Rico
BN Modeller
Okay I'm sure this topic has been done to death, but I may have a new question.
I'm looking at building a helix with styrene, for the following reasons:
1 I can get it cheaper than plywood thru my business
2 It's thin and can be easily laminated together for strength
3 I can secure the track to it to really hold the curve
4 I've never heard of anyone doing this so just I gotta try it.
The problem arises when you try to cut it into 1/4 curve sections.
We tried a CNC machine but that just gums up the cutting bit and melts the material. We then tried a laser... you can guess what happened. A jigsaw with a fine blade shatters the edges and eventually gums up. There is a fellow in the city who may be able to cut it with a water torch, but before I get that far I have another idea.
I'm thinking I can get it cut into 5 or 6 inch wide strips, then make angle cuts to form a series of rhomboids and join these together to make a "rough circle".
I've made a mock up with cardboard that seems to work, just can't get the angles right.
So, after my somewhat long winded description that I hope tells the right tale, here's the question: Has anyone done a helix this way? (out of any material) Anyone have a pattern or specs?
I love working with Styrene using the old "scribe and snap" method, just can't see cutting all those curves with a hobby knife!
I'll see if this pic loads up of what I'm attempting.
I should probably mention I'm looking for a 29" and 26" radius to fit into the equation?
Now where's my coffee.......
I'm looking at building a helix with styrene, for the following reasons:
1 I can get it cheaper than plywood thru my business
2 It's thin and can be easily laminated together for strength
3 I can secure the track to it to really hold the curve
4 I've never heard of anyone doing this so just I gotta try it.
The problem arises when you try to cut it into 1/4 curve sections.
We tried a CNC machine but that just gums up the cutting bit and melts the material. We then tried a laser... you can guess what happened. A jigsaw with a fine blade shatters the edges and eventually gums up. There is a fellow in the city who may be able to cut it with a water torch, but before I get that far I have another idea.
I'm thinking I can get it cut into 5 or 6 inch wide strips, then make angle cuts to form a series of rhomboids and join these together to make a "rough circle".
I've made a mock up with cardboard that seems to work, just can't get the angles right.
So, after my somewhat long winded description that I hope tells the right tale, here's the question: Has anyone done a helix this way? (out of any material) Anyone have a pattern or specs?
I love working with Styrene using the old "scribe and snap" method, just can't see cutting all those curves with a hobby knife!
I'll see if this pic loads up of what I'm attempting.
I should probably mention I'm looking for a 29" and 26" radius to fit into the equation?
Now where's my coffee.......
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