Source for consistent quality 8mm rods

I've ordered passable rods off eBay before, but it's the usual minefield. People in the USA seem to have some recommendations, even maybe walk-in stores.

The thing to note is that linear rods come in a whole spectrum of accuracies. For what we're doing here with cheapish linear ball bearings, anything marketed with "precision" or "linear rod" is likely quite acceptable. Normally they're chrome steel, although sometimes stainless varieties show up. Either works. The thing that specifically doesn't seem to work is the solidoodle stock rods, which are not quite the right size/tolerance to use these bearings.

Re cutting to size: If a bench-vise is too expensive, consider just clamping the rod to the end of a table with two g-clamps or bar clamps and taking to it with a regular hacksaw. Make sure you protect the running surface of the rod when you do (scrap wood or cardboard under the clamps, and wrap the places you cut/file/sand/finish with masking tape).

Thanks, I just ordered from McMaster-Carr.  Ebay seller had lots of positive reviews for the rods but I also saw 2 negative.  I will update with results when they arrive.

Yes, I got them several months ago shortly after making that thread.  The McMaster rods worked great.  True to dimensions and bearings slide smooth.  Very quick and cheap shipping too.  Highly recommended. 

I picked up a dremel and cutting head to cut them for around $40, but if you have or know anyone with a metal saw that might get a cleaner cut.  I didn't want to clamp them to a table and take a hacksaw to it because I was paranoid about bending it, so I recommend the dremel or a real metal saw.  It is always handy to have a dremel anyway.

I bought these recently http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ED1 … &psc=1

They fit perfectly into the printed parts AND on a daddy budget!

Good luck!!!
While your at it you might just as well plan on adding a Bulldog XL.  You will love the Rumba and E3d.  If you have the patience to tinker with everything and get it all dialed in your printer will work more like a unit that costs $5k.

Ha, I know what you mean about spending more time modding than printing, I also bought Mcmaster Carr rods for my SD2, which by the way is not easy when you don't live in the US!

But I wanted say how I cut the rods, in my case I used a dremel only to cut 1mm all around the rod, since only the surface is hardened, after that it was relatively easy to cut with a hacksaw and it didn't bend at all, to finish the edges I used a bench grinder but I guess you could also use the dremel.