Ten Tips for Working with Precision Board

1. Carbide cutters are not mandatory when working with Precision Board since it is non-abrasive.  Precision Board can be cut with standard HSS cutting tools.

 Precision Board tips

2. To maximize CNC efficiency and cutting time, and to minimize dust and increase chips, the Onsrud Router Bit Selector Guide provides guidelines for proper router bits, speeds and feeds.

Precision Board tips

3. After you have primed Precision Board Plus using FSC-88WB Primer/Filler, it is best to dry using a large shop fan. Do not place in the sun, as this will cause it to dry too fast (skin over) resulting in blisters. The FSC-88WB Primer/Filler training video can be seen here.

 Precision Board tips

4. Be sure to prime and paint all sides of your HDU sign because of paint tension balance. Because it does not have grain, it has no beam strength and can be pulled in the direction of the drying paint.

 Precision Board tips

5. When sandblasting Precision Board, set your PSI to about 60, at the pot.  To achieve a larger texture, use higher grit. Similarly, a finer grit allows for finer texture. Aluminum oxide is used most often.

 Precision Board tips

6. If something happens to your sign during the build process, it is possible to fix the damaged surface. FSC-360WB Crack Filling & Repair Putty dries quickly and sands easily, and can really save the day in the event of a mistake.

 Precision Board tips

7. Optimize your leftover Precision Board by bonding and laminating the extra pieces.  Use PB Fast Set or PB Bond-240 adhesive.

 Precision Board tips

8. PB Resin is a 2 part epoxy that paint can be added to. Use on flat surfaces to achieve smooth, glossy surface.  No priming, sanding, or painting needed.  Call for free samples of PB Resin or any of our companion products.

Precision Board tips

9. If you do not have time to rout, or sandblast a wood grain texture, TSF-45 or PB Hardcoat are excellent time saving alternatives for simulating wood grain. Apply both directly to raw Precision Board, eliminating the priming step.

 Precision Board tips

10. If you have a question, call us at 800-845-0745! We offer free technical support and are happy to assist in any way we can.  You can also request a sample of Precision Board HDU or get a quote.

Inn progress

Back in the middle of April I hinted at a project our family was going to undertake – a little inn. Peter and Hailey (son and daughter in law) purchased the property next door to us and now are going through the zoning process to make the project possible. This means we have been busy doing up the concept plans. There’s been plenty of discussion and many versions of the buildings but things are pretty well settled now. The land is large enough to build a three suite inn and a house for their family. Each of the suites will be about 600 square feet with a 600 square foot private garden.

Each will carry a distinct theme. The front suite, closest to the road will be the explorer’s suite. The story is about a sea captain who travelled the world. The ‘North Star’ suite will be home to his vast collection of treasures and moments from this exciting journey. The sleeping quarters are in the stern of the ship which is attached to the building.

The center unit is fully wheelchair accessible and is an earth covered house. It is dubbed the ‘Under Hill’ suite. Inside and out will be a true delight and unlike anything seen previously.

The third room carries the theme of a castle. The bed chamber is high in the tower, complete with a luxurious soaker tub with a view. Rich opulent decor and furniture will be fit for a queen.

We are in the process of making the signs now and I’ll be posting the step by step progress shortly.

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.

Leverage

Now that the little trail truck is running and the bulk of the big fabricating is behind us it is time to begin all of the fun small stuff. I’m currently working on the levers which will control the functions of the vehicle. The Johnson bar which is bolted to the running board controls the forward and reverse of the variable speed hydrostatic transmission. To operate it you pull the safety back and then move the lever forward and reverse. The disc brake is controlled by the new lever addition – just above it. To operate the brake you push on the lever. This controls has a safety which will lock the lever in position to act as a parking brake. I still have to fabricate the throttle which will be located just behind the brake.

Each lever is to be slightly different and all will have a steampunk flavour – just for fun.

All of the cutting files were designed in EnRoute and then cut on the MultiCam plasma.
 

This morning I got an idea for the other side of the cab. The previous controls were mounted on the opposite side to keep them out of reach of the kids – for safety reasons. But those little ones will want to do much more than just ride. So I am going to add two more levers between the cab of the truck and the sidecar. I sketched out the ideas before starting the designs in EnRoute. These two levers will be hooked to cables which will be connected to the whistle and bell. The kids will be able to control both functions while still fitted safely in the sidecar. That’s bound to entertain them endlessly and our neighbours too!  🙂

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.

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Success!

This morning I cut the a last few pieces of steel on our MultiCam Plasma cutter, then welded them into place. Then I hooked up the throttle cable and took a link out of the chain. I welded up the bell mount as well. I then fired the truck up and carefully powered it out of the shop to position it on the track. I shot a few pictures and then called Phoebe over for a test drive. She was a little apprehensive after last week’s failed attempt but game to go. I fired up the engine and together we made a couple of trips up and down the four hundred and fifty feet of track. All went well. 
Then it was Phoebe’s chance to take it for a spin while I took some pictures and video. (I’ll post the video tomorrow) Phoebe gingerly eased the Johnson bar forward and she was off. She went up and down a few time and after twelve years waiting was pleased with her first powered ride!
This afternoon I went back to the parts store for a few more pieces to do some tweaks. A bigger pulley on the engine will give us a slightly higher top speed. A heavy duty throttle cable and a second heavy duty control cable for the Johnson bar controls will make them fool proof – especially in a sudden stop. I also sourced a disc brake caliber of the correct size to give our rig some stopping power. I’ll have to design, cut, fabricate and install a hand control lever for that system tomorrow as well. So tomorrow I’ll put the little rig back in the shop for a little more work. 

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.