Any advice on a small project?

Rusty85

Hello! I'm working on getting a pair of these finished and would like to replicate this stand. I made one before using a cake pan as the base. I used poster board to cut out the rest the pieces and a dowel for the long pole part where the ear stems go. While it was nice it just wasn't all that sturdy and I'd like to make something a little more solid this time around. While the ideal route would be metal that's just impossible at this time.

The only tools I have are hand saws, a drill, and a few other select items. I have no access to any large saws to cut wood with. Just thought I'd throw that out there to tell you what I'm working with.

Here's a few photos, advice is appreciated.

Rusty85

Anyone?

Maelstrom

Which part are you concerned about replicating the base, the stand, or the entire thing?

Rusty85

Probably just being able to cut the X out of something hard without any large saws. Seems like it'll be the trickiest part because its rounded.

Shylaah

Well, I'm just going to sling some ideas around......
I know the feeling when you don't have the tools, and in my
case I don't want or have space for such tools and wouldn't
use them that often otherwise. But I digress......

I am guessing this is about 10 to 12 inches in diameter....
I think the black bottom part you might could use a terracotta
dish garden container or pot saucer, flipped over and painted.
They come in a variety of sizes and in clay or plastic.

Might also find something suitable in the kitchen wares,
a round casserole or baking dish, maybe even a plastic
serving dish.....another metal cake pan.....

As for the silver part and the vertical piece, what I would use
would be some balsa wood. All you need is an Xacto knife and
some sandpaper!

What is that about 3/8 inch thick?
Use the 1/8 inch thickness and cut out and glue together
three layers to make a laminate thick enough, or whatever
thicknesses of the balsa to make three layers to equal the
thickness you need.

Sand and use wood filler and sand till all is smooth and paint it.
It would be sturdy and not subject to "sudden crimp" like cardboard.

Or you might be able to use some kind of plastic that you could cut
and glue together--again would just need and Xacto knife and some
sandpaper....not sure what kind of plastic or how sturdy it would be??

Shylaah

robstyle

If you have already made a master (your first incarnation) all you really have to do is mold and cast it. If thats too expensive or out of your abilities, do a scale print out and take it to a metal fabrication/welding shop and get some quotes. You can cut it out of plastic as well.

Maelstrom

The X I would do in some kind of plastic. In my case the preferable one would probably be Sintra. This way it can be cut with a utility knife, edges cab be easily smoothed with sandpaper and there is no wood grain to deal with.

I like the idea on the planter bottom, but maybe see if you can find one in plastic at someplace like Wal-mart or Garden Ridge. The terracotta one may be too fragile at some point when you need it to be strong (like an accident)

May be hard right now though with planter stuff being out of season.

Rusty85

Great thank you guys for the ideas! I think I might end up going with the plastic route, not quite as expensive as metal and a little more sturdy than Balsa wood. That was what I was thinking before but in the end I'd just rather not have to worry about it getting broken easily.

thesyfyguy

or you could mold it out of clay and make a rubber cast out of it. then pour a plastic cast yourself. its not that hard to do.

cjvince

I'm kinda in the same boat tool/skill wise as you are and Shylaah pretty much laid out how I'd do it.

Good Luck

Chuck

zenix

seems like a perfect piece to use a lasercutter for...

Wolfie

the bottom part reminds me of those Tupperware burger stackers

thesyfyguy

well you could mold it out of clay, then make a silicone mold of it. and pour a plastic mold out of it.

thesyfyguy

here is a photo of that base I was talking about. Just need to mold the lens support arm and cut the notch for it the base. Then I will ready to make the silicone molds for pouring. What do you think?

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thesyfyguy

here are some pics of the molds and one of the support arm. soon as I get the base mold fixedI will be ready to pour it. Will keep you updated.

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Rusty85

Looks pretty good so far, can't wait to see how it turns out.

thesyfyguy

Here is my first attempt at the base. I think I will have to remold it. The plaster of paris did not work the way I hoped it would.

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Rusty85

Looks pretty good, just needs a little clean up.

thesyfyguy

This one would take a lot of clean up. maybe this week or next when I can afford some rubber mold compound and liquid plastic. I will remake the mold in a two piece. It will take less plastic to make it and there will be a lot less clean up. Then I can go from mold to sand to paint a lot sooner. Will let you know when the materials come in for the next pour.

thesyfyguy

here is the photos I told you about. As you see it takes a bit of work to create the base. But when it is molded out of plastic. this is what it will look like.

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Rusty85

Funny how something so simple can be such an undertaking. Looking great can't wait to see it finished!