JehdinThwei
New Member
Sweeeeeet!!!!! The lenses look great installed. Very very cool pushrod for the switch!
Thank you. I think they turned out OK. I am not totally satisfied with the job I did installing them but I know what to do to make it better next time.JehdinThwei said:Sweeeeeet!!!!! The lenses look great installed. Very very cool pushrod for the switch!
Hey Jeff, thanks...I wanted to utilize the arm like thing as it appeared in the drawing for that purpose initially so I created it to pivot but honestly wasn't sure how to install the micro-switch until I got to looking at it and had the battery holder in place. Then it just kinda' made sense and things lined up right. It works great.alphatech686 said:O, I see the 3 blade thing up there. Dude I really like the tricked out push button. Very inventive and none human.
Thank you very much Ricky! You are always such an encouragement to me. This is something that I truely enjoy doing so I am glad that it shows. Building this bio has been a learning experience for me and I have learned so much along the way...especially with the help of everyone who has gone before me and created threads of their work here on the Lair or who have taken the time to chime in and offer support or ideas like yourself. There are things I would do differently to improve it, things I would not do or use again and I have been challenged with materials and methods I have never used before, etc. My greatest desire though is to see God be glorified through the gifts and skills He has given me so I strive for those things that would do that. Quality, integrity, diligence, honesty to name a few. So yes, I have a passion for this. Again, thank you for the kind words.REYALS said:This is more and more becoming a masterpiece in it's own right.
I'm am completely floored by the passion and commitment that is going into this beauty. I mean, every time I turn around and a new updated post is made... it is just mind boggling at the extent of progress that is made. This has to be the most extensive Bio thread on here in terms of modification and application.
Truly inspiring.
Thanks! It was one of those ideas that just "fell into place" at the right time.Double H said:Wooooh! That is simply awesome, another rung reached. Gotta get one of your ladders bud the push button is a smashing and innovative idea
Thank you Bryan...your encouragement helps keep me moving forward, I really really appreciate it. Almost there.wonko said:The finishing touches are really setting this apart from the average run of the mill bio Steve. The thought and planning you put into this are a big part of why I'm so awe-struck by this piece of art. I hate the thought of having to wait another week to see this finished, but you're right...now is not the time to cut corners (like you would do that anyway). You truly have been blessed with some amazing gifts and talent, and it's AWESOME that you're sharing it with all of us. I'll wait patiently (or not
) for the final product!
Brian
Thank you very much!evilpred said:Wow Im blown away by the work and detail that went in to do this !!! Awesome dude
Thank you Clay. I hope the leather goes well as I have never worked with leather before...but then again I guess I haven't worked with a lot of the things that have gone into this so it will just be another learning experience.eaglewood said:Quivering with excitement here---- Not really but I am anxious to see what you can do to top what you have already done. A true craftsman Steve.
Thanks Christian....now I have a song stuck in my head and it just won't leave.....argh!Hippie said:Truly scrumptious
Truly, truly scrumptious.
I want!
The level 2 is definitely cleaner coming out of the mold and faster to make than the level 1 but the level 1 is lighter. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. The interior pieces take more time to clean up for the level 2 and the level 1 can't get them so those are the trade-offs. At Jason's and your recommendation I have ordered some Apoxie Sculpt which will help fix some minor bubbles in the pieces coming out of the block molds. I wish I had a pressure chamber for molding the interior detail parts in as I believe I could produce bubble free castings if I did. I wish I actually had a pressure chamber big enough that I could put my whole helmet mold in it as well. The level 2 castings come out clean but there are a couple places where very small air bubbles get trapped and it would be sweet if I didn't have to deal with them at all. They are just a minor annoyance though. Other than that they are relatively clean and ready to paint after the flashing is trimmed away. If anything they might need a thin glaze of some spot putty in places after a light sanding. As I work on the first one I am also preparing what I will need to get some kits put together and ready to go so hopefully I will be up and running when the first one is finished. By up and running I mean they would be available for anyone interestedwonko said:Spectacular Steve, a true thing of beauty there. They look flawless in the pics, do they really come out of the mold that clean? Other than the trimming, is there any other prep work that needs to be done? Your patience and attention to detail has paid off my friend, they look perfect straight out of the mold! Thanks for the eye candy...keep it coming!!!
Brian
Thanks Mike! My kids are all eager to help in some way so I just have to channel that energy into something productive. Ahhh, fatherhood. I love it.TRI_LASER said:Haven't commented for a awhile because everyone else has pretty much said everything that needs to be said. Awesome work mate. The process has been great to watch. Now you have got the family helping, you will have a nice mass production line goinghaha
Hey Clay, I am using Smooth Cast 321, about a 10+ minute pot life. Vacuuming could possibly help but I would probably need to go with the 322 if I do. Vacuuming will help get the air out and a pressure chamber compresses the air in the bubbles that may still get introduced with pouring. I can also try pre-mixing the resin parts without shaking them but instead stirring which may help as well. Still experimenting for sure and the casts are very useable as they are but just more time consuming to clean up. Perhaps that is something I can get one of my kids to work on. Thanks for the comments and insights from your experiences They are definitely a benefit to me.eaglewood said:Steve,
what resin are you using? Just a thought-- have you tried to vacuum the resin before you pour it to get rid of a lot of the tiny bubbles?-- If you have enough pot life, this may help a little. Normally you use faster setting resin as we are all so impatient and have to get it out of the mold within seconds!!!
Anyhow-- as usual-- Blessed Hands and thought process.
Hey Brian, no it is not that bad...it is just not 100% either so this is where experience will help as I do more and try different things. I have already improved the block mold castings so much over the first pour which was pathetic. I would love to have the capital to invest in some more tools and equipemant. Ahh well...I have started a list at least. The vacuum chamber sounds interesting...where did you get plans from? I have looked into a rotocasting table and I think I could make my own. They are a tad pricey as well.wonko said:Doesn't seem to be too much work getting them ready for paint Steve. It's funny you should bring up the vacuum chamber. My next additions to my shop include one, along with a decent size vacuum table. I've found some pretty good plans for the chamber, and already have a more than adequate pump, so I'm hoping it won't be too long.
Brian
Thank you very much sir! You snuck in your post as I was replying to the previous posts. Maybe I am a little bit looney but I hope it will be a blessing to others.XPredX said:Finally catching up to your progress. THAT good sir is complete insanity!!!!!! Unbelievable work. I can't believe how clean everything is. Fantastic piece!