So I hate to ask a question thats probably been asked 1000 times, but is there such a thing as a metal set of knobs for the proton gun? I’ve seen pictures of them on the forum, some people have had them custom machined and that makes me wonder. Does anyone produce this from time to time? This is one of those super detail parts that could really add a lot to my proton gun build if I could put my hands on them. Any help, suggestions, links or idea are greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance. (dont all reply at once now)
I found this thread on Proptopia but I imagine that this guy is all sold out from last year. These would be sweet!
Some members have done runs of these parts in the past. Problem is getting a machine shop to do them in small numbers is not cost effective so unless you have a commitment for a set #. Maybe someone will do a run soon…anyone thinking about it?
Well if you are luck enough to actually find a shop that will make you one set, probably in the area of $200+, but they will probably kick you a $500 quote just because they don’t want to be bothered…
I’m tossing up the idea of doing a bunch of aluminum parts runs in the near future, first thing first though I have to get the new aluminum heat sinks shipping
Phantom 50 does runs as time permits, as do a few other who’s names elude me right now…
My friends dad works in a machine shop. I have they have a CAD machine if that would be any good? does anybody have the CAD files? (i dont really know much about this stuff)
scroll down and in the lower right corner, they knobs are displayed. They were dont on CAD, but i think as long as you have the measurements in decimal or inches, shouldnt be a huge ordeal to input. I have used AutoCAD in high school, but was for very simple block like designs. I did like it though.
and as far as people that used to do them, I hit up Namebrand, as I was looking as well, and he no longer does them either.
Well unless you are doing a big run of them on an auto feed CAD lathe, then there is no real reason to use a CAD setup… With the amount of time it takes you to make the CAD files an experienced machinist could have made the knobs on a manual lathe, we are only talking a few minutes…
Also as many have said, it’s incredibly HARD to find a machine shop that will even entertain these parts is such low quantities without charging a ton for them… Machine shops make high dollar items stuff like this is usually considered a waste of time for most shops… But, feel free to explore your local shops…
Like I said above when I get the aluminum heat sinks out the door, I will explore other parts in collaboration with Namebrand, knobs are on the list…
Exoray / You are the man. (Unless you’re actually a chick, in which case I apologize and you’ll have to substitute the gender equivalent for the opposite sex) Thanks for all that you do! Honestly this community would be in trouble without members like you who have the time, technical experience and energy to create the supplies the rest of us need to make a high quality replica prop. Your light and sound kits are state of the art, and your partnership with the board and its members is legendary. (Ok.. sounding too much like a campaign speech now) Still, I want to thank you for being that go to guy, always quick with an answer and willing to help!
Thank Govenor but let me say that I it’s not all me and I’m male..
When making my light kits, I received a lot of input and ideas from several different members while I was working on them…
As for doing these aluminum parts, without Nambrand’s input and files it wouldn’t happen, I have just secured access to a machine shop that will work with me in making low volume runs…
There is a lot that happens behind the scenes, it’s not just me
And please don’t take any of my comments above as being negative, if someone can find a shop that will make the parts all the power to them… But, from my experience (as well as others) you will find more cold shoulders and unanswered inquires for small volume metal part runs… It can get pretty discouraging, and then when they come back with a quote that is just stupidly high it even gets more discouraging…
