A Part for NYC CNC Johnny 5 JohnSL - Random Products 2019-11-30 | I made a part for NYC CNC's Johnny 5 project. They're building a full scale replica of the robot from the movie Short Circuit, which I saw and loved when it first came out. You can find out more about their project here: nyccnc.com/johnny5It took me a few tries as I learned the hard way how far I can push my machine. Warning, end mill were harmed in the making of this video.
Why I Hate Half This Tool JohnSL - Random Products 2024-09-02 | As an update from my previous video on removing and inserting pins and sockets into D-Sub connectors, I learned I was using the standard red/white tool incorrect. It works better than I thought, but I still hate half of the tool. • Dsub Extraction Tool: amzn.to/3MlmU2o • Crimper: ○ Stinair: steinair.com/product/4-way-indent-crimper ○ Affiliate Link: amzn.to/3T39WKo • Insert for high-density crimping: steinair.com/product/high-density-positioner-for-sat-004
D-Sub Connectors — More than you want to know JohnSL - Random Products 2024-08-31 | I have used solder D-Sub connectors for years and never really liked them. While working on an avionics upgrade for an aircraft, I learned about machined pins and sockets that can be crimped on. These are so much nicer. This video probably has more than you want to know, but covers things I wish I knew when I started. • Dsub Extraction Tool: amzn.to/3MlmU2o • Crimper: ○ Stinair: steinair.com/product/4-way-indent-crimper ○ Affiliate Link: amzn.to/3T39WKo • Insert for high-density crimping: steinair.com/product/high-density-positioner-for-sat-004
Machining an Oil Temperature Adapter JohnSL - Random Products 2024-07-29 | I needed to machine a custom oil temperature adapter, to go from 1/4" NPT to 3/8" NPT. This was a chance for me to learn how to thread mill NPT threads.
3D Printed TPU T-Slot Covers JohnSL - Random Products 2024-06-17 | Chips kept getting into the T-slots of my mill table, and it wasn't fun to clean out. I used Fusion 360's configurations to create different lengths and variations and then printed in TPU on a Bambu P1S printer.
Switching to a Bambu P1S JohnSL - Random Products 2024-05-27 | After over 10 years, I finally decided to upgrade my 3D printer to a Bambu P1S.
4th Axis Milling — Making a drilling jig JohnSL - Random Products 2024-05-13 | Using my 4th axis to mill a part that requires at least two sided milling.My Patreon: patreon.com/johnsl
3D Printed Epoxy Injection Mold, Part 1 JohnSL - Random Products 2024-02-19 | Aluminum Filled epoxy is a great material for short-run injection molds. It's tougher than 3D printed injection molds, and has better thermal conductivity and 3D printed injection molds. My goal is to still use 3D printer, but to create a positive and then pour the epoxy around the positive.My Patreon: patreon.com/johnslI used EpoxAcast 655 + HT: smooth-on.com/products/epoxacast-655-ht-hardener
Part 2, Fixing an Injection Mold Design Flaw JohnSL - Random Products 2024-01-15 | This is a follow-up video on modifying the battery door of the TCS UWT-50 wireless throttle for model trains. The injection molder (and mold maker) discovered an issue with my "steel safe" changes, so I worked with Texlon and TCS to decide on the route we wanted to take.TCS: tcsdcc.comTexlon Plastics : texlonplastics.comMy Patreon: patreon.com/johnsl
Fixing an Injection Mold Design Flaw JohnSL - Random Products 2024-01-01 | We got reports from the field that the tabs on the battery door were sometimes breaking. This is for the TCS UWT-50 wireless throttle for model trains: tcsdcc.com/. Encountering and fixing and injection mold design flaw is fairly common, and is not that hard to deal with.My Patreon: patreon.com/johnsl
Rigid Frame for SmartBench CNC Router JohnSL - Random Products 2023-11-12 | While my Yeti SmartBench CNC router works fairly well, it wasn't as rigid and didn't have as much Z accuracy as I would have liked. I found a post on Facebook from Michael Walsh about building a rigid frame: facebook.com/groups/2192222464415462/permalink/2823898101247892My Patreon: patreon.com/johnslParts list here: trains.socha.com/2023/11/rigid-frame-for-smartbench-cnc-router.html
Cutter Compensation vs Stock to Leave JohnSL - Random Products 2023-09-10 | Cutter compensation and stock to leave are both ways to dial in dimensions very precisely. Using cutter compensation is faster and easier, but a little harder to understand.Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/johnsl
Exploding Crystal and Watch Gasket Woes JohnSL - Random Products 2023-08-13 | The goal is to determine the correct size for the crystal and watch gasket for the 3D printed stainless steel watch body. But I was having problems with the crystal exploding!Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/johnslAffiliate link to the crystal press I used: amzn.to/448o6wo
Double Sided Milling of Z Axis Stepper Mounts JohnSL - Random Products 2023-07-09 | I decided to see if I could get good enough alignment between the front and back of some complicated parts by using double-sided milling of the Z axis stepper mounts for my lathe. The idea is to do this without the usual hat. I also tried using a vibratory tumbler for the first time.Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/johnsl
The Making of TheCrafsMans Pocketnaut Mold Part 2 of 2 JohnSL - Random Products 2023-06-24 | TheCrafsMan's video: youtu.be/Y5_kSuMitu8The making of TheCrafsMan's Pocketnaut mold is part 2 of 2 parts of a collaboration between myself, LNS Technologies, and TheCrafsMan SteadyCraftin. In part 1, I walked through making the mold for the body (the orange section in the thumbnail). Part 2, this video, covers the mold for the face inserts.This mold is intended for the LNS Model 300A: techkits.com/products/model-300aSupport me on Patreon: patreon.com/johnsl
The Making of TheCrafsMans Pocketnaut Mold Part 1/2 JohnSL - Random Products 2023-06-16 | TheCrafsMan's video: youtu.be/Y5_kSuMitu8The making of TheCrafsMan's Pocketnaut mold is part 1 of two parts of a collaboration between myself, LNS Technologies, and TheCrafsMan SteadyCraftin. In part 1, I walk through making the mold for the body (the orange section in the thumbnail). Part 2 will cover the mold for the face inserts.This mold is intended for the LNS Model 300A: techkits.com/products/model-300aSupport me on Patreon: patreon.com/johnsl
Operation Order — Watch Stem First JohnSL - Random Products 2023-06-04 | Changing the operation order made a big different for this watch project. I'm using the riser I milled in the previous episode.Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/johnsl
Milling a Riser Block for the Watch Stem Fixture JohnSL - Random Products 2023-05-22 | I realized that by milling a riser block for the watch stem fixture, I could reduce the effort and speed up the work to mill a watch body. This is a fairly simple job, but no less enjoyable.Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/johnsl
Custom Watch Body V2 Probing Gone Wrong! JohnSL - Random Products 2023-04-16 | I'm always trying to make my machining more accurate and repeatable. For my watch body project, I decided to try out 3-point probing. I thought this would be more accurate than probing the back-left corner. However, this became a story of probing gone wrong.Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/johnsl
Adding Texture to an Injection Mold JohnSL - Random Products 2023-03-26 | I was asked to add texture to an injection mold. I've never done this before, but heard that you can use sand blasting. I first tried an air eraser, which didn't work well. Then a full-sized sand blasting cabinet, which did work.Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/johnsl00:00 Open01:08 Intro, CAD, and CAM03:48 Milling the mold05:51 Masking the mold08:27 Sandblasting09:02 Removing the tape10:52 Re-machining the bosses11:29 Injection Molding17:34 Wrapup
A Threaded Watch Back Tiny and Tricky Threads JohnSL - Random Products 2023-03-12 | Making a threaded watch back with tiny and tricky threads was not easy. I needed room for an O-ring as well, so there wasn't a whole lot of room for threads. I didn't get a working version the first time around either.Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/johnsl* Part 1: youtu.be/WsUpLqfBhVM* Part 2: youtu.be/z5yi1x_k4_I* Part 3: youtu.be/ZdXsC1bjBbQ* Making Tiny Custom Threads for a Custom Watch Back: youtu.be/sXuVPorVPt4
Will It Fill? Inexpensive Mold Flow Analysis in Fusion 360 JohnSL - Random Products 2023-02-27 | Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/johnslThe question with new injection molds is often "will it fill?" I discovered recently that it doesn't cost that much to use Fusion 360 mold flow analysis to answer this question, along with how much sink you will get.
Injection Molding a Guitar Pick - Designing, making, using JohnSL - Random Products 2023-02-12 | Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/johnslI was commissioned to make an injection mold for a guitar pick by Justin from NEO Guitar Concepts. At the end of the video, you'll see Justin playing the guitar with one of these picks. I show how I modified a guitar pick CAD file supplied by Justin, designed the injection mold, made the injection mold, and then molding some test guitar picks.Justin's Channel: youtube.com/@neoguitarconcepts20/videosInjection molding machines shown in the video: abplasticinjectors.com/ab-150
The Making of my Injection Molding Controller JohnSL - Random Products 2023-01-23 | Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/johnslThis is a behind the scenes look at the different applications and techniques I used to create the injection molding controller for my 60-year old injection molding machine. I'm using Visual Studio and Avalonia UI for the Android application. And Visual Studio Code plus Platform IO and the Arduino libraries to build the ESP32 application. The two communicate via Bluetooth serial.Previous videos using the Nextion display and Rust:* Nextion Display for my Injection Molding Controller: youtu.be/lYUfwnBkW9E* Writing to the Nextion Display in Rust: youtu.be/d4Vuqo6iB98* Responding to Nextion Button Pushes: youtu.be/RZFK7DHpu9Q* Visual Studio 2022 Community Edition: visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/community* Visual Studio Code: code.visualstudio.com* Platform IO: platformio.org* Avalonia UI: avaloniaui.net* AngelSix playlist: youtu.be/YhKuZImznEE* Scrcpy: github.com/Genymobile/scrcpy* Setting up Android for development with Visual Studio: learn.microsoft.com/en-us/xamarin/android/get-started/installation/set-up-device-for-developmentAmazon Affiliate links:* The ESP32 that I'm using: amzn.to/3X14KGX* The 10" tablet I'm using: amzn.to/3QoRWaO* The 7" table I've ordered: amzn.to/3jR7VCi
Perfect 2-Sided Milling: Making a Manifold JohnSL - Random Products 2023-01-15 | Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/johnslTwo-side milling can be a challenge, especially if you have a "hat" that you need to remove first. I decided to see if I could do perfect 2-sided milling using my probe and the probing feature in Fusion 360.
Touch screen for a 60-year old injection molding machine JohnSL - Random Products 2023-01-08 | Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/johnslI decided to pivot with my project on making a touch screen for a 60-year old injection molding machine. Previously I used a Nextion display and a micro controller. While this worked, it wasn't as easy or flexible as I'd like. Therefore, I decided to pivot to using an inexpensive Android tablet and an ESP32.Previous videos using the Nextion display and Rust:* Nextion Display for my Injection Molding Controller: youtu.be/lYUfwnBkW9E* Writing to the Nextion Display in Rust: youtu.be/d4Vuqo6iB98* Responding to Nextion Button Pushes: youtu.be/RZFK7DHpu9QAmazon Affiliate links:* The ESP32 that I'm using: amzn.to/3X14KGX* The 10" tablet I'm using: amzn.to/3QoRWaO* The 7" table I've ordered: amzn.to/3jR7VCi
Watch O-Ring Will it survive 50m water depth? JohnSL - Random Products 2023-01-01 | Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/johnslI'm back to working on the watch project and making it water resistant to 100m. The first step is the watch o-ring between the threaded back and the case. The question is will it survive the 50m depth test?
Injection Molding a Spoon - Designing, making, using JohnSL - Random Products 2022-12-18 | I was commissioned to make an injection mold for a spoon by Manning Innovations for one of their customers. At the end of the video, you'll see one of Manning's machines in operation. I show how I modified a spoon CAD file supplied by the customer, designed the injection mold, made the injection mold, and then molding some test spoons.Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/johnslInjection molding machines shown in the video: manninginnovations.com/homeMicro Mesh Polishing Swabs: micro-surface.com/product/polishing-swabs
Two Products from One Injection Mold JohnSL - Random Products 2022-12-04 | You can sometimes save on the cost of injection molds if you take into account possible variations up front. We wanted two versions of the same case where the two different versions had openings in different places on the back.Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/johnsl
Making Tiny Custom Threads for a Custom Watch Back JohnSL - Random Products 2022-11-25 | What's the right fit for M27x0.5 threads? I created several test pieces to try out different threads that I'll use for a custom threaded watch back. I'm using aluminum for these tests and will switch to stainless steel for the depth tests that will come soon.My Thread Calculator on Patreon: patreon.com/posts/metric-threads-74939382Blog post with the simplified calculations: trains.socha.com/2022/10/metric-threads-and-tolerances.htmlVideo on threads: youtu.be/wjwgINFZf7Y00:00 Intro00:53 Test Case and Back03:03 Normal Fit, 6g & 6H05:10 Custom Form Tool06:49 Fusion CAM Simulation08:06 Milling Test Coupons10:50 Trying the Test Coupons11:52 Tighter Threads13:19 Comparing the two fits
Problems with a 1mm Renishaw Stylus Tip JohnSL - Random Products 2022-11-05 | Calibration of the 1mm tip on my WIPS probe kept failing. Renishaw support gave me instructions on how to fix this over the phone and now I'm up and runing!
Threads and tolerances, calculating diameters and pitch diameter offset JohnSL - Random Products 2022-10-29 | I needed to create some custom threads and therefore needed to calculate the outer diameter for the screw, the inner diameter for the nut, and the thread depth for each. I didn't find a single source that clearly explained how to calculate these numbers, so I created this video to simplify screw and nut threads. This mostly covers metric, but can be applied fairly easily to imperial, as tolerances are a little simpler in imperial.Blog post with the simplified calculations: trains.socha.com/2022/10/metric-threads-and-tolerances.htmlAffiliate link for Machinery's Handbook 31st Edition: amzn.to/3SSeujX00:00 Intro02:26 Machinery's Handbook04:08 Pitch Diameter Offset04:34 Numbers we Need05:40 Tolerances07:36 Screw/External Threads09:55 Final Screw/External Dimensions10:30 M27x0.5 Example12:48 Nut/Internal Threads14:30 Final Nut/Internal Dimensions14:49 Sanity Check - Validating the Equations16:18 Summary
Making a Floating Shoe Shelf with a Yeti SmartBench CNC Router JohnSL - Random Products 2022-10-08 | I used my Yeti SmartBench CNC router to make a floating shoe shelf. This was a great second woodworking project, and my wife is very happy. I made a few mistakes, but it all turned out well.
Designing a Floating Shoe Shelf in Fusion 360 JohnSL - Random Products 2022-10-01 | After finishing the shelf and clothes rod for our front closet, my wife asked me if I could make a floating shoe shelf, which I designed in Fusion 360 for a CNC router.
Haas Toolsetter Problem Solved JohnSL - Random Products 2022-09-19 | I was getting the cryptic error message GOTO OR P LINE NOT FOUND when I tried to set tool lengths. It was quite the mystery, and some people suggested my WIPS macros were corrupted and that I needed to load them. I show how to do just that, and the I found the problem. Haas toolsetter problem solved!
Finishing a Front Closet with a CNC Router JohnSL - Random Products 2022-08-28 | Our craftsman-style house came with empty closets. For my first major wood working and CNC router project, I decided to finish the front entry closet by adding craftsman/shaker-style boards along the backs and sides to support a shelf and the brackets for the clothes rod. I had to learn how to do edge banding, painting, and install into the closet.My Yeti SmartBench did a great job.* TOGGLER ALLIGATOR A8 Screw Anchor: amzn.to/3As43wb* DAP Products Premium Wood Filler: amzn.to/3AUP7Zc
Calibrating a Haas Probe and Tool Setter on a CHC Controller (Pre NGC) JohnSL - Random Products 2022-08-21 | I purchased a WIPS (Wireless Intuitive Probing System) probe and tool setter from Haas. Because my machine is a 2009 machine, and therefore has the CHC (Classic Haas Controller), there is a lot less information out there about calibrating the probe. Plus, because of the tight installation, they had to angle it at 45 degrees.VQC Instructions: haascnc.com/service/troubleshooting-and-how-to/how-to/mill---probing-with-vqc-templates.htmlTool Probe Mount: exactengineeringshop.com/collections/tool-probe-mount/products/renishaw-ots-rts-tool-probe-mounting-system
Why I Bought a CNC Router Yeti Smartbench JohnSL - Random Products 2022-07-25 | I was tired of not being able to get a contractor to make the shelves and cabinets for our closets and pantry. So I decided to get a full-sized, but yet not full sized, router. The Yeti Smartbench seemed like a great match for what I need.
3D Scanning is Hard! JohnSL - Random Products 2022-07-11 | I got a 3D scanner for testing with the goal of reverse engineering the cross slide on my lathe. I want to make a stepper-motor mount and thought this would make things easier. I was very wrong. There is a much higher learning curve for 3D scanners than I realized, especially for the geometric objects I'm wanting to scan. This video should give you a realistic expectation of what is involved in learning to use a 3D scanner, along with some of the limitations.I asked the maker to send me a scanner with the only promise from me that I would post a video. I have received no compensation other than a free scanner.
Visiting Dragonfly Engineering JohnSL - Random Products 2022-07-08 | My wife and I recently visited Dave at Dragonfly Engineering to check out his injection molding machines and learn how he got started.Check out Dave interviewing me on his channel: youtu.be/uTX6AoJ0PWA
Haas startup, setup, and running a job JohnSL - Random Products 2022-06-12 | Using a Haas CNC controller is a lot easier than it might look at first. I moved up from a Taig with Mach 3, and I also have a little experience with PathPilot and Tormachs. The Haas was quite the step up. But the more I used it's controller, the more I liked it. This is the video I wish I could have watched when I first got my machine. I walk through startup, setting up a job, and then finishing up.
Is Vise Jaw Lift a Problem? JohnSL - Random Products 2022-06-11 | How bad is it when you get significant vise jaw lift? I was getting 0.0055 inches of lift when using my serrated MMM-USA Piranha jaws. I really like these jaws because the step is only 0.08 inches, allowing me to mill much deeper into a part. However, the large jaw lift had me concerned.
Design an Injection Mold for Desktop Machines JohnSL - Random Products 2022-06-05 | Injection mold design for desktop machines is easier than for the larger, industrial machines. But it can be very intimidating when you first start. I talk about the basics of gates, runners, sprues, and air vents.
Part design for injection molding JohnSL - Random Products 2022-05-30 | Just because you can 3D print an item doesn't mean you can design for desktop injection molding. I offer some basics on what you'll need to change before you can be successful with injection molding for desktop machines.
3D Printed vs Aluminum Injection Molds JohnSL - Random Products 2022-05-08 | There has been a lot of interest recently in 3d printed vs aluminum injection molds. I know I thought about that. At first glance, it seems that using 3d printed mold inserts would be faster and easier than making aluminum molds. That turns out not to be the case, and there are other downsides to using 3d printed mold inserts.Update: I learned that Siraya Tech Sculpt Ultra White is rated at 220C. Here is an affiliate link that won't cost you any more, and helps support this channel: amzn.to/3PlsB0G
My Haas Office Mill JohnSL - Random Products 2022-04-24 | I've had my Haas Office Mill (OM-2A) for 3 years, and it always generates some interest. The OM-2 and CM-1 machines are not common, but perfect for what I do.
Watch Case Water Proofing, Part 1 JohnSL - Random Products 2022-04-10 | Water proofing a watch to 100 meters requires having the right gaskets and o-rings. But instead of having to make multiple watch bodies, I decided to make a "test fixture" from 316L stainless steel that will allow me to test the front crystal and gasket, the back crystal and gasket, and the o-ring between the front and back. In this part I made the front. In a future episode I'll make the back, explain how I chose dimensions, and do a pressure test.
A Washdown Hose Instead of Air JohnSL - Random Products 2022-04-02 | A Washdown Hose Instead of Air for clearing the chips from my machine. Using compressed air, as I learned the hard way, is not a good idea. It sends the chips everyone, including under the way covers, all over the machine, all over me, and onto the floor. Using a washdown hose tapped into the coolant pump is much better.
Hot Foil Stamp Fixture Plate JohnSL - Random Products 2022-03-26 | Hot foil stamp fixture plate for a viewer who wants to be able to attach different dies to a single plate. This is a fairly easy job, where having rigid tapping makes a huge difference. Total machining time was about 1/2 hour, but mostly hands-off thanks also to the tool changer on my machine.
Haas Y Limit Switch Error Its down! JohnSL - Random Products 2022-03-22 | Haas Y Axis Limit Switch Error. Oh, no, my machine won't home! The y-axis limit switch is producing an error. I called my HFO, Selway, and they gave me instructions on how to fix what they though might be the issue.
How an Injection Molder Works JohnSL - Random Products 2022-03-12 | How an injection molder works is a question I got recently from a viewer. Here is his full set of questions:"I’m trying to understand how the injection molding machine works. It looks like a pneumatic piston presses down into a cylinder that is on a sliding axis. Is the force of the piston acting through the plastic the only force that makes the injector press against the mold? Is it a ratio of the piston diameter to the diameter of the injector orifice that causes a tight seal? The force pressing the injector against the mold doesn’t seem like it would be anywhere near the force that is holding the mold halves together presumably it does not leak.""What is the spring function? Is it to ensure the injector lifts off from the mold when the pneumatic piston is removed?"
