Large Custom Millennium Falcon (New Tool pics)
Hey Dan, thanks for the link, I appreciate it. The biggest problem with using another persons construct is that it is their impression of what things look like. He also is doing the ANH version as he said. Basic shapes of their work though can help clarify what you are trying to do however.
I always use actual photos for detail reference, but other constructs can sure give some enlightenment to what I am looking at.
As to the tool, I won't make a new one, just a new steel blade for it. The aluminum sheet part will work fine for what I am doing right now.
The little cut squares are fairly easy. I would suggest you try and find several 6 inch by 3/8 thin steel rulers to your tool stash. I use them all the time. I bought mine from Wholesale Tool in Tulsa. They also do mail order.
How I cut the buttons: Using a sheet of .010 thick clear, I marked and cut a .030 wide strip. I do that with a sharp knife and make several "light" cuts. I then set the strip part in my PE bender lined up with the cut and break it the rest of the way.
To cut the strip into like sized square bits, I used some double sticky Scotch photo tape. (about as sticky as a post it with blue on the label) Used the tape to stick my steel rulers down to some glass. With the setup I was then able to slide the strip along and use the ruler to guide the cuts to keep them even.
I will make a photo set for you after while if you would like me to show the how. I am thinking I need to remake the buttons out of some .005 thick clear. They are seeming a little too thick to me.
A lot of what I do is done planning and visualizing about 10 steps ahead. I already know how I am going to do all the little round lights, but there are the buttons first and a couple of things I have to do before attaching the buttons yet.
You know I am pickin on ya Bob! Sometimes I wish I had bought a little bigger mill. I didn't know when I got it how much I would use it. Somewhere about 10 to 20 times more than the lathe. I thought the lathe would be used more. DUH!