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Ok guys, what you're saying makes sense. I did see the AL being forced up a little at the blade. What's strange is that I had no kickback at all from the blade installed like that although it was a very rough cut. I'll flip it around and try it again.

Awkward n00b moment. Guess I figured there was some sort of standard for all blades to have the printed side to the left of the arbor nut. OK, no more excuses, but I've removed that part from my log so I won't get any more questions/comments about it since the issue's now resolved.

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Originally Posted by voigts

Exactly what router bit are you using to make those cuts?

I've never used unibits. Are they better than conventional bits?

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For the router, I'm using a Bosch upspiral carbide tip w/ a 1/4" shank made for milling. It's the same one that I used in my earlier updates with the RotoZip. Works great for both aluminum and plexi.

Unibits are great for smooth radial cuts, and they're handy because they allow you to drill to a variety of sizes in one bit. You can step-drill quite easily with them so that you remove material gradually making for an easier drill.

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Originally Posted by noeru

Hi Xion X2

Very careful work great!:up:
・ ・ ・ Great tool and envy:(

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Thank you very much, noeru. :) I appreciate your continued interest and feedback!

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Originally Posted by Mabyboi

but great job Xion! we need more!! :stick:

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Thanks, Mabyboi!

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Originally Posted by shazza

Nice update, Xion

(I edited the full image quotes out of noeru's post to save our scrolling fingers)

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Thank you, Shazza. :up:

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Originally Posted by sheaga

yes this is a GREAT build.

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Thanks, sheaga! I don't believe that I've seen you here until now, so if you're new, welcome to the project. :up:

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Originally Posted by Hannibal Lecter

Of course pumps need to rest on something but the bottom part of the pump heats up quite a lot, there need to be some space or vent holes below the pump. In fact you should also think about some (even light) airflow in the cage if you haven't already.

You could do something like this:

http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/o...er22/shelf.gif

http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/o...shelf--DDC.gif

Keep up the great work :up:

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Thanks, Hannibal. I appreciate the advice, but I have to say that I'm not yet convinced that I need to clear the shelf out from under the pumps. These pumps come with two mounting tabs to the base (I've actually shaved these off) for mounting them to a flat surface. So I'm not sure why mounting them to shelves would pose an unusual problem? The chamber will be vented so that all the hot air doesn't just hover around the pumps.

This is an unorthodoxed build/design, but I sincerely believe that all the design choices will begin to make sense soon. Thanks for your feedback. :up:

I'll keep your suggestion in mind though and may do some further research into this before the shelf design is complete.

I got tied up with school work, and what not. This is really coming along nice. Looking forward to more updates. :)

Hi xion. I'm sure you've worked it all out now, but the blades have arrows around the hole in the centre which state the way the blade
should spin. And seeing as the shaft in the table saw only spins 1 way, there really is only 1 way to mount them. You can see the arrows in
one of the first pics on the last page.

On a separate note, and again i'm sure you've worked this out, the pumps generally do need some sort of airflow underneath (that's part of
the reason the tabs on the base raise the pumps slightly when mounted with the rubber. The other reason obviously being vibration). If the
acrylic could conduct heat you'd be good to go but unfortunately it's more of an insulator.

Your a smart guy though so i have faith in your decisions. I look forward to seeing more of your work :up:

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Originally Posted by millertime359

I got tied up with school work, and what not. This is really coming along nice. Looking forward to more updates. :)

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Thanks, bud. Hope school is going well for you. :up:

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Originally Posted by callen_1

Hi xion. I'm sure you've worked it all out now, but the blades have arrows around the hole in the centre which state the way the blade
should spin. And seeing as the shaft in the table saw only spins 1 way, there really is only 1 way to mount them. You can see the arrows in
one of the first pics on the last page.

On a separate note, and again i'm sure you've worked this out, the pumps generally do need some sort of airflow underneath (that's part of
the reason the tabs on the base raise the pumps slightly when mounted with the rubber. The other reason obviously being vibration). If the
acrylic could conduct heat you'd be good to go but unfortunately it's more of an insulator.

Your a smart guy though so i have faith in your decisions. I look forward to seeing more of your work :up:

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Callen, I'm not as smart as I wish I was, because somehow (don't ask me how) I clearly missed the rotation arrows around the center. I had to go back and look at the picture you reference, because I swear that I even looked for them before I installed the blade, but I was obviously just in a hurry after struggling to get the arbor nut off for 45 minutes. And since the print was on the same side as the blade I was taking out, I went ahead and installed it the same way.

I guess this would be one of those "screw-up" times that kg mentioned to me before where something would inevitably go wrong. Good thing I didn't have my gloves on when using the saw. :D

As for the pumps, you guys still have me scratching my head, because Swiftech shows that the pump can mount sitting square on its base on a neoprene pad (which is just what I had planned to do or with some sort of foam padding.)


http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/5273/swiftech350.jpg

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Originally Posted by Swiftech

The MCP350™ can either be installed with the built-in neoprene pad featuring a peel-off adhesive back, or permanently with thru-bolts as shown below.

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That sounds to me like the pump can mount squarely on its base on something. How is this different than what I intend to do? Perhaps I misled some of you, unintentionally, with the shots of the pumps sitting directly on the shelf as I've planned all along to insert some padding underneath them. But since I wasn't permanently mounting the pumps in those pictures I didn't use any.

I need to double check to see if I have some of those neoprene pads as they would keep me from having to drill the shelves to mount the pumps on.

Whether or not you're convinced the other guys are right. It's also generally not advised to mount them on the sticky neoprene pad (if for no reason other than they leave a terrible mess). Look for Naekuh's sorta-monthly post on his DDC sink, and how UN Designs brackets leave the bottom of the pump open. There's a reason these things are made.

I have been running DDC 18w pumps in two different machines for years. I have never once found that the pump is hot to the touch, in any location. It is true that the bottom of the DDC 18w pumps do get warm, but they are just slightly warm, you can hold your finger on the bottom indeffinatly on both of my pumps with no issues. One of those pumps has the neoprene pad stuck to the bottom of it. Recieved it that way from a great modder named Darthbeavis. That pump stays on for 8-16 hours every single day with no issues and no overheating.

Xion, do it the way you want and just check them. It is not like you could not change the parts at a later date. Some trouble to make those changes of course but always doable.

People seem to have different experiences with the pumps ... I also ran mine on the neoprene pads they come with - meant it as a temporary solution, but they never got hot, so left them. 3 pumps ran for over 6 months 24/7. I did have a lot of air flow in the case, so that probably helped. Vibration also turned out not to be an issue. I don't think it's the optimum way to do it, but it can work.

When I ran my DDC-1, after hearing all of the issues with the bottom heating up, I put a small chipset fan on mine and ran it for 2 years 24x7 before migrating to my current Aquastream XT. My DDC by itself would get very warm on the bottom without some kind of airflow.

As long as you don't wear gloves, its all good :rofl:

As far as padding for the pumps, there is nothing to match Petras gel stuff. That stuff is incredible. It works so much better than any neoprene pad, and it is clear.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.

For the pumps, I'm going to stick to my original plan and mount a foam pad under the base between them and the shelves. I'll be venting hot air out the roof of the chamber, so it shouldn't be too warm in there.

voigts -- I don't know if you've had a chance to run your blades yet, but if not you'll be happy to know that they cut pretty well once installed properly. :D I cut some pieces with them tonight, and they're turning out pretty good. The blade chews through the aluminum fast. Much faster than a jig as I guess it should be. Left some filing, of course, but after filing the cuts were close to square. So it looks like I'll be cutting metal on the table saw until I decide if I'll invest in a shear or not.

I know that many of you are probably tiring of shop pictures, so I put a short collage together of previously unreleased shots. refleXion has been in the works for awhile, but I'm doing my best to ensure that the long wait will be worth it.. both for me and for those who have followed the project since its inception.

-Michael


http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/7027/dsc07070001.jpg
http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/7746/dsc04800001.jpg
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/300/dsc07220001.jpg
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/3361/dsc07760001.jpg
http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/8212/dsc12050001.jpg
http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/9650/dsc09060001.jpg

ah, so it looks like you are trying to have it finished in may? what might be going on in may that you want to have it finished by then?

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Originally Posted by nlancaster

ah, so it looks like you are trying to have it finished in may? what might be going on in may that you want to have it finished by then?

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Nothing in particular. That's just how much longer I figure I have to go.

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Originally Posted by Xion X2

voigts -- I don't know if you've had a chance to run your blades yet, but if not you'll be happy to know that they cut pretty well once installed properly. :D I cut some pieces with them tonight, and they're turning out pretty good. The blade chews through the aluminum fast. Much faster than a jig as I guess it should be. Left some filing, of course, but after filing the cuts were close to square. So it looks like I'll be cutting metal on the table saw until I decide if I'll invest in a shear or not.

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I haven't yet as I haven't started on my new build that is in planning (I am wrestling whether to stick with water or give air a chance again as its been 5 years since I've air cooled). Glad they work now as I know they are a much better solution that using a jig saw. I am curious how well they cut acrylic as far as the edges go. They should leave a much cleaner cut than regular saw blades do. I just got 5 sheets of 1' x 1' cast acrylic.

its enough to put a anti vibration pad under the laing. take a look to the german forums everybody uses a shoggy sandwitch against the vibrations without any problems. so go foward for updates :)

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Originally Posted by whuzabi

its enough to put a anti vibration pad under the laing. take a look to the german forums everybody uses a shoggy sandwitch against the vibrations without any problems. so go foward for updates :)

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Thanks, whuzabi. I still think the same.

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Originally Posted by voigts

I haven't yet as I haven't started on my new build that is in planning (I am wrestling whether to stick with water or give air a chance again as its been 5 years since I've air cooled). Glad they work now as I know they are a much better solution that using a jig saw. I am curious how well they cut acrylic as far as the edges go. They should leave a much cleaner cut than regular saw blades do. I just got 5 sheets of 1' x 1' cast acrylic.

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voigts, if they don't work well, then you should invest in some of those Irwin 180T blades that I used earlier that are listed for "plastic/plywood" use. They've worked really well.

But yeah, the Mastercraft blades are working out well and have influenced me to wait on a shear. Don't really think that I need it at this time since these cut close to square.

It's good to see it all coming together now mate, looks good. :up:
But No Gloves when using power tools (router table)Please! :shakes:

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Originally Posted by kgtiger

But No Gloves when using power tools (router table)Please! :shakes:

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KG, please keep this stuff to PM, bud. I've already requested this once. I do not want this thread to dissolve into a bunch of safety lecturing that people will have to wade through to get to the project updates.

You have your own view on this which I'm aware of by now, but my stance is that any time I am working with sharp metal then I am going to wear gloves. I'm not going to risk cutting my hand open for the very very slim chance that I get my hand lodged in something.

I truly appreciate your concern, but at the same time, I expect a little tolerance for those who may not be of the same opinion as you. Not everyone believes the same about not wearing gloves. Just for example, Gianluca is one of the most skilled modders that I've ever seen. He's the creator of "Dark Blade" from MDPC and a CNC extremist, and you'll find that he also wears gloves on occasion.

http://www.g69t.it/public/Dbrs/DBRS_584_L.jpg

I pulled this photo from his worklog here, below:

http://www.g69t.it/public/Dbrs/DBRS_584_L.jpg

My point is that it's kind of a mixed bag on the subject. Some do, some don't. It comes down to what type of work you do. If I'm working on something where there's no chance at all of cutting myself, then I haven't been wearing gloves. If, on the other hand, I'm routing sheet metal where shards and splinters are flying off that have a good chance of splintering my hands, I will wear them and be careful to stay as far from the bit as possible.

Hey... Hey Xion... what the crap are you doing over there? :D :stick: we need more updates!

he's drilling some holes :) pssst :p

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Originally Posted by Mabyboi

Hey... Hey Xion... what the crap are you doing over there?

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Taking a breather. ;)

This project has now hit the 5 month point where I've been continuously working on some area, be it design, CAD work, photography, fab work, etc., so I've stepped away for a little while to recharge my batteries and refocus for the home stretch. Still checking into the forums occasionally, though.

Please, take your time. There is more than enough for us to review here.

I hope it's more spring/summer-like in NC than PA.

One day of sun, and then nasty rain and cold winds.... :shakes:

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Originally Posted by Wezly

Please, take your time. There is more than enough for us to review here.

I hope it's more spring/summer-like in NC than PA.

One day of sun, and then nasty rain and cold winds.... :shakes:

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Thanks, bud. We have rain here too, but at least it's been warm throughout the week. What I hate is when it's both cold and raining. Or cold and ice/snow/sleet. :shakes: I'm a spring/summer kind of guy all the way.

I'm just kicking back, relaxing and watching some of the ACC tournament this weekend. No workshop for a few days feels good, but I'm sure I'll get back to it before long.

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Originally Posted by Xion X2

Taking a breather. ;)

This project has now hit the 5 month point where I've been continuously working on some area, be it design, CAD work, photography, fab work, etc., so I've stepped away for a little while to recharge my batteries and refocus for the home stretch. Still checking into the forums occasionally, though.

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see, you cut out the smilies... now it makes me look like an @$$, when i was just trying to be fun and bug you for more updates :D

That is coming out really nice bud. Keep up the good work. :up:

Hay Michael do what ever you want behind your closed work shop doors mate, I don't care, there your hands.
But it's not all about you.
Not everyone who sees this work log will know just how dangerous this practice is and they don't need misleading information either.

So stop showing photo's of you wearing glove when using table saws, router tables and now unforchantly other people using drill presses.
I feel it is totaly irresponsible to and then acknowledge (however slim you feel it is) that there is a danger in wearing glove when using the above mentioned power tools.
Then fob it off as' It's ok, as long as your safe, and "I'm not going to risk cutting my hand open for the very very slim chance that I get my hand lodged in something".
Then ask for this topic to be hidden away in PMs, like it's out of sight out of mind but then keep showing photos of you and now other people wearing glove is just totaly wrong Michael.

As for Gianluca, so what, I also feel he is totaly irresponsible too, if he is such a skilled modder he should know better than that.
Maybe no one has said to his to wake up and pull his head in and to stop encouraging this dangerous practice.

As for filling up your work log with a bunch of annoying safety lecturing that people will have to wade through, if just one person gets the message then I am happy. :D

For me there is no gray area on this subject, it's just black and white.