Bearing for woodwork project

I'm no mechanical engineer but I know physics. One can imagine the torsional stresses on that plastic thingy with the laptop and arms resting on the tray. IMHO the tray setup, as shown, is doomed for early failure. YMMV.

Larry

I agree.

If I was going to duplicate the item you showed, I would just join the two arms witha third arm. Brace it the way that is used with artist's easals. It may not be pretty, but it will be much stronger.

If you can't find the fittings, maybe you could uses an arrangement like this, except with two notched rails on the sides instead of one in the center. Or maybe two slotted rails with carriage bolts and knobs.

Oops, that link doesn't seem to work. Go to

Pete,

I don't know where to look but consider this:

The item you're looking for looks the same as the ones on the folding bike rack I have for my car. I think it was made by Rhoad Gear, or some similar name. Perhaps they sell parts online.

Good luck,

Bill

You could make them using UHMD or bakelite plastics and make the grooves with a router and v-groove bit. Just a thought, I haven't actually done this. Finding the pieces would be cheaper but if your stuck its a possible solution. Good luck.

Pete, I think what you want is called a rotary hinge. One source is

-Darrell

P.S. I apologice to anyone else who now goes to mcmaster and proceeds to drool over the variety of parts and supplies that can be had..... I hope you don't blow the credit card! I love that site.

Perfect !

I knew there had to be a company making them somewhere.

Thanks for all the replies

Lee Valley Tools also sells hinges similar to what you're looking for.