So I'm working on making scales for my Q-ball on a 3018 desktop cnc router and thought I would share along the way.
For CAD and CAM I'm using Fusion 360. The model is pretty straight forward.
The CAM software makes the tool paths with a few selections. Not as hard as I imagined when starting this.
Getting the feeds and speeds right for the tooling and rigidity of the machine is tricky. The 3018 isn't very rigid and doesn't like full cutter engagement when cutting the profile so I have to take it slow.
I decided to do some fitment tests with G10 liner material. I'm glad I did as there was some issues and the model needed scaled down by .5mm oal. Also my feed rate on the profile was too high.
The second test went a lot smoother. It's still off in a few areas. The countersinks are slightly larger on the side without screws and it's a little short near the ricasso.
I'm going to make a few adjustments and update this when I have both sides done. I only had one set of orange liners so the next ones will be blue or white.
Trying to make Q-ball scales
- Josh Crutchley
- Member
- Posts: 1422
- Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 2:44 am
- Location: Michigan
Re: Trying to make Q-ball scales
Love it!!
Steel novice who self-identifies as a steel expert. Proud M.N.O.S.D. member 0003. Spydie Steels: 4V, 15V, 20CV, AEB-L, AUS6, Cru-Wear, HAP40, K294, K390, M4, Magnacut, S110V, S30V, S35VN, S45VN, SPY27, SRS13, T15, VG10, XHP, ZWear, ZDP189
- Manixguy@1994
- Member
- Posts: 18358
- Joined: Fri Jun 10, 2016 12:12 pm
- Location: Central Illinois
- Contact:
Re: Trying to make Q-ball scales
Awesome project , thank you for sharing . Look forward as it progresses, Orange looks nice ! MG2
MNOSD 0002 / Do more than is required of you . Patton
Nothing makes earth so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes.
Henry David Thoreau
Nothing makes earth so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes.
Henry David Thoreau
- Aladinsane
- Member
- Posts: 1001
- Joined: Thu Oct 03, 2024 10:20 am
- Location: Western NC, USA
Re: Trying to make Q-ball scales
Wow! That’s really impressive! I’m trying to get ahold of a Q Ball myself. I really like your CBBL that you made!
-Jeff-
A falling knife has no handle!
A falling knife has no handle!
- Josh Crutchley
- Member
- Posts: 1422
- Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 2:44 am
- Location: Michigan
Re: Trying to make Q-ball scales
Thanks everyone. I decided to go with white for the first set.
Made them oversized to hand finish then like the originals.
Also noticed I have a cracked screw head.
Also noticed I have a cracked screw head.
Re: Trying to make Q-ball scales
I love this project. The ball cage makes the BBL much more finger friendly. I don't know why Spyderco hasn't CQI'd this change themselves.
- Richard