Thanks Bruce

Next item for all to enjoy who partake.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/1...b1516758_z.jpg
Merry Christmas, on Flickr

Here is the Bitly link to the 3dClip on DropBox

Merry Christmas

Hey Bruce, could you shoot those Vectric Advent files my way, too?
I Always forget to check for them....

Vectric with regards to making copies of the Christmas files
 

We respectfully ask that users do not share the Advent Calendar files as noted within the terms of use on the Advent Calendar web page (highlighted below).

Terms of Use: The artwork is provided on the understanding that it will only be used with Vectric software programs. You may use the designs to carve parts for sale but the files and vectors within them (or any derivatives) may not be sold to, or shared with anyone else.

To help remind you to download the daily vector art, you could consider the following tips...

1. Set a daily calendar reminder in Outlook, Google Calendars or on your mobile device
2. Set your web browser up to have the Advent Calendar as your homepage, or alternatively as an extra tab that opens when your browser launches

Cheers,
Stu

Thanks for sharing this Nils

Hopefully, No one got mad at me for asking.
Its pretty clear on my build thread that I'm a registered Aspire v4.0 owner.

Edit: I did set up a reminder, and got todays all on my own...:)

Darren,

I am up for getting free stuff but when the owner set some rules, we all some times need a little reminder. I had some one take one of my design that I posted on the forum and start making them for resale. I don't think any one like that happening but it does.

Pete, I forgot to ask, what opens the 3DClip file for the Christmas sign? Would love to try out cutting one of them thar plaques......

Duly noted, Nils...:)

Well, Nils was thinking ahead. I must admit taking the time to read is the most important part.

Information about the uploaded file.

Before you ask anything read this carefully.

I try to always give as much as I have been able to receive. I will never be able to afford to start a business to make money at this. So I do hope someone else will. It is only a hobby for me. Just be sure to remind yourself that you did not create it and remember doing nice things and giving credit where it is due heals the soul.

The uploaded file above provides all the stuff I made with Aspire minus some models, the deer and the tree. If you download it, you will see that. Trust me, I have double and triple checked it to make sure that it is that way. If you have Aspire 4, you already have the models so you can add them easily. I cannot post or share them per their restrictions located in the clipart documentation. Sorry :(..... I can share any stuff I made on my own. A 3dClip can be imported into Aspire.

A Different File

I have uploaded another file that I will provide a link to below. It is an Aspire crv3d format. So if you don't have it, this post does no good to you, for that I am sorry. For new Aspire users, it shows all the vectors (they are appropriately named) that I used in making the plaque. This way you can follow how I made it.

I tend to make my panels with my own edge pattern once I locate a silhouette I like and create vectors. I like the edge to not be so perfect, I like the imperfection as wood is not perfect. It is just way to easy to use the two rail sweep method to create an awesome looking panel from a few vectors. I used the two rail sweep and filled the center for the main panel (see vectors). I tend to make all my models extremely large and scale down to use when I am happy. They tend to keep better detail that way.

I then create a vector for the scene area first and then create my scene models within that layout.

The pole I made in Blender and imported as an object. I made everything else for the pole in Aspire including the sign for the north pole (another 2 rail sweep). The NORTH POLE lettering, bracket and hangers was created using the Extrude and Weave technique. The Snowman I created in Aspire but the Hat was made in Blender and imported as an object. The ground snow is from a flat component and sculpted with all the features of sculpting. I made a v-carve for the Merry Christmas lettering and a cutout profile then made a component from preview to add back to model for making the 3dClip. You will see the vectors there. I have to create a component to remove enough area so the letter component will allow the letters to show. Once I have added everything I like, I use a technique from one of the tutorials to be able to remove the parts of the model that will extend outside the dish. First I create the dish component and name is so. Then I create a flat component the same height as the model and as large as the surface of the panel. I change the combine mode of that component to Low then uncheck it. I use a vector to trim off the scene model outside the dish but make sure it is not outside the flat component. Then I switch back on the Flat component and it gets a flat surface to the top of the finished model. Just have to make sure my hierarchy is correct.

All of this information is supplied with Aspire tutorials and that is where I learned most of it. I hope this helps someone with their Mechmate that is just starting up and purchases Aspire. I had to learn this stuff the hard way through a brute force method and if seeing an example helps, then it was for the best. This Mechmate has made it possible to create this stuff and for that I am a lucky person.

I hope it is put to good use.

I tried to answer any questions that may have formed while you were reading this. I know there is a lot of general information here so read it again before posting a question.

Here is the Aspire file.

Pete,

What a nice gift you are giving and you have put a lot of work into designing your work and creating this write up. What a great machine and community Gerald created when he decided to share his knowledge with others. There are a lot of creative and generous members on this and the Vectric site.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas and may each of you have a Happy and successful New Year!

Thanks Pete!

No problem fellow Mechmateys.

I have my testing data from my Jet dust collector with pictures. I will include a description of the findings as strange as they appear to be. I definitely need to make some changes. I will be starting to upgrade this week into next.

I was talking to my fellow technicians at work trying to find the best way to achieve a high velocity at the shoe. We all had many opinions. But the consensus was to change line size and test it. My boss told me I could take home some material for a test setup to find out what reading I could expect before spending money. I brought back home the Air Velocity Meter plus 18 foot of 6" hose. So here is what I found. The pictures will be small so to see the full sized images please follow the like to Flickr.


Testing of Jet DC 1200VX-CK1 2HP 1PH

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3764/1...d6267bef_n.jpg

I intentional coiled all the hose to create the worst condition for these tests. Does no good with perfectly straight smooth pipe, no one has that setup.

First test with 20 foot of 4" flexible hose.
Unfortunately I did not get picture readings of this, I would swear I did but apparently not. So you have to accept my word. I had 2800 FPM (244 CFM) in the center and 3900 FPM (340 CFM )at the edge. Miserable at best.

Second test with 18 foot of 6" flexible hose with a 6 to 4 reducer on the end.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7316/1...96fa22df_n.jpg
Configuration, on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5491/1...3ec59b9d_n.jpg
Center Reading 5205 FPM (454 CFM), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/1...d8e9fa29_n.jpg
Bottom Edge Reading 6690 FPM (584 CFM), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/1...cde738a3_n.jpg
Top Edge Reading 7660 FPM (668 CFM), on Flickr

This is a definite improvement over the 4" alone with a slight increase in velocity with the reduction

3rd Test with 18 foot of 6" flexible hose with a 6" to 4" reducer with 10' of 4" hose attached

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5497/1...d01dc7ec_n.jpg
Center Reading 5120 FPM (446 CFM), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/1...f0656808_n.jpg
Top Edge Reading 6130 FPM (534 CFM) , on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/1...74fd6dfd_n.jpg
Bottom Edge Reading 6620 FPM (577 CFM), on Flickr

Not much of a difference from the 6" to 4" reducer only. But better than the 4" hose alone.

4th Test with 18 foot of 6" flexible hose with a 6" to 4" reducer with 4' straight pipe attached

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/1...dbc56f80_n.jpg
Center Reading 6975 FPM (609 CFM), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5522/1...a02ab090_n.jpg
Top Edge Reading 9825 FPM (857 CFM), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/1...3dfb6509_n.jpg
Bottom Edge Reading 9685 FPM (845 CFM), on Flickr

This is amazingly better and I was a little shocked so I went back and double checked with only the reducer.
They can be viewed here
Recheck 1
Recheck 2
Recheck 3

4th test with 6" open end.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3804/1...b35eb018_n.jpg
Center Reading 3925 (770 cfm), on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3798/1...3fd224a4_n.jpg
Top Edge Reading 4410 FPM (865 CFM), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2823/1...de0a9cdc_n.jpg
Bottom Edge Reading 1075 FPM (211 CFM), on Flickr

For some reason the bottom edge drops way off on the open end 6". I checked it 3 times and it was the same number. Don't know why.

My Conclusion

While 6" straight to the dust shoe would offer the highest CFM there is only a little loss of running 6" flex to a reducer with a 4" pipe stub down to the shoe. While this falls short of Bill Pentz's recommendation of greater than 1000 CFM, it does show that a 2HP motor can produce a fairly high air velocity and CFM than I would have guessed. I will be interested to see how using straight pipe affects the readings. I used coiled hose with only duct tape to seal to try and create a bad run, as suction through a hose causes so much turbulence. While this is far short of a perfect test, I tried to maintain integrity throughout. I am in no way trying to influence anyone and advise you do your own testing. If you were to ask me which unit to use, I would tell you to read Bill Pentz's pages and make up your own mind. I am fortunate enough to have access to some specialized equipment and like to share the things I find.

That is some very interesting info. I'm very surprised of the differences in the top and bottom edge velocities. Can anyone explain the physics there? What cfm is your dc rated (by the mfg, of coarse)? Do you think a 3 or 5 hp motor actually changes the velocity to meet Bill's target of 1000 cfm? Do you think by changing the diameter size of the impellers on the 2 hp unit would increase velocity or just shorten the life of the motor? Something to ponder...

I think if the hose were held away from the floor, the CFM readings would be more symmetric. Maybe hold the end of the hose vertically up.

I would agree that it is from the position of the hose with the 6" lower reading. Your velocity is always higher at the edge of a duct with vacuum as it is being rapidly pulled around a sharp area. We see that with our metal duct and flexible duct at work.

After going through the Pentz spreadsheet, yes, the HP matters, but there are so many variables. One thing from his write up is you can't trust the CFM rating from the MFG. Not that they are lying, but each mfg's interpretation of 'truth' can be different.

I suggest going trough, the numbers yourself.

The DC is rated at 1200 CFM. Remember there are leaks everywhere in my test for a reason. Jet is very good at rating their equipment. Bill Pentz even acknowledges it here in the lesser options. I knew from reading Bill's pages that the 1100 performed well but not up to his standards of the filter. I bought this for only this machine. Changing the motor would not help much in my opinion. The current draw on the motor is low so it does not that many forces pushing back on the windings raising the current. The only way to increase vacuum level would be to enlarge the blower impeller with properly made housing.

Still even at that, some dust collection is better than none at all. I am just stating the obvious and not starting a fight. But a collector alone is not all that is needed for good air management. Fresh air changes and housekeeping are all part of it. A balanced indoor air pressure helps also. I can tell you that where I work the magic number is not less than 4000 FPM on a 4" drop for the type of metal dust and powder we have. The testing they do go through to have arrived at that number is far below PELs and TLVs. Unfortunately this is not something that most of us can afford to have done. So the next best thing is to strive for the perfect system. In the aspect of keeping this real, we all strive to provide the best dust collection and most of us do continue to upgrade our systems as we move along. If we were all rich we all would have a perfect system, but a perfect system that is not maintained and tested from time to time will degrade to the point that you have a problem and you did not know it.

If you take anything from the test above, only 4" is not enough for anything involving dust. And read, read, read. There is great information out there. Bill's is one them.

Very well stated Jack

Tom, you can't turn a domestic cat into a lion. It just can't be done. :D

I won't take that bet
 

I wouldn't take that bet if you knew what degrees Tom's kids are getting:D

Lots of laughs

Either way, they both go "Meow", one just has bigger claws.:D

Q: What is the difference between a Cat and a Comma(,)

A: One is a pause at the end of a clause, the other has claws at the end of its paws.

yuch, yuch:rolleyes:

Rim shot please!

For you hobby Mechmateys out there, some information for you. I contacted Wynn Environmental for some supplies. I must say Dick Wynn is a great person to talk to. Working in industry, most suppliers do not wish to talk to the average Joe and even some get testy talking to maintenance techs. It is not the case with this company. I bet he spent 40 minutes on the phone and gave me multiple answers and solutions to different scenarios. Granted I had specific questions and this was not a consultation for engineering but they are more than helpful. Anyone state side that has questions regarding filters, hoses, or anything else they sell, these guys will talk to you.

I spoke with him before ordering the filter for my HF collector with the Thein mod.
He asked a bunch of questions, and ultimately recommended a different filter than the one I thought I needed.
Very great guy to deal with.

Just an update. A lot of stuff going on right now. Found out some things, some good, some bad. Good part was the Jet DC has adequate capabilities when used with just one machine with some improvement to ducting(this is how I am using it). Bad is cost of updating other parts (although the outcome is good in the end). Working on building a better fine dust separator. Filter plenum with gamma seals. Revised dust shoe with two brushes instead of one with small tube in-between for more dust capture capabilities. Plans may change but that is where I am now.

I saw this on another thread but wanted to tell you it does work. I needed to mark out some sheet metal with some shapes. I activated the safety circuit on my VFD to disable it, manually turned off the dust collector then I put a permanent marker in my collet and stabilized it with tape so it would not turn. I drew it up with Aspire then made the toolpaths. It works like a charm.

...and if you do the same without taping the spindle, you can score glass with a glass cutter or if your really handy, cut vinyl with a rotary knife insert......

That I would like to try.

I had a long conversation with Bill Pentz today. I was rather shocked to be able to speak to him and not just by email. Super guy and has accomplished a lot in his life. The woodworker assistance on dust part is a small part of his long list of stuff he has done. Although it has affected a large part of his health and life. Very intelligent but very down to earth. So it was a good conversation, learned a lot and was fortunate in being able to speak with him. I will not go into the details of the conversation only to say there was a list of events that led up to the phone conversation taking place. I honestly felt bad for just contacting him by email as he states pretty clearly to not do so unless necessary because of his health. I just happened upon one thing that was not working on his site and wanted to let him know. And it went from there. But it was a good life experience in the end. Just wanted to share.

Sounds like Bill is one of our superstars. I am glad there are people like him. He has contributed a lot to out hobby.

To those who partake, Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas. May Santa give gifts to your Mechmate also.

Thanks Pete, same to you and your family (and MM).

Nice work on this cyclone Pete !
It be interesting if you could have the opportunity to test this one too and see the data in comparison !
Good work, inspiring....I've been wanting to make mine for a cple yrs !
Although, I shouldn't complain, I have a Oneida....but never the same as making your own :rolleyes:....
Later ;)