And so it begins.... (My adventures into Alox!)

[s1xty7]

I don't know how long it takes to do the blasting you need, but the longer the continuous use, the larger you want your tank.  The compressor will only kick on when it needs to maintain the pressure in the tank.  Those compact oil-less ones will run nearly the entire time and won't move the CFM you need.  That, and they have a life of a year or so from what I have read.  I bought mine for use with air tools when working on my Cherokee so I don't have quite the need of continuous blasting but I think that size would work for a few minutes at a time.

The deals are out there.  Might have better luck after Christmas when people that got new compressors are selling their old ones.  Then again, maybe there won't be a difference.

[Syph007]

Cybertool 34 in Ti. 

You can really see how much thickness is saved in the last couple of shot comparing it to my daily carry CT.

My blasting cab is due to arrive next week, so I better get shopping for a compressor.  I found a place that sells all the media types in town.  Aparently I can use a certain grit of sand to blade off the alox coating on alox scales and not have to use the nasty chemicals.

[Monrogue]

Nice Syph

Sent from my SM-G920R4 using Tapatalk

[tommywp]

You can really see how much thickness is saved in the last couple of shot comparing it to my daily carry CT

I think it's funny that you EDC a stock SAK. The cobblers children have no shoes!

[SAK Guy]

I really like that one!!!!

[HarleyXJGuy]

You can really see how much thickness is saved in the last couple of shot comparing it to my daily carry CT

I think it's funny that you EDC a stock SAK. The cobblers children have no shoes!

You should see the barber's haircut.

Didn't you say Mrs Syph has a stock SAK also? Shame.

[Syph007]

You can really see how much thickness is saved in the last couple of shot comparing it to my daily carry CT

I think it's funny that you EDC a stock SAK. The cobblers children have no shoes!

It was one of the first SAKs I bought from Tim after I joined here, and its an old model with the thicker blade.  Its been one of my favorites.

The problem with making pimped out SAKs is that once I have one done I never want to carry it as I could sell it and then have money to get more parts/supplies etc... so Ive got very few of my own mods here, just parts to make them?

You can really see how much thickness is saved in the last couple of shot comparing it to my daily carry CT

I think it's funny that you EDC a stock SAK. The cobblers children have no shoes!

You should see the barber's haircut.

Didn't you say Mrs Syph has a stock SAK also? Shame.

The Mrs has a wenger nail clipper model.  But after I made that Ti 58 with the red garnet in it, she said she wanted one like that. 

[Syph007]

Soon I'll be having a Blast!   well after I get it built...; buy a compressor... get it hooked up.. test media etc...

[enki_ck]

[enki_ck]

Is it ready yet?

[zoidberg]

What about now?

[tattoosteve99]

Maybe now?  Hey what's taking so long?

[HarleyXJGuy]

Are we there yet!

[Syph007]

Getting there. 

[Syph007]

I think I'll call this one a knifeless companion SAK.  Ive built 3 of these ones so far for people that either dont want a blade on there, or already carry a big folder, and they are a nice package of handy tools.

[s1xty7]

That is a really nice combination of tools and provides great utility!

[HarleyXJGuy]

That is a really nice combination of tools and provides great utility!

Yep, plus the Cyber driver is nicely centered.

Could you add a saw and file to this and keep the driver centered Robert? I bet adding them to the scissor side would keep it close.

[captain spaulding]

Great tool layout! Very appealing to me personally.  Wish it was mine. 

[windson]

I think I'll call this one a knifeless companion SAK.  Ive built 3 of these ones so far for people that either dont want a blade on there, or already carry a big folder, and they are a nice package of handy tools.

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That's a good tool set. Nice minimal and focused. (even though conceptually, I'm not a fan of that huge slab of plastic within the polished steel and tumbled Ti)

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[HarleyXJGuy]

I think I'll call this one a knifeless companion SAK.  Ive built 3 of these ones so far for people that either dont want a blade on there, or already carry a big folder, and they are a nice package of handy tools.

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That's a good tool set. Nice minimal and focused. (even though conceptually, I'm not a fan of that huge slab of plastic within the polished steel and tumbled Ti)

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Yeah Robert when is the Brass and Ti bit holders coming out?

[Syph007]

That is a really nice combination of tools and provides great utility!

Yep, plus the Cyber driver is nicely centered.

Could you add a saw and file to this and keep the driver centered Robert? I bet adding them to the scissor side would keep it close.

Yep but pliers layer is only 0.020" wider than scissors so if  you want the driver centered  it might be best to put one on each side.

[HarleyXJGuy]

That is a really nice combination of tools and provides great utility!

Yep, plus the Cyber driver is nicely centered.

Could you add a saw and file to this and keep the driver centered Robert? I bet adding them to the scissor side would keep it close.

Yep but pliers layer is only 0.020" wider than scissors so if  you want the driver centered  it might be best to put one on each side.

You guys and your fancy measuring.

[Weasel]

I think I'll call this one a knifeless companion SAK.  Ive built 3 of these ones so far for people that either dont want a blade on there, or already carry a big folder, and they are a nice package of handy tools.

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Fantastic mod and very useful


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[jdindadell]

I have the same blasting cabinet, have used it for a few years now.

The trigger for the blasting gun failed quickly, so I gutted it.  I have an adjustable air regulator mounted on the cabinet where the air supply goes in.  This allows me to turn it on via the regulator and adjust the pressure, which varies the finish.  I use "grit" which is cheaper than al oxide and seems to provide good results.

If you plan to remove paint or something that will produce larger pieces of waste I would suggest adding a layer of fine window screen to the underside of the mesh working plate.  This will catch larger particles that will clog the fill tube.  I also find it handy to have a catch can under the unit with a fine screen on the top so I can periodically strain out the media to get the large bits out.  I strain the media before initial use as well.  Might not be necessary if you use higher quality media.  You can unclog the unit by forcing compressed air back through the media tube. 

I also had to replace the light, as it failed, went with a more powerful dual bulb unit for more light.  Also, make sure you install the thin clear plastic shields over the light and viewing windows.  They are sacrificial, and will need to be swapped frequently.  I also find it easier to use with less overhead light so if you can put it in a darker corner of the shop that helps.  I also use a shop vac to evacuate the dust during use, that helps with visibility inside the cabinet as well.  I plan to make a permanent dust extractor in a wooden cabinet.  It will be quieter than the shop vac.  There are some ideas online for building this with PVC pipe, etc. 

I also plan to put a foot control for the air supply.  I was going to get another trigger gun to replace the gutted one, but hand fatigue is an issue depending on how long you plan to use it.  I have used my cabinet a lot, and with a few mods I feel it was well worth the price.

[Syph007]

I have the same blasting cabinet, have used it for a few years now.

The trigger for the blasting gun failed quickly, so I gutted it.  I have an adjustable air regulator mounted on the cabinet where the air supply goes in.  This allows me to turn it on via the regulator and adjust the pressure, which varies the finish.  I use "grit" which is cheaper than al oxide and seems to provide good results.

If you plan to remove paint or something that will produce larger pieces of waste I would suggest adding a layer of fine window screen to the underside of the mesh working plate.  This will catch larger particles that will clog the fill tube.  I also find it handy to have a catch can under the unit with a fine screen on the top so I can periodically strain out the media to get the large bits out.  I strain the media before initial use as well.  Might not be necessary if you use higher quality media.  You can unclog the unit by forcing compressed air back through the media tube. 

I also had to replace the light, as it failed, went with a more powerful dual bulb unit for more light.  Also, make sure you install the thin clear plastic shields over the light and viewing windows.  They are sacrificial, and will need to be swapped frequently.  I also find it easier to use with less overhead light so if you can put it in a darker corner of the shop that helps.  I also use a shop vac to evacuate the dust during use, that helps with visibility inside the cabinet as well.  I plan to make a permanent dust extractor in a wooden cabinet.  It will be quieter than the shop vac.  There are some ideas online for building this with PVC pipe, etc. 

I also plan to put a foot control for the air supply.  I was going to get another trigger gun to replace the gutted one, but hand fatigue is an issue depending on how long you plan to use it.  I have used my cabinet a lot, and with a few mods I feel it was well worth the price.

Good info thanks!

I figured Id have to DIY some things on this to get it the way I want, but its easier than starting from scratch.

This will only be used for glass bead surface finishing of Ti, so hopefully that should keep it pretty clean in there.

Im still shopping for a compressor.  Could I not get by with a slightly lower CFM one and have a finer nozzle?  That would keep the velocity high with the downside of blasting a smaller areas at one time.

[jdindadell]

My take on compressors is that more cfm and tank size is the way to go.  Plus you need to look at duty cycle info for blasting, as you do use a lot of air.  A larger tank can help with volume, but an undersized compressor will wear out quicker or just not be up to task.

[Boaz]

Thank you @Syph007 . I have spent a pleasant day off work reading the entire thread, it shows a great deal of skill and craftsmanship and a real sense of pride in your work.

I like the "Gentleman" style of the Black with the brass accents, keep up the good work and I'm looking forward to seeing what 2016 has in store. Cheers.

[Syph007]

Thank you @Syph007 . I have spent a pleasant day off work reading the entire thread, it shows a great deal of skill and craftsmanship and a real sense of pride in your work.

I like the "Gentleman" style of the Black with the brass accents, keep up the good work and I'm looking forward to seeing what 2016 has in store. Cheers.

I remember when I worked in an office I used to read long threads to kill time during really boring days, so Im glad I could provide something for others to read. 

For 2016 this is where Im going
-  Mostly Ti conversions to all SAK sizes
-  The only alox 93 scales I'll carry is hard anodized black
-  Finish making the marlin spike tools for 91 and 93mm SAKs.
-  Figure out how to do the Ti bead blast finish and have anodized accent details as well
-  Maybe I'll finally cave in and order that Tormach Ive saved up for but too chicken to blow the $$$.  I like the new little one they sell now with high rpm, I could do custom engraving/personalizing which alot of people ask for.
-  New blade options in high end steel.  Ive been getting this request alot and I really want to have something to offer.
-  Buy myself a go pro and start doing work videos and updating my long neglected youtube

[Boaz]

Thank you @Syph007 . I have spent a pleasant day off work reading the entire thread, it shows a great deal of skill and craftsmanship and a real sense of pride in your work.

I like the "Gentleman" style of the Black with the brass accents, keep up the good work and I'm looking forward to seeing what 2016 has in store. Cheers.

I remember when I worked in an office I used to read long threads to kill time during really boring days, so Im glad I could provide something for others to read. 

For 2016 this is where Im going
-  Mostly Ti conversions to all SAK sizes
-  The only alox 93 scales I'll carry is hard anodized black
-  Finish making the marlin spike tools for 91 and 93mm SAKs.
-  Figure out how to do the Ti bead blast finish and have anodized accent details as well
-  Maybe I'll finally cave in and order that Tormach Ive saved up for but too chicken to blow the $$$.  I like the new little one they sell now with high rpm, I could do custom engraving/personalizing which alot of people ask for.
-  New blade options in high end steel.  Ive been getting this request alot and I really want to have something to offer.
-  Buy myself a go pro and start doing work videos and updating my long neglected youtube

Sounds like a plan!  I subscribed to your channel a little earlier, I hope the go pro idea moves up the list

[alexTOOL]

Thank you @Syph007 . I have spent a pleasant day off work reading the entire thread, it shows a great deal of skill and craftsmanship and a real sense of pride in your work.

I like the "Gentleman" style of the Black with the brass accents, keep up the good work and I'm looking forward to seeing what 2016 has in store. Cheers.

I remember when I worked in an office I used to read long threads to kill time during really boring days, so Im glad I could provide something for others to read. 

For 2016 this is where Im going
-  Mostly Ti conversions to all SAK sizes
-  The only alox 93 scales I'll carry is hard anodized black
-  Finish making the marlin spike tools for 91 and 93mm SAKs.
-  Figure out how to do the Ti bead blast finish and have anodized accent details as well
-  Maybe I'll finally cave in and order that Tormach Ive saved up for but too chicken to blow the $$$.  I like the new little one they sell now with high rpm, I could do custom engraving/personalizing which alot of people ask for.
-  New blade options in high end steel.  Ive been getting this request alot and I really want to have something to offer.
-  Buy myself a go pro and start doing work videos and updating my long neglected youtube

Please come back to 84 mm line...! We want to see little brothers mods!!!