Skeeters contracting services
 

I rarely have JUST one project in the frying pan at a time. With a SUPER dump, & log truck in the construction phase, PLUS Bruder Cat D5, & Cat D11, as well a Mack conversion AND a Bruder Liebherr 574 in the conversion phase(s)......Oh, yeah, & the cheapo Chinese excavator (needs IMPROVED upon so it'll actually do something) ALL are in the process of being converted/built, I think it's time to open shop. Much easier to have ONE thread for all the pics, comments, question, concerns etc.

I'll post pics & build progress here from now on, perhaps even video or two along the way as well.

This weekend, THANKS to Stein, user name SteinHDan, & the open source 3D STL print files he graciously posted, I began putting the new asset to work.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4431/...7d31132a63.jpg20170826_174837 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr
The 3D printer started to crank out the needed 3D parts for the front loader conversion. Being NEW to 3D printing, as well as CAD, I'd be several months before I could feel comfortable enough to produce ANYTHING that would be used for building.

With that being said, I already ran into some problems with the newest asset. I printed parts, I've looked at pictures that show what's wrong & how to correct it, but they DON'T have this problem on there. One of the parts I printed is severely deformed.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4358/...ebf4a67a25.jpg20170828_164523 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4420/...8f4c8d7a33.jpg20170828_164548 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4399/...8f0ac77d63.jpg20170828_164534 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr
Any thoughts, ideas, opinions how to fix?

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Here's the other parts that came out of it so far.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4394/...22c4ea727e.jpg20170828_173625 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr
I'm pleased with how they came out.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Looks like it's just on parts with overhangs. The plastic is not allowed time to cool properly before gravity makes it sag.

Couple ways to go:
Slow your extruder, and thus print speeds, also weaker layer bonds. - Meh
Rotate parts for no overhangs before slicing, printing. - Not always an option
Add a fan at the hot end to help set plastic faster so it can't sag. - May void warranty, have to run aftermarket software.
Edit parts to ramp overhang supports that are ground off during clean up. - learn cad
Dual print heads with filiment and a disolvable support matrix. - $$$

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Even with things slowed down, it still drooped. :eek:

CAD, Yes, I'm learning it, slowly. :o :thinking:
I've never been good with computers, so it's a challenge for me to learn it.

Here's my Polish Hillybilly Redneck solution, since I DON'T yet know enough about CAD. :confused:
Making the "RAMP" :D
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4380/...800c599133.jpg20170828_193913 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

It's been RAMPED :lol:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4431/...41740857c7.jpg20170828_193205 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr :bounce:

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Heh, nice.

"If it's stupid, but it works, it's not stupid." How do the parts look?

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

:cop: And it's been bridged AGAIN! :D
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4399/...0b464af36d.jpg20170828_203920 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Yeah, it's pretty silly, but it works.

I'll know in a couple more hours. So far, it looks a LOT better than it's predecessor! I think I'll be able to clean it up, & work with it when it's done.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

I just hope I DIDN'T slow it down too much & make a weak part! Well..............IF that happened, I know what to do for a Polish Hillybilly Redneck fix to make a 3rd attempt at it. :)

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Gotta run, just got a call, some Ftard just went into the ditch....................it Towmater time. LOL

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4339/...fff7c1dcbc.jpg20170808_002335 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

All warmed up, & ready to leave the garage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULW8AM72PJU

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Turned out to be these two fools in the ditch.
https://www.google.com/search?q=coy+...KJyxvF4LbjXpM:
Said something about being in town for the big race at the track this coming weekend. Something about not being able to get any track practice time in right now, so they were out on the streets a tearing it up. After seeing them drive, it's now wonder they stacked 'er up. This video was captured by an innocent by standard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPOg1IGQjZM

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

It's kind of crappy cell phone video. Here's a slightly better picture of the truck they were driving.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4312/...e9e67206f8.jpgTraxxas Slash 4WD General Lee by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Hi Skeeter!

Your two printing problems are very common problems, but they can be fixed. One is actually very easy to fix :-)

Overhangs drooping:
- The 3D-printer cannot put molten plastic in thin air. It will need some support to build on. But you don't need to add it yourself. Your 3D-printing software can do this for you. It will create a scaffolding that can easily be broken away when the part has finished. I guess you have a "Add supports", "Automatic supports" or an option like that in the software. That takes care of that problem.

Part pulls up in the corners:
- This is the most common problem of this generation of 3D printers IMHO. Getting the first layer of plastic to stick to the build plate is crucial. If it lifts in the corners, that's only going to worsen as you go up (as you can see from your part).
There are many ways to fix this, or combinations of ways:

- A surefire solution is to print with a raft. Again, this is most likely an option in your 3D-printing software. When building the raft, the 3D-printer will use a lot of plastic to get a good grip on the platform. The only downside with a raft is that it takes longer to print, but it will most likely stick fine.

- Instead of the full raft, you could just print anchor pads in the corners. This is what I do most of the time. Something like a square or circle 20mm diameter, 1mm height pad and put it on the bed under the corner of the part so that it gives more surface that touches the bed in that corner.

- Moving the nozzle closer to the build plate: I would try this first. Calibrate with a thinner piece of cardboard / paper than you did before. That will make the nozzle closer to the bed. This will make the plastic stick better to the bed. You can move the nozzle closer until the part is very difficult to remove from the build plate. Then you are too close.

- Increasing the temperature (maybe even just on the first layer). Sometimes the hotter plastic sticks better to the bed.

- Slowing the speed (maybe even just on the first layer)

- If you have a heated build plate, try increasing the temperature.

- Adding hairspray, etc (many people do this, but I've never done that)

- Add a high-tack build plate sticker sheet, like BuildTak (you can buy it at Amazon for example).

.. and probably a lot of other ways. In you case, it looks like your problem could be solved by moving the nozzle closer to the bed or just enabling a raft.


Best regards,
Stein :-)

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Stein, as ALWAYS, thanks for your help. I did find settings on the printer for rafting, as well as supports.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Follwing a quick nap after getting home from work, I'm ready to RE-print the FRONT structure. This time with rafting, & some structural supports. 3Rd times a charm......HOPEFULLY :)

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

While awaiting the 3D printer to re-make the front support for the loader :cool: I tinkered in the garage a bit tonight. Made some cab mount brackets (NOT my idea, I borrowed it from someone else's build) for the Bruder Mack conversion. I made 4 of them, I think I ONLY need 2, but while I had the saw, miter box & file out (No fancy tools here, just basic hand tools ;) ) I may as well make 4 of them.............just in case I find I need to use more. :lol:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4424/...d6215976e1.jpg20170829_202052 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4410/...1c91512676.jpg20170829_201904 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

I also did the blade locks on the D5. I saw this idea in a SmallHaul :drool: youtube video. I WISH I could take credit for it. :o I liked the idea, so I borrowed it to incorporate into my build. :jump:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4351/...9e5a5dd4c7.jpg20170829_202140 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

this makes the blade be able to swivel side to side, :) UNLIKE my original attempt, that was heavily glued :(

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

:o The Right Hand Side blade sway MOCK cylinder I kind of messed up on it. The drill bit walked off of center as I was drilling it. Since I have a FAILED earlier attempt, I have extra of those. sometime in the future, I'll RE-do it with one of the left overs from that project. LUCKILY, I'm a hoarder, & NEVER throw away ANYTHING, until I'm absolutely positive that I won't have a future use for it! Heck, I've still got parts laying around for nitro powered vehicles, & I HAVEN'T had those around in years! :cop:

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

our previous Co accusation, a haul truck. It's nothing fancy, & won't pull a full load, but it'd be what we got. Body is mounted on an old 3406 E=Traxxas Emaxx chassis.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4297/...94d30c00df.jpg20170724_000054 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

some pics of the build process
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4317/...c7557649ac.jpg20170724_000106 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4304/...b81ec88e86.jpg20170724_000124 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4318/...73acb413fe.jpg20170724_000252 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4326/...84259308d4.jpg20170724_000311 by Anthony Kalnoski, on FlickrBody is mounted to CUSTOM fabricated mounts, & bolted with 3mm screws & nylock nuts.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

The black semi will be getting the sleeper cut off, converting it to a day cab, SOMETIME this winter when work slows a bit. It will be built as a SUPER DUMP, dump truck. If you don't know what that is, here's a video of it. It even feature a company truck that is local to my area.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-7mm9btEXE

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4323/...65eb53f9c7.jpg20170726_162200 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

This yellow King Hauler, acquired from Corbetttrailers will be converted to a logging truck...........also this winter when work slows. It as well will be converted to a day cab
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4363/...b577598868.jpg20170814_034507 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr
The 1:1
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4361/...714927ccc0.jpgimages by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr
The Ertl 1:24 scale version
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4408/...2d54afacc2.jpgertl-weyerhaeuser-logging-truck-3006_1_627c7bca27114eca35d82c9a3b95641d by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

The fore mentioned Bruder Mack conversion
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4341/...be1d257986.jpg20170810_024851 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4354/...de6f6727b7.jpg20170810_024900 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

The cab trimmed to fit the motor & 2 speed WTBCarr planetary transmission
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4411/...f0f03ec7cf.jpg20170810_024943 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

PERHAPS :thinking:some parking lot snow removal work may be in order this winter:)
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4403/...a8caf6d60e.jpg20170810_025235 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4344/...33fb49e788.jpg20170810_025116 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

WOW! printing rafts, AND supports takes a LOT more time to do. What was taking around 5 hours, took OVER 8 hours last night to do! The extra time was well worth it! Although the raft FAILED the added supports made a HUGE difference! We already saw the pic I posted of the FIRST attempt. Here's attempts 2, & 3. #2 is the one I inserted rolled up tape where the supports were needed. Attempt 3 has the 3D printed supports still on it.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4422/...14e34d4351.jpg20170830_155328 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

ANYONE that's thinking of, or has got a XYZ PRO, & ran through the factory supplied filament, take note................It does NOT like ABS filament. :eek: I bought a $35 roll of ABS filament when I bought mine. I recently used up the supplied filament. :) I re-wound from the LARGE roll I bought, onto the SMALL .5KG roll that's supplied with the printer. I couldn't get it to even build a raft. :mad: it doesn't extrude it well. I tried max recommended, & several variations from there to the minimum temp settings & it wouldn't build a raft. I changed out the ABS with PLA, & it's printing again, as it SHOULD be. :bounce: The PLA is re-wound on the same spool, the SAME way as I did the ABS. Just thought I'd throw this out there for anyone that may be considering acquiring one of these machines. I know we all learn from others mistakes &/or failures around here.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

I wonder if this comes with a DETACHABLE gooseneck?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-John-Dee....c100102.m2452

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

YEP, it do, I THINK :) I JUST found this, it's pictured as detached.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BIG-FARM-1-1....c100005.m1851

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

I'm not sure if you have an Ertl truck but if not, be warned that they are a lot smaller than the Tamiya and Bruder trucks. I did a comparison video a few years ago here... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfUw0onMKcE

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Thanks you for the info.

No Ertl truck here, I just borrowed that pic for illustration purposes, as it is very close to what I hope to make the finished build look like.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

NOT much to update on the builds. just been busy 3D printing parts.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Friday night, after work I fired up the printer before bed. Saturday was spent visiting with family, so not much happened that day, printing wise. I did start a part before leaving. When I returned home, I tried to do another part, but the extruder nozzle was plugged. Several Youtube videos & many hours later we were back running again. I started a part before going to bed.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4358/...ed5c5f8206.jpg20170903_175200 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

The bulky looking part is the front steering rack. it's made of 4 peices. A GREAT BIG THANK-YOU to Stein for posting the STL files. I liked what he did with the Man conversion so much,I'm going to try it with a Bruder Mack dump.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

ONLY 8 parts have been printed this far this weekend. My printer is SLOW. If I weren't affraid of boogering up the finished parts, I'd try messing with the settings & speed it up a bit.

Currently there are 2 more parts in the printer, about 3/4 of the way done. one is only 5MM tall, & finished. The other, I haven't measured, but it's significantly taller on teh print bed, rough guess 1.25 inches tall.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

WOW! I just watched the video. I DIDN"T realize there was such a great size difference between the 2, until I watched.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

This 3D printing stuff sure is SLOW! I'm working on slowly increasing the print speeds. I just don't want to go too fast, & ruin the structural integrity of the part(S) Just a little over 10 hours of print time went in to these 2 front tires that will be for my 2ND Bruder Mack conversion project.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4414/...3161b0aac5.jpg20170904_092356 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Somebody help me PLEASE! I just downloaded Fusion 360, I want to import a scan form XYZ BUILDER, the 3D scanning program that came with my 3D printer/Scanner/Laser all in one unit. The program DOESN'T offer an option to save as a IGES, SAT, SMT, or STEP files, or Fusion Documents, the files that Fusion 360 supports. How can I convert the 3D file to a format that Fusion 360 will like?

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

It sort of depends on what files your 3d scanning program can produce. I would search for a file conversion program that can read whatever file format that program exports and can convert to something Fusion 360 can import. Hope that helps...

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Makes perfect sense. Any suggestions?
XYZ scan, XZY build, & XYZ Pro ONLY offer options to save as STL, 3MF, OBJ, &/or DLY files. neither is supported by Fusion360

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Any suggestions what to use to convert it?

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

This should help
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/suppo...usion-360.html

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Yes sir, it do, a little. I still don't get an option to upload to the cloud with the STL file though.

I think I'll have to watch some more tutorial videos before diving into this cad thing. It's tougher than I though it was going to be.

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

there are 3d file converters online. just google 3d file converter

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Well...................I was disappointed when I awoke this morning. While I was sleeping, the 3D printer ran out of filament. It was SO CLOSE. I awoke to use the bathroom, & saw it had an hour & a few minutes left on the print. I was happy it was going smoothly. I managed to get the print times down from a little over 5 hours down to 4.5 hours. I knew I'd have another part when I awoke. Since I smacked the snooze button too many times this morning, I didn't have time to do much, but get ready for work. When I got home, I see this gut wrenching sight
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4384/...7190d5d84c.jpg20170905_191102 by Anthony Kalnoski, on Flickr

I ran out of filament while printing this part. So close, yet so far away. Too bad I don't know of a way to pick up the printing process where it was left off.

Since I'm a bit of a tight @ss, I bought the LARGE spool of filament, & re-wind the smaller spool that came with the printer. 10 minutes after starting, my spool was full again, & I reloaded it into the machine. I just retrieved the finished part as I was typing this. Since I type SLOW (ONLY 4 fingers, 2 from @ hand) it takes me a bit to complete a typing task. She's callign DINNER TIME........have to go for now. I'll write more later

Re: Skeeters contracting services
 

Thank-You sir, I shall look into those, perhaps tomorrow. It's getting too late tonight, have to work in the morning.