I'd be willing to gamble that getting the parts machined would cost more than an anvil, but I suppose it could be less if you're doing multiple copies.
I've got to think about doing this a little bit more. While I am pleased with the way the jig turned out, it's not 100%. There is room for improvement, and I know I don't have the time to add those. Also, I'm out of school for the summer and don't have access to solidworks til next semester.
I'd be willing to gamble that getting the parts machined would cost more than an anvil, but I suppose it could be less if you're doing multiple copies.
I've got to think about doing this a little bit more. While I am pleased with the way the jig turned out, it's not 100%. There is room for improvement, and I know I don't have the time to add those. Also, I'm out of school for the summer and don't have access to solidworks til next semester.
Adarn,
You are probably right with a one off jig, the amount of set up time and blanking all those parts out to size is a lot of work. However, you would be surprised at how much the price can be cut down just by ordering 10 of the same part (which is small on a production scale). Once the machine is setup and ready to go, it's pretty much just loading parts.
I'm interested to hear your thoughts on what needs improvement.
I've got to think about doing this a little bit more. While I am pleased with the way the jig turned out, it's not 100%. There is room for improvement, and I know I don't have the time to add those. Also, I'm out of school for the summer and don't have access to solidworks til next semester.
If we get hold of the files we can probably manage the modifications required. What did you have in mind?
The first thing I'd do is add two small scales marked with four lines at 1.25 degrees that travel with the HT and ST mounts over their angle markings. This would allow setting the angles to a precision of 0.25 degrees (acting as a quadratic vernier) but it won't change the accuracy.
However, you would be surprised at how much the price can be cut down just by ordering 10 of the same part (which is small on a production scale). Once the machine is setup and ready to go, it's pretty much just loading parts.
I'm interested to hear your thoughts on what needs improvement.
Thanks,
Todd.
Todd
Sounds like we need to get to a minimum of around 10 to make this feasible.
That's probably doable: one thing that I like about the kit form idea is that if one can source 8020 or similar locally the shipping cost for the kit will be fairly low. I'm sure there are lots of others for whom this is a a big advantage: in my case while I could just about justify a new Anvil Journeyman, the cost of shipping and importing one to Australia is a killer.
Mark,
1 will be outrageously expensive, you'll get a good drop at 5, and and even better one at 10. It's all time, the more parts the setup costs can be distributed across, the better.
OK guys, here's where I'm at with this.
Let me build at least a frame or two on this thing before you guys get too carried away. I understand that a lot of people are looking for a more accesible jig, and this seems like a good option. Before I send away drawing for something though, I need to make sure that it works.
Also, I'm not sure about the way that it's being done. I feel like some folks are getting really into this and taking my ideas and really removing me from everything. I don't want to be a dick, but I worked really hard on this project, and all of this interest is making me question giving it away.
So, lets take some time to test it out and consider the project some more and then maybe look at the options.
I've got parts for angle adjustment plates due from the laser cutter in the next couple of weeks. Todd Farr made me some tube holders that attach to 40 x 40 T-slot which mounts on the angle plates.
The plates mount side by side and the distance between them sets the front centre. I'm still working out how to make this adjustment rigid enough to ensure coplanarity.
I designed this for a bonding process, not brazing or welding.
I appreciate this is a aged thread, however the OP did request a little time to test his jig... Anything to report??
Results of that testing aside, is there any appetite for the group buy idea put forward here? Perhaps the idea could become more an opensource jig design (drawing on the best designs for hobby builders), so that the designs may be rabidly updated and shared, but also to facilitate local group buys. I'm in the UK, for instance, so it would make little sense for me to enter into group buy with those of you in the states.
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