a lot to be desired. The die buttons are made intentionally out of concentricity. The punches are concentric. The reason for this is to alow proper "cutting clearance" to be adjusted in. Do not assume you can simply fit the button into the lower pocket and tighten theset screws. It does take some fiddling to get the lower button set correctly to the punch. Once set up properly, you should have minimum burr around your punched opening. Congratulations on acquiring one of these turret punches. As I said, they are highly sought after and you'll never have trouble selling it if you find you don't need or want it.

 

[isb cornbinder]

Thanks for the information. I will likely keep my ROTEX for a year or so..
I spent and hour welding up the base/cabinet this afternoon. I stayed in the shop for another hour to watch for smoke, just in case a welding spark found something combustible. The welding is just over half done. I hope to mount the punch and the four casters tomorrow. Paint will have to wait until the spring and better weather.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I finished the welding and installed the casters this PM. 50% of my welds are half as nice looking as I used to do. The other welds are acceptable. I am not as good as I once was and I may be better than some of the good old daze.
Old age is a PITA and three other places.
The punch is rigged up and ready for transfer in the morning.
I got out my old and trusted HOUGEN mag drill and broached the mounting holes.
I found my HOUGAN on Craigslist. It was $400 and included in that price was a small toolbox filled with broach cutters.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I made a set of drawers for a MYFORD ASuper 7 lathe steel bench, in about 1980. The drawers were replaced with a MAC side cabinet. I put the set of drawers away for future use. I thought the two drawer set would work well as part of the ROTEX.
I spent hours looking for the drawers. My wife and son put in an hour or so and the drawers were not to be found.
Today my son and I were moving machinery and replacing tarps. The drawer set was just waiting to be found when we pulled an old tarp off.
So, after a few months of delay, the drawer set is finally where I want it.

 

[why worry]

Nice job!

 

[dr_clyde]

Always wanted a Rotex. Never really could justify it with how quick and accurate lasers are.

Still would buy one if I got the right deal on it though.

 

[Drpatrick]

Just wondering, does anyone have any tips on moving one of these beasts? I have an opportunity to buy a rotex model 18 from someone I know at a great price... but it resides in his basement. Is it feasible to partially disassemble the machine? I believe it is a model 18A so am I right in assuming it is about 350 lbs? Atleast that's what an old brochure I found said.

 

[nadogail]

May you get many years of service from your Rotex while enjoying good health.

 

[matt_i]

Just wondering, does anyone have any tips on moving one of these beasts? I have an opportunity to buy a rotex model 18 from someone I know at a great price... but it resides in his basement. Is it feasible to partially disassemble the machine? I believe it is a model 18A so am I right in assuming it is about 350 lbs? Atleast that's what an old brochure I found said.

I think if you can separate the main punch frame from the stand you can get it on a custom wooden pallet that could easily be moved by a couple of guys with an appliance truck (with the stair climbing belts). Definitely strap the pallet and the machine to the appliance truck with 1" ratchet straps as the typical tensioning belt doesn't go that low.

How to lower: some ideas....could be an engine hoist or rigging a lever chain hoist to floor joists or use something like a hardwood timber approximating a 4x4 thru and let 4 strong guys lower it down by gripping the wood.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I would consider putting some wheels under the punch, laying some planks on the stairs, then have two or three persons pull the machine up the "ramp", with ropes.
The punch machine weight 536 pounds. Do not be standing behind it when it is on the ramp.

 

[Drpatrick]

Thanks everyone, well I got mine!!! Got it for a steal too. I decided to partially disassemble it prior to moving it up the stairs, unfortunately, doing all this work in near 100 degree weather gave me a touch of heat exhaustion. I am excited to get to restore this beast. Unfortunately I have found it is missing some dies and most of the small sized punches are broken. How did the restoration of yours go? Mine is absolutely frozen with rust at the moment.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I am lucky. My Rotex does not need any restoration. A good cleaning will be enough.
In the time I have had the Rotes, I have used it for jobs, twice. I still have no regrets. If I remember correctly, I paid $1300cad.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I think if you can separate the main punch frame from the stand you can get it on a custom wooden pallet that could easily be moved by a couple of guys with an appliance truck (with the stair climbing belts). Definitely strap the pallet and the machine to the appliance truck with 1" ratchet straps as the typical tensioning belt doesn't go that low.

How to lower: some ideas....could be an engine hoist or rigging a lever chain hoist to floor joists or use something like a hardwood timber approximating a 4x4 thru and let 4 strong guys lower it down by gripping the wood.

I move many heavy things on my SnapOn mechanics creeper. Expensive but it has lasted for nearly 30 years.

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, Older equipment was built to a Quality rather than to a Price.

 

[Norcal]

Old thread alert!

Used to have access to one many years ago, they can make a job a lot easier.