Ti scale makeover for my Juice S2

Syph007 · **on:** November 12, 2016, 09:57:39 PM

I figured Id start a new thread for this mini project. I dug out my old S2 thats been apart for 4 and a half years with the idea to machine some Ti scales for it and reassemble.

I forgot how thin the aluminum shell scales were on these. I suppose I should machine a pocket similarly on the Ti scales to fit over the metal skeleton. I was hoping to lose those skeleton parts but they are needed to hold the springs, well the U shaped one is for sure, maybe the other one can be skipped.

Anyhow I will scan the liners next and get on with the process. It looks like there are 2 scales only in this S2 model, varied depending on where the cutout is. I know there would be at least one other scale as well for the models with a corkscrew.

Does anyone with a modern S2 know if the scales are similar to this old model?

Syph007 · **Reply #1 on:** November 12, 2016, 10:17:51 PM

Here's a scan of the scales and scale skeleton liners. This is the starting point to making a dxf file. I use opensource software called inkscape to do the drawing and create the file. Will attempt to add screenshots as I go to explain.

s1xty7 · **Reply #2 on:** November 13, 2016, 02:48:02 AM

Interesting use of Inkscape. I use it to make SVG (scalable vector graphic) images for websites or printing. Since it has no physical scale, it can be resized to any dimension without losing resolution. Like the way a small image looks pixelated when you try and make it bigger. SVG drawings will look as smooth as the original, even if you make it 100x bigger. SVG files use paths to define the shape. I take it these same paths translate to the cut paths the Tormach will make.

Very cool to see your process! Thanks for sharing.

Poncho65 · **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2016, 03:57:54 AM

Very neat process and I am glad you are sharing it with us Syph

Can't wait to see the end result

Syph007 · **Reply #4 on:** November 13, 2016, 03:46:45 PM

Quote from: s1xty7 on November 13, 2016, 02:48:02 AM

Interesting use of Inkscape. I use it to make SVG (scalable vector graphic) images for websites or printing. Since it has no physical scale, it can be resized to any dimension without losing resolution. Like the way a small image looks pixelated when you try and make it bigger. SVG drawings will look as smooth as the original, even if you make it 100x bigger. SVG files use paths to define the shape. I take it these same paths translate to the cut paths the Tormach will make.

Very cool to see your process! Thanks for sharing.

For sure vector graphics are super useful. Ive been using inkscape for years. The cad file export fucntion has come along way and its quite useful now. I dont rely on the dimensions as I do that in cambam but to get the shape and proportions it works perfect.

To start in inkscape I will drag on a bitmap I want to trace over and put it in a lower layer, then lock it so it wont move. I like to rotate it using a guideline to try to get it perfectly oriented along the X axis. That is not essential but convenient for layouts.

s1xty7 · **Reply #5 on:** November 13, 2016, 05:07:36 PM

That's a great idea. I've never had a real need to trace something, but I can see where that would be useful, especially with what you are doing. Tracing might end up with a cleaner result than trying to import from an existing image format. Even on a simple image, the paths turn out terrible when importing.

Looking forward to more of the process!

Syph007 · **Reply #6 on:** November 13, 2016, 05:10:36 PM

Quote from: s1xty7 on November 13, 2016, 05:07:36 PM

That's a great idea. I've never had a real need to trace something, but I can see where that would be useful, especially with what you are doing. Tracing might end up with a cleaner result than trying to import from an existing image format. Even on a simple image, the paths turn out terrible when importing.

Looking forward to more of the process!

Ya i first tried inkscape's trace bitmap function which attempts to convert a bitmap to vector but its really not precise enough so I just use node editing to build the shape. I start with a rough rectangle then add nodes to key points and adjust splines to fit.

Syph007 · **Reply #7 on:** November 13, 2016, 05:22:12 PM

Then all that's needed it to remove the stroke of the objects and turn on a fill. This is needed as the dxf function gets confused and treats the stroke and fill as separate objects.

Then save as AutoCad DXF and Ive got a dxf file to now manipulate and use to build toolpaths in CamBam. Easy peazy.

Huntsman · **Reply #8 on:** November 13, 2016, 09:23:37 PM

Quote from: Syph007 on November 13, 2016, 05:22:12 PM

............. Easy peazy.

Really

I don't even understand what language you guys are speaking

Syph007 · **Reply #9 on:** November 14, 2016, 12:40:06 AM

I imported the dxf file into cambam and started a layout.

I have a general purpose 3x4 inch fixture that will fit 4 juice scales no problem. The first operation is to pocket the inside of the scales to fit the skeletonized juice frame.

Syph007 · **Reply #10 on:** November 14, 2016, 12:43:01 AM

Here is a test pocket to see if the plier frame liner fits and yes it does!

2 of the scales will have these pockets, the other 2 will be solid as those liners are not necessary to keep and the Ti scales would be plenty strong without them.

Poncho65 · **Reply #11 on:** November 14, 2016, 01:01:16 AM

Syph007 · **Reply #12 on:** November 14, 2016, 08:10:58 PM

First test scale fits the plier frame cage just fine!

T14 · **Reply #13 on:** November 14, 2016, 08:53:14 PM

Good stuff.
Is the absence of the Old Cross an oversight?

And are you planning to anodize these?
-Tom

Syph007 · **Reply #14 on:** November 14, 2016, 09:20:39 PM

Quote from: T14 on November 14, 2016, 08:53:14 PM

Good stuff.
Is the absence of the Old Cross an oversight?
And are you planning to anodize these?
-Tom

LOL. Yes will anodize a set and tumble finish a set to see what I like best.

The scales on the other side will stay full thickness so I can machine a slot to fit a pocket clip made of Ti as well. I always wanted a clip on the juice.