Hello,
Having no metal machining skills nor equipment and few parts to tinker with, I thought I'd give a try at a simple "Platform Jig" that I could 3D-print.
There is nothing fancy or innovative with a simple adjustable plate to rest a blade against, it just feels like it's missing from the Tormek jig lineup.
The objective is to be able to accomodate as wide a range of angles as possible, not limited to short blades but well suited to those as the SVM-00 is kinda fidgety.
I'll use PLA filament for the prototypes and ASA for the real thing, trying to avoid supports except snug ones for the two holes for ruthex inserts (thumbscrews) where geometry matters little.
A quick note on a design choise (which I am not sure is wise): the (grey) sliding platform is more or less self-locking inside the (blue) support. One has to flex it a bit by pressing down in the middle so it slides easily, then release it so it locks back in place, and the (red) back thumbscrew is just here to secure it in place and prevent bending. I might have to play with tolerances and/or add a bit of teflon or the like on the outer surfaces in contact with the support so it slides more smoothly but still locks without significant radial play..
[edit]And a second note : I might not be able to dispense with having to add a metal plate on top on the side of the slide that is close to the wheel, if I have to thin the tip and keep everything rigid.[/edit]
Please feel free to give any feedback that I could incorporate before the first actual prints.
Cheers,
Nick.
Having no metal machining skills nor equipment and few parts to tinker with, I thought I'd give a try at a simple "Platform Jig" that I could 3D-print.
There is nothing fancy or innovative with a simple adjustable plate to rest a blade against, it just feels like it's missing from the Tormek jig lineup.
The objective is to be able to accomodate as wide a range of angles as possible, not limited to short blades but well suited to those as the SVM-00 is kinda fidgety.
I'll use PLA filament for the prototypes and ASA for the real thing, trying to avoid supports except snug ones for the two holes for ruthex inserts (thumbscrews) where geometry matters little.
A quick note on a design choise (which I am not sure is wise): the (grey) sliding platform is more or less self-locking inside the (blue) support. One has to flex it a bit by pressing down in the middle so it slides easily, then release it so it locks back in place, and the (red) back thumbscrew is just here to secure it in place and prevent bending. I might have to play with tolerances and/or add a bit of teflon or the like on the outer surfaces in contact with the support so it slides more smoothly but still locks without significant radial play..
[edit]And a second note : I might not be able to dispense with having to add a metal plate on top on the side of the slide that is close to the wheel, if I have to thin the tip and keep everything rigid.[/edit]
Please feel free to give any feedback that I could incorporate before the first actual prints.
Cheers,
Nick.