New Post-Modern Garage/Workshop

[works4me]

My own little monster

You can now design your own "monster" figure and they'll 3D print it and send it to you. Yeah, there's an iPhone app for that:

Here's the result. They use a high-end SLS color printer, so the detail is very good:

I have a few more pictures on my blog:

http://www.northstworks.com/blog/2014/2/13/the-future-of-toys

Technology can be so fun!

 

[Hdtheater]

Nice site! You using word press to format the content? I started working on mine, but not had the time to get it the way I like it.

-Eric

 

[works4me]

Nice site! You using word press to format the content? I started working on mine, but not had the time to get it the way I like it.

-Eric

I'm currently using Squarespace & their tools. It's not quite as Blog-centric as other sites. I'm still struggling with it. However they are making improvements, so it's getting easier to control.

 

[works4me]

Small update to my Plasma CNC:

I tested the table last week for leaks. I had a couple of small ones, which I easily fixed. It now hold water perfectly:

BTW the dogs helped:

And this weekend I cut & installed my "experimental" surface consisting of an expanded metal sheet. This goes on top of the standard slats and is bolted down around the edge. The theory is that the "points" stick up minimizing surface area, and it is extremely easy to remove & replace once it gets too cut up. If it doesn't work, I'll just remove it & set the cut sheets on the slats beneath as normal.

I've ordered parts for the air pressure-driven water storage that goes below it. I've started running the plasma dry experimenting with the software & should be able to try it with water hopefully next week.

 

[OmNommNom]

Love the garage! could you recap what acid wash and epoxy were utilized on the floor?

 

[works4me]

Love the garage! could you recap what acid wash and epoxy were utilized on the floor?

The floor stain is Cola color from Legacy Industrial. I acid-stained it myself & then put two coats of their Epoxy on top. I diluted the stain about 50/50 (if my memory serves me correctly...don't quote me on that).

 

[works4me]

Plasma CNC Dry Run

I'm still waiting on some of the parts for the water supply, but I thought I'd go ahead and post some pictures and a video of the Plasma running dry.

Note: these are using the default torch settings. I still have a *long* way to go to optimize the cut profile & dial everything in. This was literally the first time the torch cut metal all by itself:

Minimal damage to the mesh so far:

And here's a short video showing it in motion:

An evil genius laugh might be a bit much, but at least give me this:

 

[aggierailroad]

Whoop!

 

[Hdtheater]

Give that man a hrumph!

 

[rixtrix1]

That plasma table is going to be nice!!!!

 

[LCG]

Imagine making brackets for suspension with it!.

I don't want one. I NEED one.

 

[works4me]

I fixed the gif:

 

[Dinasaurkiller]

Congrats!
That's very cool..... Very....

 

[works4me]

More Plasma CNC testing

Ok, I thought I'd I'd run another test of the CNC Plasma table. Unfortunately the only thick steel sheet I had left was somewhat warped. I tried to hammer it straight, but didn't have much success. I figured it would be a good test of the height control. It worked right up until the head caught on the high spot.

Here's a much longer video of it in motion:

And here's the result:

I have a few things to work on in the software. I notice that it's piercing in the middle of the path instead of on the outer/inner edge. I'm sure that's a setting I'm missing. And the cut doesn't pierce completely in spots probably due to incorrect torch settings - although that also may be a function of the warpage. All of these problems are from the dumb user not the machine/software.

All in all I'm extremely pleased with the system so far. I think the table will work *perfectly* for my intended uses.

I really need to focus next on finishing the water storage. I'm beginning to assemble the parts:

More to come!

 

[jake.]

Awesome!! Very well put together! Subscribed for sure!

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Great job on the garage and especially the floor!
The acid-stain gave a very diverse look to it.

 

[ed_v]

Congrats on such a wonderful space you've created. You have done a fantastic job documenting your voyage. We all thank you for sharing it with us. I've seen more than a few ideas I'd like to steal for my own. Please update us with some of the projects you do with the cool new toys.

Thanks,
Ed

 

[works4me]

More testing with the Plasma:

Video:

I need to be careful running it without water. The cumulative heat build-up is significant!

 

[works4me]

Water table hookup

Well I didn't make quite as much progress as I'd hoped this weekend. I started by connecting the barrels and air lines up:

When i went to test the system under pressure (just 2psi) I was slightly unnerved that the barrels actually expand like a balloon! I'm trying to find something a bit sturdier.

I then cut holes for the water feed this weekend using sheet metal cutter bits. It produces a *very* clean cut:

And then I welded the bungs onto the holes (the welds are not quite as bad as it appears in this picture):

Unfortunately I couldn't finish attaching the whole system together because I need to swap out a couple of the hoses. All of the fittings are fixed-rotation and I realized that I need at least a couple with rotating joints to get everything to fit together correctly.

I also have to move the plasma torch holder electronics to a new box, since it doesn't all fit in the existing box:

One step forward, two steps back. Sigh.

 

[aggierailroad]

Love the hole cutters.... I'm logging that one in the memory banks

 

[LCG]

May I suggest beer Kegs for the water reservoirs, any drum will expand under pressure, they are just too thin.

 

[works4me]

May I suggest beer Kegs for the water reservoirs, any drum will expand under pressure, they are just too thin.

Ooo! Good idea!

 

[TexZ]

May I suggest beer Kegs for the water reservoirs, any drum will expand under pressure, they are just too thin.

I agree. Most CO2 keg taps have a 50-60psi pressure relief valve so you would have to regulate the air supply locally most likely, but would be a simple solution.

 

[works4me]

I already have a 0-15psi regulator off of the compressed air line.

1/2 barrel keg is 15 gallons. And the diameter is about 16". Two of those should work!!

Thanks guys!!

 

[Mpower5266]

This thread is awesome, I cant wait to see more.

 

[brad mole]

Wow what a great build! i was expecting to see pages of updates on your car which looks very impressive, but im glad i took the time to read through the thread as it was even more interesting than that!

Some very nice kit you have there and good luck learning the coding and programming for it all. I use a CNC router at work (mostly for woodwork, but occasionally to cut aluminium) which i mostly just operate but i am getting to know how to code and program as i learn what things mean/do, so if theres anything your stuck on do post up and im sure some of us guys on here can possibly help!

 

[works4me]

Et voila! With help of some very good friends I am now the proud owner of two 15-gallon kegs!

Now I just have to figure out how to hook everything up. I'm going to try doing it first using the standard keg connectors, and then if that doesn't work I'll weld on my own output bung.

I love the Internet!

 

[aggierailroad]

Man, those look sharp!

 

[LCG]

They are not exactly the same shape! OCD noooo

 

[works4me]

They are not exactly the same shape! OCD noooo

Yeah, I thought of that. Beggars can't be choosers. It doesn't matter anyways because you'll only be able to see the end when they're under the table

 

[BeachBoy]

Yeah, I thought of that. Beggars can't be choosers. It doesn't matter anyways because you'll only be able to see the end when they're under the table

I use the expression "there's no such **** as free ****"



Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

[works4me]

I finally had time to assemble all of the parts to the water storage system for the water table. The good news is that it works well! It fills in a few minutes and drains in about 10 minutes. I'll probably end up welding a bung for the drain to increase the water flow. But for now it's functional. And I definitely need to add a baffle on the outputs; the water splashes up when you start & end the filling process.

The bad news is that it only works with the kegs vertical. And unfortunately they are about 1/2" too tall to fit underneath the table. I have two options: 1) cut big holes in the top sheet to fit the tops of the tanks, or 2) raise the whole table about 1". I haven't decided yet which approach to take.

Also, there were a few drops leaking from underneath the 2nd time I filled it. i'll have to check it again to make sure there's no additional pinpoint leaks I missed in my previous tests.

I made a video walking through how it all works:

Thanks again to LCG for suggesting the kegs. They're the perfect solution.

 

[works4me]

On further thought, I think I made a mistake going with the low profile taps. I think switching to more of a standard tap will improve the drain speed. That way I don't have to filddle with welding in a new hole. I'm going to try using these instead:

 

[LCG]

I'm Special!

I would take Option #1 and make some badass hardlines so it looks proper.
you are not using the space anyway.

Or you could lay them horizontally and weld big bungs on the side of them?

Have you seen this?
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=199565

 

[works4me]

I'm Special!

I would take Option #1 and make some badass hardlines so it looks proper.
you are not using the space anyway.

Or you could lay them horizontally and weld big bungs on the side of them?

Have you seen this?
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=199565

I'm tempted to go with #1 too. Given that it's basically functional, I'm hesitant to cut into the container unless I absolutely have to. Once I start modifying it I have to go all the way.

Yes, I've seen that thread before. He's using one of the systems I investigated before going with the Grunblau. I believe it uses the same THC system that I have.

 

[works4me]

Small progress

I finished rewiring & testing the torch height control electronics today. I really like how the new box matches the PC I'm using:

I also coated the water table with a rubberized sealer that'll help protect it and seal any remaining small leaks:

Tomorrow I'm going to move the kegs under the table and run more tests with water in the table.

 

[dgbdman]

love your garage/shop... i live in the Houston area.

 

[works4me]

Quick update on a few small projects:

I used the CNC Mill for a couple of projects this weekend. One was new corner brackets for the 3D Printer to hold the glass plate in place better. I also had a chance to play with my high speed spindle attachment to engrave some lettering for a friend of mine. I'm still experimenting with the proper speeds & feeds to get a nice clean cut:

I am also continuing to work with the 3D printer. I purchased several new filament colors/materials I'm playing with, including a translucent blue that's very pretty:

And I signed up on 3DHubs and recently had my first (very small) paid item! However I need to make a few improvements to the printer before doing anything else (hence the new corner brackets).

I also reconnected the water tanks for the plasma table. The flow rate is much better this way. I also cut some angle iron an put them on top of the drains to act as baffles - simple & effective:

 

[works4me]

Jerry Cans

I also received my Jerry Cans last week. I was really tired of the plastic junk gas cans they sell nowadays. These are extremely well made, have great seals, and come with a fantastic metal pour spout:

 

[LockerPaul]

Works, I love your updates. The CNC looks very precise, I love that B. In your plasma rig, does the water get filtered and recycled any time during normal operation? Or is it new water every time? I don't know much about the process.