Roman Props MK1 Chassis without Shapeways?

[gte183v]

I have a Roman Props MK1 (FX version) and have just ordered a Pando Crystal Chamber from Roman's website. I am trying to gather all the components I will need for the install, but I've got a problem. Shapeways was the only source I have found for the actual chassis parts and, as many of you are aware, it is now defunct. ShtokCustomWorx has a website in the works, but it isn't open yet (and there is no guarantee that chassis parts will be offered when it is). I have my own 3D printer, but if I have to order the parts from somewhere, I'm okay with that. Does anyone know of another source for the MK1 chassis?

 

[Halliwax]

I too wish shapeways had them..

 

[gte183v]

I just found out that you can contact Shtok directly through either his Facebook page or email and still order the parts for the chassis. I've got mine ordered and cannot wait to begin the build. I'll be combing through past threads for tips. There seem to be several related threads.

 

[Halliwax]

Can you post updates and pics here?

 

[gte183v]

I will try to post my progress. I've had my MK1 for some time and I just ordered the Pando CC. Shtok told me it would probably be 2-3 weeks before I receive the chassis parts. Hopefully, I can get started before the end of March. Stay tuned...

 

[Halliwax]

I just found out that you can contact Shtok directly through either his Facebook page or email and still order the parts for the chassis. I've got mine ordered and cannot wait to begin the build. I'll be combing through past threads for tips. There seem to be several related threads.

I will try to post my progress. I've had my MK1 for some time and I just ordered the Pando CC. Shtok told me it would probably be 2-3 weeks before I receive the chassis parts. Hopefully, I can get started before the end of March. Stay tuned...

Thank you, I had some kind of error trying to quote you before, glad you saw it

 

[gte183v]

I received my metal chassis parts today. My Pando Crystal Chamber was lost in the mail for 7 days, but is moving again and should hopefully be here Wednesday. The plastic chassis parts have not shipped yet.

 

[Halliwax]

I received my metal chassis parts today. My Pando Crystal Chamber was lost in the mail for 7 days, but is moving again and should hopefully be here Wednesday. The plastic chassis parts have not shipped yet.

View attachment 1913149

What vendor did you end up going with?

 

[gte183v]

Shtok took care of everything. I ordered from him with the options I wanted and he had the parts made. He notified me that the parts had shipped and provided the tracking number. I don’t know which service made the parts, but they shipped from Belgium and look amazing.

 

[Halliwax]

Excellent!

 

[gte183v]

Crystal chamber has arrived!

 

[Halliwax]

Start swapping parts!

 

[gte183v]

I'd love to. Unfortunately, I cannot install the Shtok parts until I can disassemble the crystal chamber, and two of the set screws will not budge. I've reached out to Roman to find out if there is thread locker on those two screws or if something else would prevent their removal. I could always install the chassis without these upgrade parts, but I really don't want to do that.

Another issue is the all-brass construction. The brass is clearly visible through the cut-outs in the Graflex clamp. In my opinion, it spoils the look a little.

 

[gte183v]

Got the set screws out! I had to use a Torx bit to get it instead of a regular Allen key.

Halliwax, I've been reading previous threads and know you have experience with the Pando CC. I want to replace the acrylic piece that came with the chamber with a piece of quartz for the Kyber crystal and add a secondary focusing crystal. Do you have any suggestions on what I should use and where I might find them?

 

[Halliwax]

I get me crystals at some local witch shop a few towns over.. yes you heard me correct a witch shop, my town has to burn them at the stake don’t forget

When cutting crystals I use stone wheels with a dremel, thick gloves, glasses and a face shield

This PPE is a MUST because this stuff shatters! And can seriously hurt you

I have seen many people grab crystals off Amazon and eBay too

 

[yubyub]

I have had luck on Ebay and I agree with Halliwax - the Dremel is great for cutting things to fit.

 

[Halliwax]

Glasses, make sure to wear safety glasses, you could ruin the rest of your life

 

[gte183v]

I finished upgrading the Crystal Chamber. I ended up using a single piece of unmodified quartz. I bought a bag of crystals from Amazon, and was planning to use two smaller pieces. However, there was one larger piece that had a unique property. I don’t know if it is an internal crack, or what, but It has a prismatic effect. When you catch the light right, the faces on either side of one of the edges shimmer with a rainbow of color. The same thing happens on the opposite side as well. I oriented the crystal to maximize the visibility of the refraction. I also turned the chamber parts so that the brass arms were mostly on the back and not covering the front of the crystal.

You can see it just a little in the photos, but the effect is much more pronounced and larger in person.

The crystal is so large that I didn’t use the smaller ring pieces from Shtok’s upgrade kit. They just wouldn’t fit. Overall, I’m really happy with how it turned out.

 

[Halliwax]

Very pretty!!

 

[Halliwax]

View attachment 1914601View attachment 1914602View attachment 1914603I finished upgrading the Crystal Chamber. I ended up using a single piece of unmodified quartz. I bought a bag of crystals from Amazon, and was planning to use two smaller pieces. However, there was one larger piece that had a unique property. I don’t know if it is an internal crack, or what, but It has a prismatic effect. When you catch the light right, the faces on either side of one of the edges shimmer with a rainbow of color. The same thing happens on the opposite side as well. I oriented the crystal to maximize the visibility of the refraction. I also turned the chamber parts so that the brass arms were mostly on the back and not covering the front of the crystal.

You can see it just a little in the photos, but the effect is much more pronounced and larger in person.

The crystal is so large that I didn’t use the smaller ring pieces from Shtok’s upgrade kit. They just wouldn’t fit. Overall, I’m really happy with how it turned out.

You’re a bad influence!

I ended up grabbing a gen1 chamber from the junkyard (my favorite version) I have some extra metal parts I printed years ago.

You had me fooling around late last night with all these old parts lol

You’re chamber really came together awesome