Small suggestion: Mask frame from the metal company

TR · 2008-10-18T20:27:37+00:00

... Die stellen eigentlich mit konzentriertem Wasserstrahl oder Laserstrahl oder was weiß ich Schriften, Aussparungen, etc. in Metallplatten her. Aber eben a...

TR

... They actually use a concentrated water jet or laser beam – or whatever – to create lettering, cut-outs and the like in metal plates. But they also produce, on request and based on a sketch provided, frames made of heavy metal that fit standard photographic paper perfectly, including a slightly smaller ‘cover plate’ for the black border. I paid 35 euros for 2 sets (18x18 and 18x24) including the “covers”. You just have to paint them matt black yourself and, of course, make a base board with pins, but that’s not the problem. If you live in a larger town, have a look around the industrial estate. Regards, Thomas (I’ve just realised this topic actually belongs in the lab forum. Please move it.)

cfb_de

Hi, I’m not going to bother with the hassle of drawing up plans for the metalworker, trialling the right dimensions for the papers, or possibly getting into disputes over utility model rights. For just a little more money, I simply ordered ready-made mask frames of exactly the same type (Mr Zäfl developed them before his untimely death). http://www.versamask.de. One base board for everything, with frames to suit your needs. It cost me less than 200 in total (I also have second-choice frames). The masks are neatly varnished and reasonably flat. I wouldn’t be able to achieve either of those things at home. What’s more, I now have *one* base plate for everything. I certainly couldn’t achieve that level of precision at home. Even though my workshop is quite well equipped. Very few bench drills at home can accommodate a cross table with a 30cm travel range. I certainly don’t have one. Best regards, Franz

Wolfgg

Franz: A drill, even when mounted on a sturdy stand, is not suitable for milling metal, as drills are not designed to withstand the lateral forces involved. For anyone interested in metal milling who also wants (or needs) to mill steel, this would be the absolute minimum; anything less is useless: http://www.optimum-maschinen.de/produkte/f...ario/index.html – though only the L-version with a long cross-table is worth considering. And don’t forget: you’ll need to add the same amount again for tools (cutters, clamping devices, measuring equipment). “In the computer age, you use CNC!” I hear someone shout. No, we’re talking about one-off pieces here, not mass production of 100 units a day. Setting it up usually takes longer than machining three pieces by hand. And for the inexperienced, it’ll cost a few expensive cutters to start with. Not to mention the time it takes to get to grips with a CNC programme. Regards, Wolfgang

cfb_de

Hi Wolfgang, Don’t worry: I don’t use a drill for milling. Although the other day… The lens board for the Plaubel… We got that sorted at Robert’s place under the pillar drill using a suitable circular milling cutter. Drilling 75.9 mm holes is such a faff :-) My only concern was that the Versamask idea should be adapted for home use. And that’s not quite so easy to do. Since passing a little money on to the right people is cheaper, quicker and usually yields better results because it’s properly planned. www.versamask.de is the first choice for the masks and the base board; you can always cut the cover plates yourself on a guillotine shear from 1.8 mm steel (then you can also countersink the screw for the handle). That saves money, is much less risky and gets the job done properly. Best regards, Franz

TR

Well, that’s just it. I mean, precisely because it’s so difficult to make such things yourself, it doesn’t necessarily have to be something labelled ‘photo lab’; there are other things that do the job just as well. (As a reference to the initial cost, of course.)