Hi Dan,

Before and after, and this doesn't include all the latest stuff. Hope I don't ever have to shift it.   






Tweakie.

That is becoming one MEAN machine, my friend-

Dave

Were did you get the air pump?

Vince

Hi Vince,

Bought the pump via eBay - there are lots of suppliers, this is just one of them  http://shop.ebay.co.uk/nihilist23/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340

Mine came in at GBP 23.50 inc postage from a UK source (cheaper direct from China but subject to import tax).

Tweakie.

I like your creativity, Tweakie. Wonder what else you might bolt onto it next...

Daniel

Hey Guys,

More stuff - latest picture, taken this week.
Shows the new laser air assist pump and spindle VFD, stowage for spindle motor (when not in use) and change to laser current display - the rotary axis is only fitted occasionally and can't really be classed as 'bolted on'.

               

You guys must be getting fed up with this thread by now - I must think of something new 

Tweakie.

Fed up, SHMED up !
One of, if not the best build threads here.
Keep em' coming Tweak !
THANKS !
Russ

Fed up, SHMED up !
One of, if not the best build threads here.
Keep em' coming Tweak !
THANKS !
Russ

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Me-thinks Tweakies owner is really a machine 

Awesome-
Dave

 

Me-thinks Tweakies owner is really a machine 

That might just be it Dave, as soon as it can do everything in the manufacturing realm it can then take over the world.....self replicate and all that stuff !
Spooky, Scary Tweakie.
Maybe he works for Dr. Evil ? ? ?    or should it be "Tweakie and the Brain" ?
 

Thank you guys, you are most kind.

This project still has a way to run so, with your permission, I will continue to bore you with pictures of my progress - The adventures of Tweakie.

The next part of the project is to add some form of temperature control / monitoring and provide for an automatic shut down in the event of tube over temperature. I am currently only running the laser for relatively short periods of time and at low power settings whilst monitoring the temp rise with a handheld surface contact probe. I perhaps should admit that the forced air radiator I am using is a bit overkill and so far I have not yet recorded a temp rise above ambient. However an automatic system will enable longer operational periods of the tube without causing any anxiety and it just has to be done.

Tweakie.