Assuming it’s the same material and I chamfer the ends, is this vex identical?
Thanks,
Jack
Vex shafts have a radius on their sectional corners, these have sharp corners and thus to not match.
Nor do we know if the metal composition is the same as VEX - so not identical.
If you are sure it is the same material as the vex axles and you round the edges to serve the same purpose as you would with a regular vex branded axle, it is vex identical.
Given that VEX does NOT specify the material composition of their shafts, I would have to say blanket NO to replacement shafts.
I wouldn’t neccesarily agree. That seems to imply that it is OK to cheat if you’re not going to get caught. Having extra strong axles could provide a huge competitive advantage - so I think it really does matter.
I’ve tried a whole bunch of key stock. None of it will fit properly into the square holes or spin well in bearings. This is something where you do need the exact VEX part.
If I was going to break the rules I wouldn’t ask if it was legal. I’m not going to break the rules regardless of if an inspector will check it…
VEX shafts are zinc plated steel, but the question is what grade. It wouldn’t be practical for me to do this much work on chamfering the edges and end for normal shaft use, I just like McMaster-Carr for one day shipping, and I do was in a bind I want to be able to get a shaft quick. I’d probably end up replacing it awhen I get it from vex anyway.
I apologize. I was working under the assumption you were using the same material. I was thinking that it would not hurt to use a same-material axle even with sharper edges because the difference would be minimal. I was in no way implying you were cheating or had the intention of cheating. I was not suggesting you or anyone should cheat. I was not suggesting inspectors are lazy either. I understand the rules have to be followed regardless of whether they are checked or not. Again, sorry for my comment; I have deleted it.
-Sal
You’re allowed to cut VEX shafts, including the 12" shafts. So if it’s shorter than about 11.75", the shaped ends are irrelevant. However, the material is still relevant, so all the posts about not knowing the material and this being an issue are spot on.
Please be warned about product tolerances. Even if you manage to prove that this product is competition legal, it may not interface with other vex products as you would like it to. My team has seen them get stuck in motors, bearings or metal gear inserts. I highly recommend taking the advice from @Kevin Boenisch
Interestingly, VEX does list the material for high-strength shafts. However, what @Kevin Boenisch and @Colossus have said should probably take priority:
That’s good advice from both of you. Even the VEX shafts can be problematic with their own parts. We’ve had a lot of trouble with the shafts in combination with the metal lock bars and the metal (square) inserts for high-strength holes. I wouldn’t want to have even more trouble with things fitting well.