The Key to Time

[dalekdude]

I've built my own key to time based on plans found somewhere else. I used Solidworks for the 3d models and the made the parts using the rapid prototype machine at work. I made recesses on the outer sides to make it easier to build. I've since removed them and added holes for the tracer. What do you think of it?

[kiwidoc]

Wow, I'm seriously impressed - several people have attempted this but all have gone through the route of models and moulds etc - yours looks great.   More pics, especially together?

[karsthotep]

Dude that is brilliant, yes some pictures all together would be awesome.  Are you going to do a clear resin cast of those?

[dalekdude]

I'm now registered as dalekdude. The whodat seemed a bit too much what with the Saints going to the Super Bowl and their catch phrase being "who dat?" Besides that I couldn't seem to log on here at work. My account was initiated from home and it only seemed to work from there. I certainly hope that now I can log on with the new name from both locations. I can't get to my photobucket account ( due to network blockers) to upload the pics and then paste the links here. I'll try to do that from home this evening. I have a half dozen pictures from all sides of the assembled cube.

[karsthotep]

Brilliant,  looking forward to see that, any plans on casting them up in clear resin?

[dalekdude]

Keep in mind that this is a scale model and not the full size deal. What you see here is 40mm on a side. I'm going to try to make some molds and cast some clear resin versions. It's just a matter of time to get it in with the other builds I have going and I'm basically a lazy person.

EDIT: Added spaces between the pics, to let them wrap

[karsthotep]

Well it looks brilliant how much did you scale it down?

[DoctorWho8]

40mm = 4 cm =  about 1 9/16".
Bill Rudloff

[Darksyde]

Very cool. I wanted to see about getting my Sketchup models printed at Shapeways but I haven't been able to get the file type to convert properly. I've downloaded blender but it's /wayyyyy/ over my head.

Those look great.

If you want to use polyester resin I recommend a visit to http://www.tapplastics.com They have a new product, platinum silicone, for mold making that works amazingly well with polyester resin. They also have a great video tutorial for making gems that uses a method for keeping the backs from being sticky and coming out with a flat smooth serface.

Keep up the great work!

http://www.tapplastics.com/info/video_detail.php?vid=28&format=windowsmedia&;

[dalekdude]

Scaling is absolutely necessary. As much as I'd like to build a full size model this way I can not really do so. The material costs just over $6 per cubic inch!

[warmcanofcoke]

now for a tracer!