Hey hi,
I was wondering what types of prototyping materials everyone uses. Im looking myself for other options besides wood and a 3d printer(which i dont have)
Im currently work on a 8mm cinefilm scanner and im finding wood a pain as what i have is too think.
Lexan. It's easy to work with hand tools.
My #4 and #6 mounting kit
If you use 1/4" it can be drilled & tapped (Tip: hand tap, power tapping melts the Lexan) You can order 12x8x1/4 panels from Walmart.
Tapped 6-32 holes allow mounting without projecting nuts.
I use NanoCAD (free) to draw the layout. Print it 1:1 on the laser. Tape it down and then drill one hole and then mount to component. Mark, drill & tap additional holes as needed.
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I'd guess it's driven almost entirely by what tooling you have. My first port of call would always be wood because I have plenty of it and the power tools to work it quickly. I have a 3D printer too, but don't have much experience of using it so it would always be picked last.
I know a guy with an air-conditioned workshop full of CNC metalworking equipment that means his prototypes are invariably built on the lathe and mill. Sadly, he's rather a long way away from me.
I think I see Meccano and metal brackets in use in your work - seems like a useful compromise.
There's plenty you can do too with plastic boxes or cutting boards. Ingenuity is key I guess. Usually these days, I have to spend a little while choosing the construction method - rip saw, chop saw, band saw? Or could I just sand it to size. YMMV I expect.
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There is a pretty obvious solution to that!
As long as they are absolutely kept sharp!
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