"Lumenarc" Reflectors...

Delphinus · #1 01-07-2009, 05:36 PM

It's only a waste of time if you think it is. I wouldn't make the reflectors myself, but I have 2 kids and not a whole lot of luck when it comes to making things come together and having them look good when all is said and done. But if I had access to the proper tools and materials and the desire, then I might. I DIY some things, I buy others. It's all about what you want to do and know what you can do and know what you probably can't do. I'll say this: now that I have Lumenarc reflectors in my possession, they are a lot chintzier than they look in pictures. Ie., they are just flimsy aluminum polished on one side, bent in a hundred places and then riveted together. I don't see any reason why one couldn't make their own provided they had access to a press and brake, and something to model it after. I say "press" because I think it would look like total crap if you used tin snips to cut the pieces. But the aluminum is so thin that you probably COULD use tin snips. I wouldn't have known how to make my own but now that I see them I bet I could make some if I had access to the proper tools.

GreenSpottedPuffer · #2 01-07-2009, 05:51 PM

Those ones in the first pics were made using tin snips and look great.

Delphinus · #3 01-07-2009, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenSpottedPuffer

Those ones in the first pics were made using tin snips and look great.

I only meant if *I* had to use tin snips it would look like cat barf. There's always a slight warp introduced into the aluminum everytime I squeeze down. Actually even the ones you pictured I can see that in it too, although it's pretty minor. I guess it's not reason in itself not to do the project but I was just saying if it was me, I'd prefer a press for the cuts over tin snips. It can't be THAT hard to find access to a press .. I bet most machine shops would be able to do it if you provided the metal and the measurements.. having said that it's not something I'd ever look into. For me, I wouldn't do this project but I actually meant I understand why you might want to do the project. It's all good.

Chris_A · #4 01-07-2009, 08:45 PM

Delphinus,
Do you mean, use snips then press the edge flat or use a shear? Just trying to clarify is all.

A shear would only be useful for the outside edges. Any cut outs would have to be done by hand and because of the design even a notcher would be of limited use. If one was really good they could be made with a zip disk, some kind of backer and deburring tool... but you'd have WAY more patience than I.

If it was a job at the shop, for sure! For home DIY... snips would be good enough for *me*

.

So far as getting a shop to do it, I don't know what going rate out there is but I get charged out at $95/hour for fab work... (and that's cheap, the shop down the road charges $120/h) Assuming the fab is a one of (or a small number anyway), a store bought one would look dirt cheap after that bill!

Honestly the only way I could see these being produced cheaply is by hand (diy) or mass production with a Punch Press. Lol! I seem to be fresh out of those... Anyone got one sitting in a corner of their garage? Maybe with the right die's sitting around too?

j/k

Chris

daddy01 · #5 01-08-2009, 12:54 AM

Hi,
Have you tried a HydroPonic(speling?) outlet I was told they might have sheets if reflective materials.
JIm

fishytime · #6 01-08-2009, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daddy01

Hi,
Have you tried a HydroPonic(speling?) outlet I was told they might have sheets if reflective materials.
JIm

You were told huh?...Uh-huh

daddy01 · #7 01-08-2009, 03:30 PM

Yes Fishttime I was told by a plastic shop where I went looking for reflective sheets plastic for a canopy idea I had. But I never followed though with it. Just my idea.