Looking for steel tube with 3/8 id

[John Hollander]

Ive built a work bench with a rotating top in it. To prevent the top from rotating I have a 3/8 threaded post with handle that screws through the side of the work bench into the rotating top. I'd like to put some metal tube with a 3/8 inner diameter in the side of the work bench to help prevent the threads from wearing away the wood. I'm having trouble finding a metal tube/pipe with a 3/8 inner diameter. Any body have any suggestions on where to find such a thing? I only need 2 pieces that are 3/4 inch long

[Ed Labadie]

My local Ace hardware has a pretty good selection of steel spacers.....

Ed <-----just bought a couple of 5/16 spacers recently.

[Keith Weber]

If you're only needing 3/4" in length, you could probably drill a solid rod out if you had a drill press and a vise to hold the rod in. Not sure if your design would allow it, but you may also be able to remove the threads on the part of the threaded rod that goes into the wood. Many ways to do this, handheld on a grinding wheel is one way.

Keith

[Charlie Velasquez]

Would something like this work?

http://www.amazon.com/Hi-Temp-Flanged-Reducers-Diameter-Including/dp/B00I20OMUO/ref=pd_sim_sbs_indust_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=0ZBRKFBN73SPKH36J9X8

[Fred Heenie]

How about a bronze bushing; Cost is shown at $0.73 each for a 3/8"ID X 3/4" Long. I use a similar item for a swivel and epoxy it into the wood.
Here: http://www.essentracomponents.com/product/bnt-132/0/fl/4294814173-4294962594 Self lube bronze beats steel tubing hands down.
Should bushings are also available.
Essentra was Reid Supply until recently.

[Walter Plummer]

Hardened drill bushings. http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-drill-bushings/=u49p1b http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-drill-bushings/=u49ppe

[Brad Adams]

3/8" pipe nipple cut to the length you need?

[Dick Brown]

3/8 pipe will be a sloppy fit. If you want it closer fit, get a 1/4 pipe nipple and drill it to 3/8. Takes very little to make it 3/8 as standard 1/4 pipe is way over 1/4 I.D. anyway. If you are worried about the pipe turning in the wood, get a 3/8 "Rod Coupling Nut" (6 sided), bore the threads out and drive it into a snug hole in the wood.

[Thomas Canfield]

You could try to find some 3/8" thread inserts and then drill out the 3/8" thread. Those should be about the 3/4" length you need, and material could be steel or brass, and the external threads will secure the piece in the wood.