Machining an L plate

Glad to see others are interested in trying something like this. It's definitely not for the money. I'm still learning CNC machining so I see it as a learning tool. A few hours to model, a few hours to convert to g-code, and then a couple more hours to run it. Might take me 10 hours, but $13/hr after material costs isn't bad anyways.

It won't be perfect, but it will be 100% function and have 95% of the appearance, plus it's neat to say that you made it.

bfree32 wrote in post #14381288
Glad to see others are interested in trying something like this. It's definitely not for the money. I'm still learning CNC machining so I see it as a learning tool. A few hours to model, a few hours to convert to g-code, and then a couple more hours to run it. Might take me 10 hours, but $13/hr after material costs isn't bad anyways.

It won't be perfect, but it will be 100% function and have 95% of the appearance, plus it's neat to say that you made it.

Do it! I've been threatening to make a Gimbal Head for a few years now. Actually designed a cheaper, easier to make system that I think would work just as well.

Yeah, you get some time in the process but it's spare time here and there. Worth it imo. If you were making a bunch of them the time would go way down per piece. At $150 they should be making a nice profit.

I've been debating doing this very thing. Solidworks is a fantastic program. My only problem is cutting the proper Acra-Swiss style bottoms. Definitely post on how it goes because if you have success with it, I'm gonna give it a shot.

Its definitely worth making it on your own. I already built my own dual flash bracket because $40 for $10 of material is nuts.

bfree32 wrote in post #14375563
I'm going to try making my own L plate. I have machine shop access and the stock should be $20 or so. $150 for this things is nuts and it should be fun to make one. Anyone tried?

GO FOR IT!

I wish I had access to a machine shop again. Once you get spoiled being around one and see how easy and satisfying it is to make your own. You will always look at things different you just do.

For me it's never about the money it's about the doing.

If you make a good one, there's an audience for duplicates right here. You must show the final product.

Indecent Exposure wrote in post #14380249
If you show up here with an L-Plate whittled out of wood either I'm going to laugh or pay you to make me one. Probably both.

Teak or mahogany with nicely morticed/dovetailed joints for the L, and I would too!

Jon wrote in post #14381806
Teak or mahogany with nicely morticed/dovetailed joints for the L, and I would too!

It would be fun to make one like that. Of course, it would be so pretty I'd never use the thing.. just admire it on a shelf somewhere

MikeG2012 wrote in post #14381617
My only problem is cutting the proper Acra-Swiss style bottoms.

This is definitely the hard part, that's a long cut with a small tool. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

bfree32 wrote in post #14399522
This is definitely the hard part, that's a long cut with a small tool. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

My best guess is to try and find a end mill cutter with geometry as close as possible to the actual one. I know what I'm doing when I get back from vacation haha

Has this been completed, yet?

ocabj wrote in post #14404276
Has this been completed, yet?

I will be wrapping up the design on mine this evening, unless life gets in the way again The mill at work is backed up till next week so it will be mid week before mine is finished up.

Jon wrote in post #14381806
Teak or mahogany with nicely morticed/dovetailed joints for the L, and I would too!

That would be interesting, but I think I would want to do a split cut and then hide a reinforcing bar inside the wood, just to be safe.

Maybe carve the non-mechanical surfaces with Celtic knots or something?

Wondering if this ever got built?

I would be interested in your SolidWorks file.

FarmerTed1971 wrote in post #16729599
Wondering if this ever got built?

I would be interested in your SolidWorks file.

I built mine, however I am in the process of making a second version, the first worked great, but added more weight then I wanted. I know have a 3D printer and plan to do a test print and see if a plastic version will hold up. If not I will slim down my metal version.

Love to see some pix of what you came up with...

Care to share the SW file?