Home built tools

Got a question about techniques, materials or other aspects of physically building a model? This is the place to ask.

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modeler1964
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Home built tools

Post by modeler1964 »

I am curious if anyone has built their own tools to help perform specific modeling tasks. I know I have built cutting jigs and alignment tools / templates. I want to open this up to any and all contraptions related to helping you accomplish difficult tasks. I have seen home made lathes and other items too. If you have directions or pics, please post em!
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Kylwell
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Post by Kylwell »

Heh, this question has come up before, here.
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Kekker
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Post by Kekker »

I've cut down micro scalpel blades to make teeny chisels and lathing tools for styrene.

Kev
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Pat Amaral
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Post by Pat Amaral »

I made an electric sander out of a battery operated toothbrush, some self-sticking Velcro disks and various grades of sandpaper. I also make CA applicators from sewing needles by cutting off the top of the needles' eyes (this was mentioned in the other thread).
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Rogviler
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Post by Rogviler »

I don't know if you'd call it a tool, but when I'm using RTV silicone to make a mold I'll inevitably have some left over. I pour this into a lid from cottage cheese or something similar, to make a disc. Since nothing sticks to silicone, it makes a great surface for mixing epoxy or paint as they will just peel off when dry. Beats simply tossing the excess RTV, since it can be kind of expensive.

-Rog
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Chacal
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Post by Chacal »

Rogviler wrote:I don't know if you'd call it a tool, but when I'm using RTV silicone to make a mold I'll inevitably have some left over. I pour this into a lid from cottage cheese or something similar, to make a disc. Since nothing sticks to silicone, it makes a great surface for mixing epoxy or paint as they will just peel off when dry. Beats simply tossing the excess RTV, since it can be kind of expensive.

-Rog
Ditto here.
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Post by Underlord »

Pat Amaral wrote:I made an electric sander out of a battery operated toothbrush, some self-sticking Velcro disks and various grades of sandpaper. I also make CA applicators from sewing needles by cutting off the top of the needles' eyes (this was mentioned in the other thread).
http://dealnews.com/Oral-B-Cross-Action ... 78562.html

Deal of the day, ORDERED. :)
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Rogviler
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Post by Rogviler »

Underlord wrote:http://dealnews.com/Oral-B-Cross-Action ... 78562.html

Deal of the day, ORDERED. :)
Thanks for the tip. I picked up a couple myself. Probably the worst toothbrush made, manual or powered, but it was easy to modify for use as a sander.

Amazon Prime is worth it just to be able to order a few bucks worth of items and have it delivered two days later on a Saturday for free...

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Umi_Ryuzuki
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Post by Umi_Ryuzuki »

I stopped by a friends house the other day,... He's building a laser cutter...

:shock:

I hope I get to use when it's finished.

.
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Ziz
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Post by Ziz »

I picked up mini table and chop saws from Harbor Freight. The table saw uses a 4" blade, chop saw 2" blade.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6125/592 ... 6011_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/592 ... bf01_b.jpg

They worked OK as is, but I modified them by building proper material handling platforms.

The table saw now has a rip fence and adjustable angle push handle made from a dollar store ruler and compass set.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6136/592 ... 2e1a_b.jpg



The chop saw now has a proper fence to hold your strip/tube/rod of choice against to get a nice straight cut.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6028/592 ... 13fc_b.jpg
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Mr. Badwrench
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Post by Mr. Badwrench »

Umi_Ryuzuki wrote:I stopped by a friends house the other day,... He's building a laser cutter...

:shock:

I hope I get to use when it's finished.

.
.
Very cool. What is he using for a laser?
I speak of the pompatous of plastic.
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Mr. Badwrench
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Post by Mr. Badwrench »

Ziz wrote:I picked up mini table and chop saws from Harbor Freight. The table saw uses a 4" blade, chop saw 2" blade.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6125/592 ... 6011_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/592 ... bf01_b.jpg

They worked OK as is, but I modified them by building proper material handling platforms.

The table saw now has a rip fence and adjustable angle push handle made from a dollar store ruler and compass set.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6136/592 ... 2e1a_b.jpg



The chop saw now has a proper fence to hold your strip/tube/rod of choice against to get a nice straight cut.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6028/592 ... 13fc_b.jpg
Hey, that's a great idea! I like what you've done.
I speak of the pompatous of plastic.
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Umi_Ryuzuki
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Post by Umi_Ryuzuki »

Mr. Badwrench wrote:
Umi_Ryuzuki wrote:I stopped by a friends house the other day,... He's building a laser cutter...

:shock:

I hope I get to use when it's finished.

.
.
Very cool. What is he using for a laser?
He mentioned a laser tube, but he was currently working on the carriages.
Looked like he had the x and y axis mounted though.
'
"I have to go now,... because my life is stupid and leprachans are dorks."
Nyow!
/
=^o^=
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