My friend Gary found this awesome picture gallery on making a propeller. There is more at this site on making propellers.
The original page was from Thailand (see below).
Some videos are also below!
Gary out in California spotted this cool Squirrel video from Thailand.
Here is a portrait of the Box-O-Matic. This machine makes many of the boxes that Squirrels are shipped in.
This project has brought me a great deal of satisfaction. I get to re-use material and make something that adds a lot of value. Also I can get creative on how to make the box. Sounds boring but be assured boxes are interesting. 🙂
It’s a little noisy but it does a good job. The cuts are a little fuzzy but that’s good because you can’t cut yourself on the edges.
Also pictured is some new tape which will be used for a while. It’s brown rather than clear. I have about 30lb of it. Will report back how it goes.
Here are some pictures of the CNC 3D Wire Bender project which failed. Originally it was to make wheels for the Squirrel project. This thing is very tricky to make and the prefab systems are very expensive.
I’m starting again. It will make wheels for the Dayton project. I actually disposed of this prototype. The new machine will be different. I’m excited to start again with more experience.
Also is a picture of a failed laser run (the Squirrels are now made by laser). The laser project has been very successful but believe me it’s had it’s issues. Here’s a lovely picture of the laser doing something wrong while making prototypes. The power and air assist were set wrong and everything sorta failed.
One of the pre-release Daytons went to Frank Schwartz of Tennessee. I used an experimental mailing method to Frank and it didn’t survive the postage handling. They mail guy decided to fold the box in half. How brilliant. But he fixed it and made is own version. He said that the original motor stick was weak. That’s actually already corrected in the current version of Dayton.
He said it’s flying very well but he still likes the Squirrel more. We’ll see after he receives the next revision.
By the way, I’ve developed a mailing list of 20 people who will receive the next revision. If this week isn’t too busy it may come forward then.
Here are Franks suggested changes:
Motor Stick:
He used 1/4 x 1/8″ and laminated a piece of 1/8 X 1/8 on top of it full length which made it 1/8 X 3/8. He had to sand the front to fit the propeller nose piece.
Wing Mount:
1/8 X 3/8″ tack glued in place (after balancing).
Rear Hook:
Sharpened bamboo pushed into balsa at an angle. No glue. He said this was very strong.
