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I've wondered if a dremel could be used to cut the polycarbonate. But your method of using a jigsaw to cut and a dremel to sand sounds like a better approach.Quote:
I'm actually going to be using a jigsaw, those were just shots from me testing the corner of the material. And I have a dremel on hand with tons of sanding bits just for this job. :3
I cut my monofin with a bandsaw. I made it a little bit less accurate than my pattern so that I could smooth out the edges by hand with a file.
Unfortunately I don't have a bandsaw, or the money to get one. Or access to one.
And I'll let you know how everything goes Malinghi. Hopefully it will work very well the first time and I won't have to redo it. XD
They make grinding disks for the dremel, and that works AMAZINGLY at cutting through carbon fiber (what my monofin is made of). It was so much easier, and had a super smooth finish. I didn't even have to sand the edges. :)
I scored my lexan with a utility knife. It had a very sharp edge after I snapped it along the score so I hand-sanded it down 100 grit sand paper. It wasn't hard and didnt take very long and produced a nice, rounded edge. I got the idea off of some handyman blog where they talked about smoothing polycarbonates.
This is the cheapest way to do it, I think. The only problem is that you can only make straight lines. A jigsaw would be waaay better because you could make curved shapes.
You may want to be careful with the jigsaw. I tried it and it didn't go so well. The problem is that a jigsaw moves the blade up and down and moves whatever it is cutting with it (in this case the sheet of lexan). A bandsaw is SO much easier. Could you try a local hardware store or wood shop? They might be nice enough to cut it for you.
My silicone came in the mail today! Woo!
In other news, yeah, unfortunately my monofin shape won't be entirely straight edged, so the jigsaw is a bit of a necessity. If not, I would try for the score and snap method.
My dad and I picked up a jigsaw yesterday and we should be able to get it working tomorrow. Mostly I've just been waiting for time when he wasn't busy. XD And I've heard reports on both jigsaws and bandsaws and though a bandsaw would be amazing, I'm going to try my hand at the jigsaw first.
Cutting polycarbonate with a jigsaw isn't that difficult.
Just fix the PC on a table or whatever, with enough space around the cutting line, and use a fine sawblade.
Between 10 and 15 teeth per inch should do it.
A bandsaw is a really nice thing. But a lot heavier. ;)
I use both to cut PC at work. It depends on how large the sheet is, etc.
How thick is the sheet of polycarbonate you chose for your monofin?
My sheet is pretty thin because I'm looking for a good amount of movement in my fluke.
I did end up using a fine toothed blade and everything went perfect! Took only a few minutes to get the entire thing cut out. And, considering I've never used anything like a jigsaw before, I'd say it's something most people can do without any difficulty. :>
More words of advice (sorry they're all negative by the way). You may want to go with a thicker sheet. If you look back on the old forum I had made a monofin out of lexan sheeting. The whole process went smoothly and it is a great material but I definitely should have gone with a thicker sheet because within 20 minutes of really swimming with it, the blade snapped. I know you are looking for movement, I was too. Testing the bend on land isn't as much as it will be in water. Honestly you could go with a pretty thick sheet and it would be flexible but you wouldn't run the risk of snapping the blade.
I take advice where I can get it. :> Don't worry.
I will be testing my monofin at the pool before hand. I have heard that it is better to use a thicker piece for that reason, but I'm trying a specific design to see if I can get around the snapping issue. If I can't, well, I'll be going with a thicker piece. :P
The best thing you can do is trying your monofin.
I usually work with 6mm (1/4") sheets, and to me it seems they are a little too hard. I sometimes work with 4mm (about 0.16") and I think i would choose that material to make a monofin.
If your sheet is that fine, a fine toothed sawblade is the right match.
Aaaaannndddd, I officially have a monofin now. :3
Glad it is going well.
Okay, so, admittedly, it has been a little while since I last posted any progress. I apologize. I meant to be more up to date for you guys, but I'm afraid life tends to throw itself in my face sometimes. XP
So anyways, progress has been made! My monofin has been fully made. I haven't tried it out yet (I'm hoping to get to the pool tomorrow if I have time), but it works just fine on land. :'>
I have also learned that E6000 is not a fan of Dragonskin silicone. It doesn't fully cure if the E6000 comes in contact. Keep that in mind little fishies.
On another side, my scales are finally fully down! I haven't textured them to my liking yet, but I'm working on it. It should hopefully only take about an hour. Here's a picture though.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net...82801607_n.jpg
I've also begun laying the clay for my fluke. (Yay more progress!)
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And I bought new goggles. No more leaking or fogging. It's amazing how much nicer that makes swimming. XD
Well, my monofin has a couple of little problems, but nothing to bad. The pool was closed (grrrrrr) but I'll try it out soon, I promise. Other than that, my fluke is starting to look like a fluke finally. XD
Damn Lorelei all those scales only took an hour or did I read that wrong? o_O
That's really awesome if it did xD
Also what sorta monofin didja buy? I think mine is too small xD
Hahaha, no no no, I'm adding extra texture to my scales. That's the part that should hopefully only take an hour. XD The scales themselves took quite a while to lay.
I actually made a monofin. :>
i know that you finished your monofin already, but did you know that they make special knives for this? in my home depot they sell them right next to the lexan sheets.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mermaid Lorelei
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and your scale sheet is HUGE! i'm looking forward to seeing them casted. ^^
oh, and are you willing to post a picture of your monofin? im making mine from lexan this summer and i want an idea on how it should be put together( like what other people's foot pockets look like and how they attach them and if they have stiffeners or not)
I saw the knives, but forgot to actually buy it at the store, so I was trying to make do. X'D The jigsaw made everything soooo much easier though.
And sure thing! Once I get it fixed and working, I'll put up a picture or too. If I can find someone to film, I'll film it too.