Full Version: Total Beginner
From: RALLYGUY (RALLYGUY1) [#7]
28 Dec 2006
To: UncleSteve [#6] 28 Dec 2006
From: UncleSteve [#8]
28 Dec 2006
To: RALLYGUY (RALLYGUY1) [#7] 28 Dec 2006
From: rich (RICHD) [#9]
28 Dec 2006
To: ALL
To all,
Thanks for all the responses. The machine I'm building is not based on the Gorton, but on a drawing that was published in Guy Lautard's "Machinist's Bedside Reader". It is a portable table top style of personal engraver. I redrew the design in AutoCad and scaled it up1:2. I believe the design is based on a production model from "Green Instrument Co." It has only three pre-drilled positions or scale factors 1/2, 3/8, 1/4 of original. The spindle arm (longest piece) is 17-1/2" long to give you a rough idea of the size. And to why I'm building instead of buying...well it's just a challenge to make something. That's what machinists do for fun. And of course that makes it FREE.
Regards,
Rich
EDITED: 29 Dec 2006 by RICHD
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#10]
28 Dec 2006
To: rich (RICHD) [#9] 28 Dec 2006
I'd love to see some photos as your project progresses.
From: rich (RICHD) [#11]
28 Dec 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#10] 29 Dec 2006
David,
I'll post some pictures when I figure out how to do the main pivot mount and vertical support. Right now all I have are the arms made without the bearings installed. I read the Engraving tutorial that Steve sent me and that has cleared up some of my questions.
Don't expect too much from the pictures since I'm only fooling around here between normal everyday chores.
Rich
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#12]
29 Dec 2006
To: rich (RICHD) [#11] 29 Dec 2006
Rich,
I understand completely.
I'm just fascinated by your project and I applaud your tenacity. :-)
From: rich (RICHD) [#13]
8 Jan 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#12] 8 Jan 2007
David,
I've got my (tightwad-brew) pantograph assembled except for the spindle, stylus, and counter-weight mechanism. It all feels smooth in motion.
My question is how much spring or counter-weight do you normally adjust your machine for? Just a enough to raise the arms slightly, or do you prefer a grossly over-weighted arm assembly? What method does New Hermes use?
Thanks,
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#14]
8 Jan 2007
To: rich (RICHD) [#13] 9 Jan 2007
Rich,
Sounds as if you're referring to the style of pantograph, similar to the early New Hermes (tabletop) models, where the entire top of the machine moves and controls the Z-axis movement and not just the spindle, which is how the more modern models work.
If that's the case, I would prefer a relatively neutral, weightless feel while engraving.
EDITED: 8 Jan 2007 by DGL
From: rich (RICHD) [#15]
9 Jan 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#14] 9 Jan 2007
Thanks David,
Your description sounds exactly like the machine I've built. The "Z" axis is controlled by a... (don't laugh) trailer tongue jack I bought on sale at Harbor Freight. Two vertical columns (1" pipe with floor flanges) with clamps lock the whole top into position. I can see now that it will be a minor hassle to square up (Tram) the machine if I need to move the "Z" axis for some reason. That must be the reason the newer models move the vise up and down instead. I'll post a picture when I'm finished. You all can help me name the bizarre retro-beast.
I do plan on providing some kind of fine thread adjustment for both the spindle housing (an 1-1/4" pipe nipple and cap drilled out and threaded to accept the flex drive nose threads), and stylus "Z" position. Still pondering the depth nose design also. So far it's been all Hardware Store items and less than $30 invested. I already had the Dremel and Flex-Drive. I plan on stealing one of my wife's Shepherds Hooks from the garden to hang the Dremel from.
Regards,
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#16]
9 Jan 2007
To: rich (RICHD) [#15] 9 Jan 2007
Not only would I like to see your invention, I'd like to ride it. :-)
Sounds like the term "Stunt Engraving" would see a whole new level.
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#17]
9 Jan 2007
To: rich (RICHD) [#15] 9 Jan 2007
EDITED: 9 Jan 2007 by DATAKES
From: rich (RICHD) [#18]
11 Jan 2007
To: ALL
To all,
Well...it works. No pictures yet, but I was able to engrave free-hand into scrap wood (following my paper template) in cursive and it came out just like handwriting. Engraved a couple of sketches just for fun. So far so good. Thanks for all the advice "and puns too!". I'll post some pics soon. My camera's here somewhere.
MPG no way it's Yards per Gallon or YPG. Max gross vehicle weight-2000lbs. 8-O
From: Peter [#19]
11 Jan 2007
To: rich (RICHD) [#18] 11 Jan 2007
* Sophisticated
* Stylish
* Unbreakable
* 2 door, Cabriolet and Hardtop versions available.
( white walls extra )
* Made to order
regards
:D
From: rich (RICHD) [#20]
12 Jan 2007
To: Peter [#19] 12 Jan 2007
From: rich (RICHD) [#21]
12 Jan 2007
To: ALL
A close up of the arms...
And some funky free-hand copy...
EDITED: 12 Jan 2007 by RICHD
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#22]
12 Jan 2007
To: rich (RICHD) [#21] 12 Jan 2007
If we didn't know you were the builder, I'd swear it was collaboration between Ethan Allen, Rube Goldberg and the makers of Lincoln Logs. :-)
I'll send you a few Rolex watches to engrave. >.<
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#23]
12 Jan 2007
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#22] 12 Jan 2007
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#24]
12 Jan 2007
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#23] 13 Jan 2007
David,
I really admire that kind of ingenuity.
Rich is someone who had a concept and followed through, to make a functioning machine.
I couldn't resist making (what I hoped was) a humorous comment, but it's people like Rich, determined to test a theory, that drive innovation.
EDITED: 12 Jan 2007 by DGL
From: RALLYGUY (RALLYGUY1) [#25]
13 Jan 2007
To: rich (RICHD) [#21] 13 Jan 2007
Man that is a beautiful creation.......
Awesome!
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