Tool access

[rckjeep]

So I got a new job at a place called TechShop. It's a DIY workshop. So I've got access to all sorts of manufacturing equipment from CNC plasma, mill, laser cutter, routers and even embroidery machines. I've got to take some classes to learn the equipment so I'm looking for some ideas on things to make.

I do plan on making some aluminum seats for my Trail/KOH Jeep using the sheetmetal tools.

Anyone have any ideas, I'm going thru a creative block right now.

[C*H*U*D]

I've seen places like this here in Colorado. With access to all of that, the real question is what wouldn't you make?

A nice set of wheels is always a good place to start

[RIG_RIDER]

I will say wheels as well, knowing you made them is sweet!

They look to be opening more locations: http://techshop.ws/locations.html

[rckjeep]

Originally Posted by RIG_RIDER

I will say wheels as well, knowing you made them is sweet!

They look to be opening more locations: http://techshop.ws/locations.html

Ya, they are planning 5-6 more this year alone, and 12 more in the next few years. Going international in 2013.

I'm working a few things right now, such as a 180* tight radius tubing bender, aluminum seats for my buggy and my Trail/KOH Jeep and a sheetmetal Jeep grill. Once the grill is done I'll make a mold to vaccum form my own hoods. I'm also working on some multifaucet gussets to add to my B pillar.

I'll start working on a wheel design. I'm not into fancy, blingy wheels so something simple will be the idea.

I laid my first TIG bead tonight too so I'll be practicing that as well.

[MonkeyRiver]

Originally Posted by C*H*U*D

I've seen places like this here in Colorado. With access to all of that, the real question is what wouldn't you make?

A nice set of wheels is always a good place to start

Any in the Denver area?

[Liquidmantis]

Originally Posted by MonkeyRiver

Any in the Denver area?

Yup. http://www.clubworkshop.com/

[rckjeep]

Not the company I work for, but they are looking at all major cities for future locations. There are only 2 currently, and a third is opening in a few months

[C*H*U*D]

Originally Posted by Liquidmantis

Yup. http://www.clubworkshop.com/

That's the one I saw. Looks to be a great place to hang out and build stuff.

[rckjeep]

A member at work drew up the mold for the hood in Inventor so next up is to cut it on the Shopbot in MDF. Then we'll try to vaccum form a few of them.

[Dynamic Concepts]

Originally Posted by rckjeep

A member at work drew up the mold for the hood in Inventor so next up is to cut it on the Shopbot in MDF. Then we'll try to vaccum form a few of them.

Lay out a 2" x 2" vacuum grid for pulling the material flat on the mold while forming. From the backside, drill within .060"-.100" of the top surface with a 3/16" or so sized drill. Then you can easily add vac. holes from the top with a small drill bit, such as a #76 drill bit. I use a micro-chuck in a dremel to vac. drill my molds. Add the vac. grid along body features if possible to make them more inconspicuous.

That is, only if you have vacuum plumbed to the table......

[rckjeep]

Originally Posted by Dynamic Concepts

Lay out a 2" x 2" vacuum grid for pulling the material flat on the mold while forming. From the backside, drill within .060"-.100" of the top surface with a 3/16" or so sized drill. Then you can easily add vac. holes from the top with a small drill bit, such as a #76 drill bit. I use a micro-chuck in a dremel to vac. drill my molds. Add the vac. grid along body features if possible to make them more inconspicuous.

That is, only if you have vacuum plumbed to the table......

We have a vaccum forming machine at work as well. Though are you using a positive mold or a negative mold?

[Dynamic Concepts]

Originally Posted by rckjeep

We have a vaccum forming machine at work as well. Though are you using a positive mold or a negative mold?

For practically any RC body application I can think of, a male mold would be ideal, especially considering the forming characteristics of Lexan.

Male mold - Formed part is a raised feature.
Female mold - Formed part is a cavity

A grid works well for either type of mold to aid in removing trapped air, and keeping the part flat.

[rckjeep]

That makes perfect sense thanks. I glued some MDF together tonight to start the mold making process. I'm thinking I'll need to add some height to it so I can make a grill till I make them on the water jet.

Originally Posted by Dynamic Concepts

For practically any RC body application I can think of, a male mold would be ideal, especially considering the forming characteristics of Lexan.

Male mold - Formed part is a raised feature.
Female mold - Formed part is a cavity

A grid works well for either type of mold to aid in removing trapped air, and keeping the part flat.

[Matt.k]

that is cool, anything like that in the southern California area?

[Crawling Calvin]

Originally Posted by Axial

that is cool, anything like that in the southern California area?

Hmm only thing I can think of would be Simi Valley Adult Education's machine shop program. You have to go through the classes before you can do anything else and then your at the mercy of the machines.

I love the idea of that, ability to use $$$ machines for cheap, nice