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Nobody likes roughing blanks for projects but the sooner it is done the sooner the real fun can start.
Don't cheap out on your hacksaw and you will be much happier in the workshop. My $25 Starrett costs over twice the price of a typical cheapo hacksaw, but guess what? It actually cuts metal!!! I call that a bargain. Find yourself a suitable block of metal ( I used 6061 aluminum for light weight and easy machinability) and a nice 4 pin panel mount xlr (male) and carefully lay-out your rough blanks for machining. Make sure to lay-out your blanks a little oversize so you will have room to machine them down to the proper size later on. Remember, you can always take a little extra off, but I've yet to see someone successfully add material to an undersize part! |
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| Cutting fluid makes the job go much easier... | |||
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Keep the cuts nice and straight -- don't rush it! This little aluminum block is the basis for your whole project so give it the respect it deserves.
It won't be long now... |
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Finally your patience will be rewarded with a reasonable facscimile of an aluminum block (or two)! Double check to make sure the blocks are still big enough for the xlr's plus a little extra, and if they are -- it's on to the metal shop to square up the sides! | ||
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Return Home or Continue to Part 2 for more commiecam fun!
Words and images 2004, JAOvertoom, all rights reserved. |
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