So what are the things to look for in chain quality?
I imagine that you get what you pay for, so most here are running to the reassurance of the brand, like IGUS.
I assume that the chain should move freely (some I've looked at don't).

Does anyone have ideas on how to stress test the chains in the store without giving the salesman heart failure?

AFAIK in the way we use the chains you need to be sure they stay rigid and self supported and do not bend over themselves, because this type of chain is not designed to do that, if that happens and you move back, it would destroy the chain.

Take a look at page 15 of the datasheet I posted earlier, for the CPS036N chain, it self supports to a length of 2 meters (6.3ft) maximum and a load of 2.5kg (about 5lbs)

I can imagine 2 o 3 things to test, but I don't know if the dealer would be willing to do them :)

Thanks Pablo,
That helps. I can check bend radius and self supporting and dimensions.
I can also do a "bite test" for material quality ;-) and check tendency for sideways bend

I bought the E-chain from Claudia. The quality is good though (http://www.driver-motor.com/Products.aspx).

Stefan, can't find the info for the E-chain on the weblink. How did you get the info?

Polder

I bought more from them and received an offer. I managed to mount the E-chain. You should ask via mail [email protected] .

Question on 10 60 315 and 10 60 325?

Should not the height of the mounting plate be extended to match the loop height to match the post by Gerald in thread http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=498
The loop height is 9.25 inches and if you mount it on top of the 10 60 325 the placement of the bolt holes is at the bottom radius of the 2x4 tubing. So wouldn't it be better to to extend the mounting height of 10 60 315 or place an offset in 10 60 325? This would add an additional bend process and recalculation of the blank length for that part.
I am using the Igus McMaster Carr 4516T22

You don't want 315 to be mounted too low on the gantry because it will protrude too much into your workspace under your gantry.

325 can simply be creased to tip its nose up at an angle, and that lifts the first link of the e-chain quite a lot.

Gerald,
I noticed on 10 00 000 that it shows an offset in 10 60 325 but the profile does not have that. Since I elected to use the Igus with the 9.5 loop height I will have to raise up the 10 60 315 1" with cylindrical columns and longer bolts. This way the track will not be lower than the gantry tubing. I only thought it was interesting it was shown in one area but not the other and would be most consistant when looking at the drawings. Maybe only a note would be needed on the drawing to adjust the blank length for 10 60 315 to match the offset that would be needed for the cable chain you select.

Bend up at the red line

cable chain
 

Hi does anyone know what length cable chain is needed fo a 10x5 table...thanks

Think i found the answer :)

Andrew,
The formulae is on most cable chain websites.
For me, I always did 1/2 of distance traveled + 1/2 Diameter of bend radius + 24"

That so:
If you have a 10' table.
Actual measured 1/2 length of travel + (1/2 bend radius of 12" x 3.14) + 24" = 102.84" +/- 6" based on your spoil board overtravel area. Most 5' x 10' tables actually travel slightly more. plus end brackets.

Or,
I just order the length of each access and it works with spare links.

Thanks sean