Hey I’m brand spankin new to this site but I’ve been diggin round on here for some time. Seen some cool stuff on here and i’ve been inspired to build a proton pack. Got a few questions…sorry if they’re stupid questions…but hey, theres no such thing as stupid questions..just stupid people..right? So I think i’m gonna go with Norms plans for the most part and considering using 1/4 in ply or mfd. to build the components. So ya cut the dimensions from said material that is 1/4 inch thick right? So my question is when ya go to glue together parts does the 1/4 thickness not factor in to the width/height of finished component? Does it matter what edges are outside edges/inside edges as far as glueing them together? Sorry, I’m having are hard time putting into words what I’m trying to ask. Also is gorilla glue good for a wood proton pack? I,ve used it for other stuff before and it seemed to be awesome stuff. Anyway, andy advice would be awesome and just wanted to say its great to know there are other folks out there that appreciate this stuff…I mean WOW.
The dimensions on plans are nominal outside dimentions. You need to subtract the thickness of the material from whatever side you butt up against. Which direction you overlap is up to you, when making a box either way has its advantages and problems. Honestly it’s working out the overlap that takes the most amount of time when building a pack.
Jack answered your first question =P.. As for your 2nd question, Gorrila Glue is great for practically anything and everything.. Make sure you reinforce the corners on the inside with some skinny wood blocks or somethig similar. You do not want your pack to be relying on 1/4 plywood alone. Proper support is a necessity. You will find alot of idea’s from checking out some Foamcore scratch pack builds for what you are planning doing since i notice more people tend to use the foam instead of wood.
Browse the forums some more, study up on referene photos, and dont be afraid to ask any questions.. Good luck =)
Thanks guys. Any advice on what material to make the thrower body from? I’ve seen 1/8 ply and I believe I saw where someone made one from plastic and a heat gun..was that u Jack? I see where most folks just buy the gun body but I wanna do a complete scratch build.
Yup: GBFans.com
Your main options for a gun body are Aluminum, MDF, Styrene or Foamcore in increasing order of easyness.
Alright…Went out today and got some basics to get started. First off..are there and substitutes for a turntable,“norms plans”. Also, styrene. Where to get it? I found what I suppose are the super thin styrene for sale signs at HD but wanted something thicker. I know foamboard is an option but I wanted something a little more sturdy. Any ways any help would be appreciated.
Check out this thread: GBFans.com
Been trying to look ahead and head off any frustration in the future and now I got a question. I’ve read most of the threads about mounting the motherboard to the ALICE frame but all that I have read have been concerning hollow bodies with seperate motherboards that bolt or screw to the frame. So, if u build a scratch pack with all the components glued to the motherboard what then? How does that work? Can’t seperate the “pack” from the motherboard. Am I missing something? Sometimes I’m thick so please bear with me.
I’ve seen people use velcro.
Or you could just mount a holder for the stuff in the pack, onto the mother board.
So its easy access off.
Most I’ve seen is screw though. Just unscrew the battery etc. off.
As far as I know its always a hassle to open the pack once it’s done.
From what I know, and have seen, packs are a lot of trial and error.
Don’t just glue everything to the motherboard. You always want to be able to separate them.
Or else cut removable panels into the motherboard so you can access the interior.
Quick question…does the rubbermaid turntable have to be a “twin” turntable or can it be a single…the look the same to me when shopping online other than the twin having two platforms. Something special about the twin? Thanks.
Single should work fine. Just go with that looks best to you.
Any suggestions on how to cut 1/8’’ thick pvc. tried a razor cutter “heavy duty box opener” not happening. Any tool out there that can the get the job done with decent precision?
Score and snap is the easiest way. You can use a jigsaw as well but perfectly straight cuts are nearly impossible. Avoid cutting wheels/dremel when cutting plastic.
pipe cutter
Wow..shoulda went with the 1/16’’ pvc sheet. 1/8’’ is a lot more robust that I anticipated. Ah well..ya live ya learn.
Hey, can anyone suggest how to bevel the edges of materials. Gonna work with 1/8’’ material and was wondering how to do this…sanding, cutting? Sorry for such ignorance. Not very tool savy. Thanks.
Powered sander to knock it down, hand sand to shape.
Hey Jack, may I ask what glue You use for pvc? PVC glue I presume? Also You said ya used a heat gun when making the gun body…was that for the curved top left edge? Heating the plastic to make it pliable?