machines which I have made, am making, or intend to make, and some other stuff. If you find this site interesting, please leave a comment. I read every comment and respond to most. n.b. There is a list of my first 800 posts in my post of 17 June 2021, titled "800 Posts"
I have been using my laser cutter for a couple of weeks.
And I feel that the early frustrations and mistakes of using a new technology are settling down into a more productive stage.
Thankfully, I have some experience with G coding, and while not essential for using the Lightburn software, it has been an advantage. Lightburn automatically generates the G codes which control the Falcon2 cutter, but when things go wrong the solution for me has been to examine the G codes. Invariably the mistakes have been of my own making, due to misusing the Lightburn software. (RTFM you idiot!).
I have now made several hundred parts for my HMS Bellerophon build, with quite a few more yet to come.
Some of the parts made so far. The sticky tape is to stop the parts falling out of the parent sheet during storage. At that stage I had not learned how to add tabs.This lot, in 1.5mm plywood, took about 15″ to cut after several hours of computer preparation of the drawing files. By this stage I had learned about tabs, and sticky tape not required.
Then I tried a combination of partial depth cutting, plus full depth cutting….
These are 3mm wide ships planks, cut about half way through 0.6mm Huon pine. The 120mm x 45mmslab of planks was then fully cut. In future I will add marks to resemble the top of trenails, and to mark staggered ends of planks. But one thing at a time!The little semi cylindrical structures sitting on the prow of the Bellerophon are actually dunnies for the crew. They overhang the sides presumably so the products drop straight into the ocean. The plans call for the planks to be glued individually, but I thought that I would try a quicker neater method using the slab of planks pictured above.So I cut off a piece of the planks, soaked it in warm water for a few minutes, then bent it around an appropriately sized cylinder and let it dry overnight. It retained its cylindrical shape. I had tried to bend it without soaking, but it just snapped along the cuts. Later I made 2 more of these, cut to the correct length, and used them as pictured in the photo before this one.
I just love how new technology opens up a myriad of possibilities.
I have a 35 year old JCB back hoe, a left over from when I grew olive trees and made olive oil. These days it is used only as a yard crane, and other small jobs on a 5 acre property. But since I am between model engine and cannon projects I decided to expend some TLC on the rather neglected JCB.
One feature which always made me grimace was the broken slew lock plate.
The slew lock plate supports the excavator boom and jib when the backhoe is driven between jobs. It takes the weight of the rear end, taking weight off the hydraulics. Unfortunately the old plate has been broken and re-welded so many times that it is IMO beyond repair.
A new plate is $AUD 1300 + GST I could not find a machine for wrecking, and was told that wrecked JCB 3CX’s are almost unknown, most owners, mostly farmers, keep them going for ever.
So I measured up the plate, drew it up on CAD, and had it laser cut from 20mm plate.
The laser cut bits. 20mm plate and 25mm plate hinges. Cost? $AUD 180 including steel supply.
Deep V fillets were ground, and MIG welded with the 25mm hinge pin in position during the welding to keep the hinge pins aligned after the central portion of the pin is cut out.
Fitted to the excavator boom. I decided to not use the thin metal sloped flanges present on the original part, which I presume are to facilitate engaging the plate to the king post pin seen in the photo. I will engage the plate manually, by removing the securing pin (left) through the back hoe rear window.
Feb 2023 postscript. The slew lock plate has been in use since installation, and it is showing no signs of distortion despite me activating the hydraulics on several occasions, having forgotten to release the plate. I do need to exit the cabin to release the plate, which is a bit of a nuisance. I am thinking about adding a spring release mechanism so the plate pops up when the boom weight is taken off the plate.
I have had requests for copies of my plans for the plate. I am prepared to send them but with the understanding that I am not a qualified engineer, and I make NO representations about the suitability or safety of the design.
p.s. Jan 2026. please note that I am no longer sending plans for the plate. I have sent many copies of the plans on request, free of charge . My only condition was that anyone using the plans would please send me a photo of the end result. NOT ONE PERSON HAS OBLIGED. And only one person sent any thanks. So, sorry guys. The design is no longer available.
johnsmachines 