Starship Modeler Discussion Forums

so small update, https://1drv.ms/v/s!AucOFvCkv1nCkb89IVMScl5d4iiaew we are now somewhat functional and all electronic issues have been figured out, the only remaining issues are in code. the breadboard was in fact causing some issues, so i replaced it. the lighting was not dimming was due to not bei...

alright, second attempt to post this, the site keeps logging me out before the composition is complete :x so, in an accident i realized that the pins that i was using to connect the leds i wanted to dim were NOT PWM pins. i only realized the error while i was reading up on other similar projects and...

hi all, my most recent project has led me to attempt to light the ship with an Arduino so i can do a non static lighting setup. unfortunately i am having allot of difficulty in getting the code to work correctly beyond the basics. i wanted to see if i could get anyone here to lend me their knowledge...

Hi ajmadison,
don't think we've spoken before, nice to meet ya!

I just wanted to weigh in here because you sent up a warning flag and I really think you need to think about it a bit.

I would STRONGLY recommend you invest in some CAD software and learning it BEFORE you consider buying either a laser engraver or 3d printer. even when you are creating models with some of the recent apps designed for quick and dirty 3d modeling on tablets and such, you will run into problems such as tolerance issues, mesh errors, and the like. When you know your CAD software it will be allot easier to avoid or address these issues. even when your sending your model off to a place like shapeways it will help to understand their model requirements on wall thicknesses print resolutions to address model or printing issues. you will also be able to create vastly more complex models with the proper software.

I mention all of this because I know more then a few people who have decided to invest in these machines without understanding that it is nothing like a desktop printer, and ended up either selling off the printer, or it just sat in disuse because they were unable to produce their own models.

I have 2x 3d printers myself at present, a stereo lithographic laser printer like a Form1 and I have a DLP printer. I got the laser to replace the DLP because the DLP doesn't do what I need from it and the software is COMPLETE ≠♀§#&@(§, and that makes allot of difference too.

I'm still learning the new machine and its quirks and that takes a bit, because none of these devices are perfect yet and require a degree of tinkering to get AND keep running correctly. which is something they don't tend to advertise on these types of devices. there mostly geared for the type of person who doesn't mind taking things apart and tweaking them or performing regular maintenance (not exactly plug n play just yet)

I have my sites set on a desktop laser engraver, something that can handle 8x11" sheets of styrene, but then again I'm also considering building it, so take that for what its worth.

point is, 3d printing and laser cutting are both ALLOT easier with the right software and know how.

just some thoughts on the matter, hope they are helpful.

interesting for anyone who ever wondered how the process works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-g-SJ-P ... ata_player

hey thanks for the reply's! the oven cleaner worked... however it required 24hours of soaking, and even then I had to spend like 3 hours with a toothbrush to get it all off! what the heck is this stuff made out of and why don't they paint cars or spacecraft with this stuff! once again I really appre...

hi all, I need advice oh what to use to strip off this gold paint, I let it sit in a bath of pure superclean for 4 days and it didn't bother it at all! ive seen paint dissolve to the point where it never existed in that time. I have seen this paint used on a few other things recently, including the ...

Just found out that a family friend has a vacuformer, tucked away in his garage that may actually be large enough. Given this shape and the thickness of plastic you'll need to make a structurally sound hull, the edges of any of the sunken areas on the hull are going to become quite indistinct. Remem...

I was thinking about cutting certain sections out of the balsa master to aid the suction and help the shape conform. Luckily most of the sections I was thinking about removing are in the depressions, and I can make inserts for the 2 pieces I care about replacing, the "crest" and the "...

It’s rare that I can ask a question and get back a wealth of information from someone like this. Yes this project is still in the planning phase, and may be there for a while but I usually have 3~4 projects going concurrently. The vacuformer looked to be the real issue from the start, as I’m not TOO...

Thanks for the quick response! As I seem to love pain, and overly complex projects; I have an RC sub project, specifically using the seaquest model. Now originally when I planned the project everything fit inside the plastic model, however I forgot to include the water tight container in my measurem...

Just as the title says anyone here with a vacuformer? I have questions about materials and requirements. Specifically can I use foam (which I would think would melt) or balsa, and does the balsa need holes in it or something to suck the air out? Also what kind of plastics can be used and how thick? ...

I've seen that concept at my local big-box hobby store for tracing drawings. Crude, but it could be effective enough when working with foam. I'd be interested in seeing some pictures or video of your progress. You won't be getting detail, but you could probably get an enlarged rough shape with that...

ill be building one of these, with offsets to enlarge the model shape.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkDkgHDb ... re=related

scratch build a cnc machine to enlarge the model? and undercut all the と お思 taht are charging waaay too much to run a machine that is prettymuch automated you say? I hope you're joking. There seems to be a widely held myth amongst modelers that the mere existence of...

scratch build a cnc machine to enlarge the model?
and undercut all the と お思 taht are charging waaay too much to run a machine that is prettymuch automated you say?

hummmmm

i sopose i could use my autocad powers for good for a change... but

id rather this be a quick and easy deal.

Hey all, I have a model (seaquest) that I want to build into an RC submarine, I THINK I can cram all of the stuff into it but I would rather have a model about 1.5x the size of the current one. Anyone know any affordable services that I could source to have the model enlarged like with a CNC into wo...

thanks for the ideas, but i finly broke down ad just bought an ledkit from pepboys

ill take a look, what was the name of the retailer and the part you picked up?

hey all,
i have a side project that ive been working on and to finish it i need a 5.5" white round cold cathode... and i need it before friday...

anyone know a good source?

ill go mad if i have to repaint

Hi all, I have a build that I just finished, it’s been on the backburner for a long while, mainly because while it was only 10 pieces after I made a few minor modifications; getting the paint JUUUUST RIGHT took me a loooong time I think I striped the paint of of one part about 6 times XP anyway, par...

advice appreciated, ty!

the advice is much appreciated, however i dont own an airbrush and its not a good time to buy one and learn how to use it ATM. and something like this id perfer not to use a rattlecan so im content to pay someone else to do it for me.

Hi all, I’m looking to have a 1:12 die cast mustang repainted; the paint has chipped off in several places like it’s been postmarked. The paint and chrome has faded in places as well; it’s odd because it’s been in a box since 94'. Anyway I’m looking to get the paint repaired, or just striped and rep...

USSARCADIA wrote:Visit a local cabinet shop. They can make you one or they may even have some left over raised panel doors you can use. As a contractor I always have leftover, pre-finished cab doors left and have a nice stash of them. The longer ones are great for a line of ships.

...
THATS BRILLIANT!!!
TY!

HEY thanks! i picked one up thismorning, it will work for now.
im thinking i need to find a place to get a custom base cut, but as long as i have something to start planning on im good for now.

Yeah, I’m looking for a rectangular base, sorry it was late I should have said that it didn’t really matter if it was a brick and mortar or online store, but I’m down in Fort Lauderdale for reference.

Hey, I hope I’m posting this in the correct spot, I’m looking for a source for plain unfinished beveled corner wood bases; much like Mr. BOP is sitting atop of here: http://s69.photobucket.com/albums/i69/ashrond/kbop/?action=view&current=SNV31563.jpg My local art supply store used to stock them ...

Thank you all for the suggestions, I tried the freezing method first, but the water never seemed to freeze, so I tried running some electrical wire through the pipe, it helped. I was able to bend the pipe enough with out kinking it noticeably, however I think I'm going to try another hobby shop and ...