monkeysarefun Posted July 13, 2016 Author Share Posted July 13, 2016 .... First thing I did this morning! My insurance claim came through this week, now the dilemma - new carpet or Emblaser 2..? If only the bare concrete floor wasn't so cold, though with the payout I COULD get an emblaser 2 and thicker socks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BG John Posted July 13, 2016 Share Posted July 13, 2016 My insurance claim came through this week, now the dilemma - new carpet or Emblaser 2..? If only the bare concrete floor wasn't so cold, though with the payout I COULD get an emblaser 2 and thicker socks! Emblaser 2 and a free carpet! https://www.freecycle.org/browse/AU Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
teetrix Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 Hi, I'm in for an emblaser2 with air assist I didn't choose the filter unit because I will build one myself. A filter mat will be placed before the activated charcoal filter to catch the coarse dirt, lefting only the fumes for the charcoal. I see a very special christmas coming this year... with a scent of burned wood... Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold JCL Posted July 15, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 15, 2016 That wouldn't be myrrh you'll be burning, would it? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
teetrix Posted July 15, 2016 Share Posted July 15, 2016 That wouldn't be myrrh you'll be burning, would it? Poplar I think, and a plant called medium density Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greengiant Posted July 20, 2016 Share Posted July 20, 2016 .... First thing I did this morning! Me as well Martin 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold DaveyH Posted July 21, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted July 21, 2016 Me as well Martin And me, now for a few months learning a CAD software package in preparation.......... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium nick_bastable Posted July 21, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted July 21, 2016 finished not 100% happy but still learning Nick 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
scanman Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 finished not 100% happy but still learning Nick Doncha just love it when the learning curve 'loops the loop'?? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
scanman Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 Okay - seriouis stuff now. I've made windows for years by printing the glazing bars on adhesive (label) paper, attached it to clear acetate then cut round the 'panes' and picked them off. Accurate, neat - and time-consuming... So can it be done with a laser-cutter? The issue is the fineness of the glazing bars. You cannot cut them out of the label-paper - they fall apart/distort. This means the label paper (as in the original method) - has to be attached to the acetate which then supports the 'glued-on' glazing bars. Hmmm. Acetate? Laser? a potentially sticky, smelly, melting result.... So some trials in order... First, could the laser be set to run at a speed/power that would cut the paper, but not the acetate beneath? Trial 1 - lase a plain sheet of paper, resting it on another plain sheet of paper. Burning through BOTH would NOT be a success! So here's the top layer, with the speed/power settings shown above the relevant group. and here's the bottom layer. Some are obviously more successful than others - but not completely so... Ho hum, life (or rather, fire extinguisher) in hand.. The windows (for a 'Saxby & Farmer' 'type 1 box' were cadded up & saved as 'eps' (and yes, they are small!) A sheet of the afore-said label paper was affixed to acetate ensuring there were no bubbles or creases, and then fed into the 'Emblazer'. Setting was 10mm/sec @ 30% power, one cut. RESULT! So I put the fire extinguisher away, and lased the sash frames from 150gsm card (same power settings) Result - again... So off to the studio to marry them up. The eagle-eyed among you will have noted that some of the laser cuts were incomplete - however, it was only a few minutes work to complete them with scalpel & steel. The 'panes' were then picked off as in the original method. There was some extra resistance which I put down to the adhesive being melted to the acetate! So here are some of the finished product & the components. Like I said these are small - even in 4mm scale! Lessons learned?? I wouldn't want to create thinner (i.e. 2mm) glazing bars. 0.5mm appears to be about the lasers minimum without the program running the bar-sides together (I can get down to 0.2mm thickness with a scalpel). However, it is a MUCH quicker method than the original. Okay, it took most of the day - but I dont have to repeat the experimentation sessions again! Anyone want any 'Saxby & Farmer' signal-box windows??? Regards Ian 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkeysarefun Posted August 3, 2016 Author Share Posted August 3, 2016 (edited) 9am - do tax return. 9.30 - Realise that I get back enough to buy 3.5 Emblaser 2's. 9.30.05 - 9.45 - Yay! (I only ordered one though.) Edited August 3, 2016 by monkeysarefun 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giles Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 I think I've reached the limit of what is viable for me - these 0.8mm AF nuts just look like black dots to me unless I look at them with magnifier. They were produced by request, and fit 0.4mm wire 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium nick_bastable Posted August 8, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 8, 2016 more madness 1850 First class coach, but there is history of Stephens using 1850's coaches Nick 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkeysarefun Posted August 8, 2016 Author Share Posted August 8, 2016 I have found some madness too..... http://www.finescrollsaw.com/milan-cathedral.htm Actually it has extra madness, considering its intended to be cutout with a scrollsaw rather than a laser! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium nick_bastable Posted August 17, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 17, 2016 yet another giant pound coin shot test builds left to right SECR 6 wheel brake van , FYNR van, LCDR open Nick 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium nick_bastable Posted August 26, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 26, 2016 (edited) a review of what the Darkly has allowed me to achieve wire and post fence posts water tower frame station station building station rear fence station benches round hut frame front fencing oh and the four wagons finished from the last post Nick Edited August 26, 2016 by nick_bastable 13 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junctionmad Posted September 11, 2016 Share Posted September 11, 2016 (edited) Hi newbie question, can lasers like this be used to cut abs sheet or plasticard, or is there a material that acts like plasticard but can be lasered. I'm looking at very thin materials like 20 thou etc Thanks Dave Edited September 11, 2016 by Junctionmad Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simond Posted September 11, 2016 Share Posted September 11, 2016 Dave The CO2 laser cuts acrylic like paper, and leaves a lovely smoothed edge, but many of the plastics don't cut so well. Plasticard re-joins behind the beam, and some others give off 'orrible smells & worse. Not sure how good the LED lasers with it. A number of people have had success with the Silhouette Cameo on thin plasticard. Nick Bastable got some very thin MDF, 1mm IIRC, and I think I recall he got some thin plastic that lasered well too. Trotec do sell laser able plastic material. I'm starting to think in terms of card modelling however - layers of paper & card are as easily glued as plasticard, and when sealed, are nigh on as strong, and much less susceptible to sunlight. Hth Simon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium gazman424 Posted September 12, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 12, 2016 Morning All, I've not broken cover on this Forum yet, but SimonDs' timely comment above has spurred me into action. I too bought an Emblaser, and after a bit of a disastrous start, involving a broken laser carriage, all my own fault (and unbelievable customer service from Darkly which got me back up and running - free of charge - Thanks!), I am getting to grips with this indispensable tool. I also had problems with material selection, and bought various thicknesses of card and ply to experiment with. The most promising results for me, came from card. This isn't a material that I use much, being a huge fan of styrene, but the results showed that I had to follow these up, and designed a coach as a test. I choose a Gresley Dia. 57 as something simple, and combined with MJT parts and Hornby bogies it shows how versatile the card is. Please don't be too harsh, as this was the prototype, and still requires weathering and finishing off, but I'm quite pleased with the outcome - enough to continue. I'm finding my feet working with card, and I'll be happy to answer any questions about my experiences to date with it. It's bedtime now so have a good day!! Gaz. 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold JCL Posted September 12, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 12, 2016 Harsh? Good lord, that's brilliant. If you don't mind me asking, what sort of card did you use in the end? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium nick_bastable Posted September 12, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 12, 2016 (edited) Hi newbie question, can lasers like this be used to cut abs sheet or plasticard, or is there a material that acts like plasticard but can be lasered. I'm looking at very thin materials like 20 thou etc Thanks Dave 370 gram black card is about 17 thou would be suitable the Darkly would r just melt plasticard the card once sealed is as stable as plastic and easy to work although I prefer to make the main body from 0.8mm ply for stability Please don't be too harsh, as this was the prototype, and still requires weathering and finishing off, but I'm quite pleased with the outcome - enough to continue. I'm finding my feet working with card, and I'll be happy to answer any questions about my experiences to date with it. It's bedtime now so have a good day!! Gaz. excellent work Nick Edited September 12, 2016 by nick_bastable Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium gazman424 Posted September 12, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 12, 2016 Hi Jason /All, I built this coach using the 'Jenkinson' method, very proficiently described by Mike Trice here; http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/104851-the-coronation-the-silhouette-mr-jenkinson-and-me/ I generally use 3 thicknesses of card; The interior is constructed from 1.25mm thick mount board; https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00BXE75WS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 The sides from 0.3mm thick card; https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009ARMB0Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 And I also use 0.4mm thick card; https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00H54EEOW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I laminate the layers using a spray adhesive, and have had good results with this; https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000NJZXHS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 For other gluing, impact adhesive and PVA, the cheapo stuff from your local supermarket designed for kids, has also been used. Obviously, all the materials above can be had from other suppliers!! Any other questions, please ask! Gaz. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimonME46 Posted September 12, 2016 Share Posted September 12, 2016 brilliant work Gaz!. I think card + laser cutter = a winning combination. I'm not a fan of styrene, even painted and out of the son, it becomes brittle over time. I don't expect the same from card, but its issue is likely to be sealing against moisture. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium gazman424 Posted September 12, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 12, 2016 Hi All, One thing that I've been impressed with is the ability to form a tumblehome with card, and the fact that the construction has no inclination to warp. It has been a bit of an attitude change for me, as previously, I only used card for the inner structures of buildings, before cladding them with plasticard. I would encourage you to have a go, as the material is very cheap compared to the equivalent laser compatible plastics. I've nearly completed an LNER Thompson Dia. 339 coach, minus the interior which requires painting, and I'll stick a pic of that up to show, in my opinion, that the material can be used for Steel sided coaches as well. I need to thank various people, especially JCL for the whole introduction to this area of modelling via the Silhouette, Monkeysarefun for the headsup and inspiration which sold me on the Emblaser, and the likes of Mike Trice, Coachmann and the Late David Jenkinson for sharing their expertise and time when it comes to constructing coaches - thanks Guys and keep the posts coming!! Gaz 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium gazman424 Posted September 12, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 12, 2016 Hi All, And as promised, a pic of the Dia.339; And another coach under construction, this time a Dia. 338 Composite; Finished night shift this morning and haven't been to bed for long, so the land of nod beckons!! Gaz. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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