Starship Modeler Discussion Forums

I have followed this technology for years. I'm excited at the recent news and advancements in technology. There are several different ways of printing now, and much like the old battles of VHS versus Beta, and more recently HDDVD versus Blue-Ray, eventually the 3D technology for home printers will c...

I picked up a Ryobi table top band saw the other day, and all I can say is I don't know why I didn't pick up one of these tools before. What a time saver. It doesn't melt the plastic much,This working with my 10 inch disk sander is going to make things a lot easier. For instance, if you ever have to...

I've been using a Dremel and a metal cut off disk for a while, and I think nothing works better or quicker...and no dull knives to worry about.

TazMan2000

Go to your local dollar store. You might be able to find something there.

TazMan2000

Thank b8factor. After the discussion and many great arguments for laser and CNC here, I was still on the fence. Both technologies have their advantages and disadvantages. But after reading those articles, I think for my needs and the type of modelling that I do, CNC is the way to go. But if money wa...

Tankmodeler wrote:If you can afford a $4500 engraver, you can afford a pretty darned good desktop CNC mill.
Paul

Would you have any recommendations on which model of CNC?

TazMan2000

I'll keep an eye on the shopbot. Thanks, Dennis.

TazMan2000

Johnnycrash wrote:So, what laser cutter system are looking at??

I looked at https://www.inventables.com/technologie ... ser-cutter, but I haven't found many reviews of it.
Anything you would recommend that will keep me golden with the wife?

TazMan2000

Thanks for all the opinions so far. I was considering a 3d printer, however, I just don't think the technology is at the level that I would consider acceptable, for the price that I could afford. I know there DIY kits out there, but I would rather have something that works right out of the box, rath...

Umi_Ryuzuki wrote:The deck, raised platform parts, pilot houses and windows were all CNC cut.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/attachme ... id=5105874

How are the edges of the cutouts? Are they rough?

TazMan2000

I'd like your opinions. Which would you get, if you had the chance, a desktop CNC or a laser cutter? I'm a bit torn, between the decision. The General CNC i-Carver 40-915X seems like a good tool for machining MDF and creating masters, I would think, but a laser cutter can accurately cut styrene, acr...

Oh they probably do, but then it becomes more expensive and then that would negate the title of this thread "Cheap Styrene". Plus, I'm to cheap to spend a couple of bucks doing it. I will just lie it down in the parking lot, kneel down on the pavement and cut it into pieces. This way the p...

I found a source of plastic, relatively inexpensive compared to hobby store prices. Unfortunately they sell them in 4x8 foot sheets. However you can bring a knife and cut them into managable pieces if you don't have a vehicle that can accomodate them. My advice is to do this since quite a long time ...

Be careful with the expanding foam. Some stuff is so strong that it will bend window frames as it expands, so you can imagine what it will do with a vacuform kit. There is, I hear, some new stuff in the hardware stores that just expands to the available space and doesn't cause pressure, but I haven'...

Umm....does the vacuum still work? lol.

I really like what you did. I never would have thought it was a vacuum cleaner.

TazMan2000

I've seen the makerbot in action, and it seemed to do a good job. Various tech guys keep saying that there will be a $300.00 3d printer at Toys R Us for next xmas. I really don't want to learn computer modeling right now, so I'll stick to knives and sandpaper! If there is going to be one....the res...

If that doesn't work, you could always cast a new one using clear resin, using the other headlight as a master.

TazMan2000

I just picked up a new batch of White Alumilite 2 part resin. I have to say, that I'm pretty impressed with the new Part B stuff. You don't have to shake the Part B, which aids in lessening the amount of air bubbles, but also, the Part B is considerably less viscous. Mixed together, I have noticed d...

Nice job. What material are you using?

TazMan2000

Blister packaging for common store bought items is a cheap way to get thermoform plastic. Unfortunately you have to have a need for whatever is originally inside.

TazMan2000

Uh...Have you considered screws? Rare earth magnets can also be of use.

TazMan2000

Here's a picture of a movable joint.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonomapicman/3052624453/

TazMan2000

Isn't the vowel "A" after the consonant "C", cause the vowel "E" to have a long sound? Following the rules of proper English of course...but there are always exceptions to a rule...especially in the English language.

TazMan2000

http://www.exactwebsolutions.co.uk/images/portfolio/illustration_cockpit.jpg http://i.ytimg.com/vi/UXuReNWlgbo/0.jpg http://www.ninfinger.org/models/vault2008/LM-Panel.jpg You can use these templates as guides to make your own custom decals using Windows Paint and printing them on a color laser. If ...

Many dollar stores carry small glasses in the perfect shape of engine bells. Fill up the glass with Plaster of Paris, break the glass carefully and you have a VF form. Some craft stores (and hardware) carry wooden eggs that make great forms as well.
A good VF can be made in one evening.

TazMan2000

What Kylwell said, as well as drybrushing with white or grey, followed by smudging the dabs with a tissue or sponge until the desired effect is acheived. This will take practice and patience to get the whole model looking the same.

TazMan2000

Hello all, I'm an Aves newbie and I was originally hopeful but skeptical of this product. When I first used it I was a bit upset on how it did not readily adhere to styrene and would peel off flat areas and stick to itself when using tools to scrape off thickness. Watering it down did improve result...

You will have a lot of difficulty, if you are expecting on having the effect of sand being suspended in mid air. Cotton will look like painted cotton. You will have better luck if you use the effect of after the action has been completed. i.e. sand being distributed from treads, tires in a sprayed p...

You're mad you know, totally mad. When you're finished what dockyard will you store it at? Seriously, I've always thought some thing that large and in charge should be displayed someplace public, like a library, to inspire kids to read the stories. What leukirix does should be his own choice. It lo...

It's definitely an eye catcher. Love the weathering. Top notch.

TazMan2000