That fuel tank is a work of art.
The venerable Bentley Blower in 1/12th
- Thread starter nickedw
- Start date
langy71
SMF Supporter
Totally agree with Ian here.. there's nothing more that words could add to this.
scottie3158
SMF Supporter
I wish I had the skills to do this.
Jim R
SMF Supporter
Definitely a work of art.
Thanks for all the kind comments and support.
So Here's the Petrol tank's first excursion into the 'real world'. This is my favourite bit to be honest, where all the stuff that has thus far only really been in my head and on a screen, becomes a physical object (or quite often not, as the case may be)
So this is one of those 'successful operation/dead patient' jobs, Although it looks pretty good (IMHO) it's impossible to separate the mesh from the support stuctures because it's so fragile.
The CNC bit isn't bad, although I need to review my tool choice, it's not a great edge. So back to the old virtual drawing board then
Shouldn't be too hard to fix by orientating the print vertically. I thought I would try this first as a vertical print will take a hell of a lot longer.
regards
Nick
So Here's the Petrol tank's first excursion into the 'real world'. This is my favourite bit to be honest, where all the stuff that has thus far only really been in my head and on a screen, becomes a physical object (or quite often not, as the case may be)
So this is one of those 'successful operation/dead patient' jobs, Although it looks pretty good (IMHO) it's impossible to separate the mesh from the support stuctures because it's so fragile.
The CNC bit isn't bad, although I need to review my tool choice, it's not a great edge. So back to the old virtual drawing board then
Shouldn't be too hard to fix by orientating the print vertically. I thought I would try this first as a vertical print will take a hell of a lot longer.
regards
Nick
Andy the Sheep
SMF Supporter
Great job and all that CAD drawing is really fascinating. 
A question, if I may: should not the new vertical version solve the problem, is it possible to print just the supports and then use some "real" mesh to complete the tank "cage" or they are too fragile?
Hope I'm not teaching a cat how to climb (as we say here in Italy)
.
A question, if I may: should not the new vertical version solve the problem, is it possible to print just the supports and then use some "real" mesh to complete the tank "cage" or they are too fragile?
Hope I'm not teaching a cat how to climb (as we say here in Italy)
.Yes it may well come to that.Great job and all that CAD drawing is really fascinating.
A question, if I may: should not the new vertical version solve the problem, is it possible to print just the supports and then use some "real" mesh to complete the tank "cage" or they are too fragile?
Hope I'm not teaching a cat how to climb (as we say here in Italy)
My aim was to make the process repeatable. So if I was building this just as a one-off for myself, I would do that. By making it printable, it means I can easily produce these at will.
BTW it didn’t solve the problem, the mesh is just too fine. I may increase the wire thickness and have one last attempt.
Waspie
SMF Supporter
Although this technology isn't for me. I think all things evolve and if CAD and 3D modelling are to be the future then we need pioneers to push the boundaries.
Keep on posting Nick, it's nice seeing what can be done and what is being done.
Keep on posting Nick, it's nice seeing what can be done and what is being done.
So here's where I'm up to:-
It very nearly worked. But didn't quite:-
I don't quite know whats going on here, when it comes off the printer it looks like Nora Batty's stockings, really, really baggy and out of shape, so I wrote it off. However, after it's out of the Vat for a bit it all tightens up to look like what you see?? Resin shouldn't do that, in my experience it doesn't shrink like this. Well it clearly does, but unless you try and print a spider web you don't notice it would appear.
Anyway, heres how the undamaged panel looks
we like
Fit with the CNC ali part?
Check, and finally:-
For print number two of something this complex, I'll take that.
So a few things to try
1. Increase the print resolution from 50 to 30 microns, this will hurt the print time but hey.
2. beef up the mesh, increase the wire thickness slightly, this will take it out of scale but not noticeably.
3. Put fresh alcohol in my washer, I just printed a filter! the slightest bit of debris ends up captured in it I just discovered.
Thanks for all the support
Nick
It very nearly worked. But didn't quite:-
I don't quite know whats going on here, when it comes off the printer it looks like Nora Batty's stockings, really, really baggy and out of shape, so I wrote it off. However, after it's out of the Vat for a bit it all tightens up to look like what you see?? Resin shouldn't do that, in my experience it doesn't shrink like this. Well it clearly does, but unless you try and print a spider web you don't notice it would appear.
Anyway, heres how the undamaged panel looks
we like
Fit with the CNC ali part?
Check, and finally:-
For print number two of something this complex, I'll take that.
So a few things to try
1. Increase the print resolution from 50 to 30 microns, this will hurt the print time but hey.
2. beef up the mesh, increase the wire thickness slightly, this will take it out of scale but not noticeably.
3. Put fresh alcohol in my washer, I just printed a filter! the slightest bit of debris ends up captured in it I just discovered.
Thanks for all the support
Nick
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rtfoe
SMF Supporter
Burn him at the stake...no no just kidding and it's not witchery. 
Great stuff Nick. We have a few members in the local club doing this sought of thing for their aircraft undercarriage and wiring and I just ogle.
I'd like to one day try printing my own 1/35 scale weapons and stuff and spend more of my time detail painting my dioramas.
Cheers,
Wabble
Great stuff Nick. We have a few members in the local club doing this sought of thing for their aircraft undercarriage and wiring and I just ogle.I'd like to one day try printing my own 1/35 scale weapons and stuff and spend more of my time detail painting my dioramas.
Cheers,
Wabble
Neil Merryweather
SMF Supporter
Sweeeeeet!
scottie3158
SMF Supporter
Stunning mate and yes it has certainly paid off.
Simply amazing.
Andy the Sheep
SMF Supporter
Nick, it seems that the final result of this build is going to be WOW and WOW.