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Anybody have an idea? I want to use a Heath pattern torch to cut shapes.Rather than use the magnetic tracer to follow a steel pattern, I would like to use a wood or plastic pattern. Any ideas on how to get the pantograph arm to follow a non-magnetic pattern?Last edited by denrep; 02-22-2009 at 07:43 PM.
Reply:You would have to use a "burr" the same diameter as your original tracer, and hold it against the patteren as it runs around. Or maybe glue some steel shim around the perimeter of your pattern. Not sure about that one, but I know holding the burr works. -----------john
Reply:Use a spring toward the center of the pattern? Only work if the pattern is pretty much convex and dot too much longer than wide. Otherwidse, I second the glue on steel strip to the pattern.
Reply:Originally Posted by jptechYou would have to use a "burr" the same diameter as your original tracer, and hold it against the patteren as it runs around......maybe steel shim around the pattern.... I know holding the burr works.--john
Reply:I thought the tracer has the magnet (not the pattern) so the "mass" of the pattern should make little difference. A magnet that will secuse a 20 pound load holds exactly the same strength whether sucking up one nail or a whole bag full. Check again on that thought of wraping the pattern with a shim (or even steel foil) glued on.
Reply:Originally Posted by KnotboredI thought the tracer has the magnet (not the pattern) so the "mass" of the pattern should make little difference. A magnet that will secuse a 20 pound load holds exactly the same strength whether sucking up one nail or a whole bag full. Check again on that thought of wraping the pattern with a shim (or even steel foil) glued on.
Reply:Originally Posted by denrepThanks Knotbored Yes, the tracer is the magnet. I think the magnetic force is transmitted through the tracer from a magnet inside the tracer head. But mass of the pattern does seems to matter.Im not way up to speed on magnetic theory, but I know that the tracer doesnt follow a thin sheet metal pattern near as well as it does 1/8 or thicker plate. I appreciate the suggestion. Ill try it.I'm also thinking about wrapping the patterns with a bandsaw blade and somehow driving off the saw teeth.
Reply:First, maybe I missed it, why not make a steel pattern? KISS Second, mass and magnetism do have a direct correlation.Third, it won't last forever, but you might try gluing Velcro type strip to both the pattern and the drive hub.Just my opinion, not from a book, just from the road.Howes Welding Inc.www.howesweldinginc.com
Reply:P.S. An air jet, small and properly placed on the head of the machine might push it against the pattern well enough for the knurled drive to propel it around.P.P.S Why not a steel pattern?????Just my opinion, not from a book, just from the road.Howes Welding Inc.www.howesweldinginc.com
Reply:Originally Posted by tessdadFirst, maybe I missed it, why not make a steel pattern? ... S
Reply:Hmmmm. Can you run the patterns as a routed GROOVE in the pattern material? Then, a second (smooth) roller on an arm and a friction clutch and would do the trick...Friction clutch between arm and drive roller shaft holds idle roller against other side of groove and provides force for (knurled) drive roller to grab Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by enlpckHmmmm. Can you run the patterns as a routed GROOVE in the pattern material?... |
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