Handcrafted Goodness Inside! Exterior Mirrors

[TacBlade]

Originally Posted by jlaird

I have a little update mainly on timing for those interested. The prototype I should have in my hands in 1-2 weeks. Its then going to take 3-4 weeks to make the moulds, and then another 3-4 weeks to make the actual castings. I'll keep you updated with more detailed timing as we progress along.

The process to make the prototype is pretty interesting, so I thought I'd share. The slug or pattern of the mirror that will be casted for the prototype is going to be 3d printed. If you don't know what 3d printing is, think of it as an inkjet printer, but instead of ink, the print spits out plastic from a spool (think weed wacker trimmer line) that is heated like a glue gun. What results is a 3 dimensional, plastic copy of the mirror. Then this plastic pattern is used to cast the prototype. I thought that was pretty cool since casting originated sometime around 3,000 BC and now we are using modern technology to compliment it. Sorry…got a little geeky there!

Have a good rest of your weekend. I think I'm going to get out in the garage and "tinker" as my wife puts it.

I am in for a pair of #1's. The 3D printer is pretty impressive. I found many Dinosaurs on my ranch and the Institute that is digging for us makes copies of Dino bones with theirs.