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2x4 Proto-form build...HERE WE GO!!!! Update 1-7-10
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PARATECH1
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Joined: 19 Mar 2008
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Location: ALABAMA

PostPosted: Mon Mar 16, 2009 4:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Your steel frame and platens look "Awesome." You really are doing a totally supurb job in your machines construction.
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TD1035
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Joined: 02 Aug 2006
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PostPosted: Sun Mar 29, 2009 6:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was able to complete the drilling of ALL those tiny little holes on the small platen.



Once the holes are drilled, you need to remove the bur that is left by using a 1/4" drill bit. Just give it a twist by hand and it removes the bur quite nice.







Next it was time to glue down the aluminum sheet to the platen frame and cut out the hole.



Notice that the hole in the wood is slightly larger than the hole in the aluminum plate. This is so the PVC fitting will seal against the metal plate.



Now add a little silicone adhesive to the base plate...



And a little to the PVC fitting...



And insert the PVC fitting into the base plate.



Time to let all the silicone cure before the next step. I'll try and get the top plate of the platen glued down tomorrow.

Todd

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TD1035
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 6:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The 2x2 platen is complete! With a little roughing up of the edge so the silicone can adhere.



Then add the silicone in a 1/4" bead.





And finaly attach the aluminum top and secure the side with small nails and it is finished!



Then it was time to construct the crossmembers that would make it possible to use multiple plantens. Here is the mock up of the crossmember...



Just have to make another one and get them painted and mounted.

Todd



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kayaker43
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 4:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Great job Todd,.. did you remember to put the screen between the layers before you sealed down the top sheet Shocked
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Doug Walsh
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Hobby-Vac and Proto-Form machine plans

Also other plans books and videos for people who like to build things
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TD1035
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 9:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yep, it is there...I guess that is the picture I forgot to post Rolling Eyes I actually tacked the screen down with a little CA glue to the top aluminum sheet to keep it in place during assembly. I'll have to add those pics so I don't confuse anyone.

Todd
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semajarab
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Joined: 07 Apr 2009
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Location: Atlanta, GA

PostPosted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 1:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

amazing post and pics!! Keep up the good work. Your build and pics inspired me to make my own proto form machine. Pics and videos to come!
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ANH trooper
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Joined: 20 Oct 2005
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Location: UK

PostPosted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:10 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Really top job so far Todd Very Happy

How do you plan to make the platens interchangable?

I can see how you will swop them over, I'm just having trouble thinking how you can plumb them up each time you change them without having to go through too much trouble?

Another thing I have noticed is that you will have to change the nylon bolts in those clamps or they will surley melt Wink
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TD1035
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 12:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ANH trooper wrote:
Really top job so far Todd Very Happy

How do you plan to make the platens interchangable?

I can see how you will swop them over, I'm just having trouble thinking how you can plumb them up each time you change them without having to go through too much trouble?

Another thing I have noticed is that you will have to change the nylon bolts in those clamps or they will surley melt Wink


Thanks for the compliments! As far as changing out the platens, I am still looking at hardware. I'm thinking maybe some type of quick disconnect on the hose. Each platen will be held down with four bolts so in theory all you will need to do is detach the four surface bolts, quick disconnect the hose underneath, and move the cross members.

Yes, your are correct! I will be changing out the nylon bolts. I just need to get to the hardware store to get the correct size and length. More pics to come!

Todd
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kayaker43
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 1:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have looked at quick disconnects but they tend to be expensive and restrictive. The garden hose ones are too small for anything larger than a couple square feet. A rubber hose pushed onto a barb fitting is easy but sometimes hard to remove unless you file the barbs off.

Plain old PVC pipe pushed into a fitting but not cemented works well. The vacuum pulls it together and a quick twist frees it up. 1 1/4 radiator hose slips over PVC to make couplers.
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Doug Walsh
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Also other plans books and videos for people who like to build things
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TD1035
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 1:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Great info about the quick disconnects. Looks like I will be going with simple PVC fittings and hose clamps.

Here are the pics of the screen that is installed in between the two layers of aluminum sheeting.



I used a drop of CA glue in about six spots to keep the screen from moving around during the installation.



Todd
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TD1035
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 6:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The cross members are finished!!!!



With a couple of nuts welded on each end they should be nice and sturdy.



Now I have to line them up with the carrier frame and drill the holes for the bolts.



Todd

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ANH trooper
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 10:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Any updates for us Todd?
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TK 109
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Joined: 11 May 2007
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Location: Galena, Ohio

PostPosted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 9:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yeah, This is NICE! Shocked
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TD1035
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 6:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well, its been a LONG while since I have been on the forum...but for good reason. I ended up hurting my back at work pretty bad last year and was laid up for months...needless to say I didn't get anything done on the machine.

But my back is much better now and 2010 brings new beginings! My machine is officially finished!!!!!

I made several modifications to Doug's plans that I think many people will be interested to see. I will take some pictures this weekend and post the finished project! I super excited to get into production!!!!!

PS. I just noticed that I finished the machine almost one year to the DAY that I started the build...what a slacker!

Todd
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kayaker43
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 11:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Good to hear you're feeling better, I know all about back problems. I didn't want to nag you for more pics, I understand life gets in the way sometimes and projects never get finished. Glad to see its back on track. It would have been a shame for you not to finish this one, I refer people to this thread all the time.
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Doug Walsh
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Hobby-Vac and Proto-Form machine plans

Also other plans books and videos for people who like to build things
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