New member and question regarding Hegner machines.

[WorshipfulEyewear]

Hi all, I've just signed up because almost every machine related search I've carried out in the past brings me here and I always find relevant and helpful information. So thanks for that.

I'm a cabinet maker by trade and am currently in the process of starting a new venture making handmade acetate spectacles. Although I enjoy getting the jewellers saw out, I'm looking at getting a scroll saw for rough cutting the blanks before milling and filing to shape. A short amount of research, and my belief that you get what you pay for, has pointed me in the direction of the Hegner machines.

Part of the process requires ripping a blank 20-25mm in thickness in half to allow the temple wire to be sandwiched. The entry level (with speed control) machine would be sufficient for roughing the face blanks but I feel it may struggle with this rip (although acetate is a relatively soft plastic). Have any of you guys had experience using a scroll saw to rip, maybe using a makeshift fence?

It would be nice to get one quality machine to do both tasks than having to find a bandsaw just to do this rip cut.

Many thanks,
Matt.

 

[Chippygeoff]

The Hegner would undoubtably be the machine to go for in achieving hat you have described. A lot of machines will give off excess vibration despite being bolted down but with the Hegner you could put a pound coin on edge and run the saw at full speed and the coin will remain where it is. The thickness of you material will not be a problem but I am not 100 per cent sure about the correct blade as I have never cut acetate before. I suspect a metal cutting blade may be the best option and if possible try cutting some off cuts of the acetate before making the real thing. There is a possibility the acetate may weld back to itself due to the heat build up as it does when cutting perspex. It will be a matter of cutting at different speeds to see which speed proves to be the best. Also have a very good tension. I am sure the Hegner will easily take on both the task you have mentioned and will prove a joy to work with. Please keep us all informed of how you get on and a very warm welcome to the forum.

 

[Alexam]

Welcome to the forum Matt and hope you find what you are looking for.

As you may have seen, I am presently looking for a Hegner scroll saw, but a second hand one in good condition, but they are few and far between at present.

Hope you had a good Christmas and that the New Year will be good for you.

Alex
(Malcolm)

 

[marcros]

i would be interested to see some samples of your work, particularly the acetate that you use.

for plastics generally, you want as slow a cut as possible, to avoid the heat issues. make sure that you keep it moving, and experiment with blades for speed, heat, finish etc.

A small bandsaw is an alternative. with a narrow blade for curves. although no good for cutouts, so perhaps not a viable alternative.

 

[WorshipfulEyewear]

Thanks for the replies and confirming my suspicions. The Hegner is on the shopping list.

Marcos, the acetate is one of the harder things to get hold of. The good stuff still comes from Italy, Mazzucchelli in particular, although it looks like the Chinese manufacturers are catching up on quality and choice. The industry is built around large companies and bulk sales, so I'm currently practicing with old stock from one of the guys still doing it.

I've worked with corian, acetate and perspex while cabinet making and find acetate somewhat easier. It is softer so chips less, is easier to file and bring to a high gloss. Acetone melts it and is used as a glue creating seamless joints. It'll definitely require a lower blade speed and slow feed.

I'll be sure to report back once I get to work, still waiting for a couple of bits of kit,

Once again, thanks for the warm welcome and hope all had a good Christmas

 

[ChrisR]

Matt.

Welcome to the forum

Plus one for Hegner.

One tip, when cutting any plastics cover the work piece were the cut is going to be with clear tape (Sellotape) to name one, this has a lower melting point than most other plastics and will provide a form of lubrication preventing the cut work, welding back together again. Not a 100% prevention but very close.

Take care.

Chris.

 

[marcros]

thanks. i assume that celluloid is unobtainable now?

i ask from a pen turning perspective. always nice to find alternative sources of material.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Might be worth thinking about an old (cheap) three wheeled bandsaw for ripping.

 

[Alexam]

Possibly a smaller bandsaw, like the Proxxon may be suitable. There are a number of smaller saws available.

http://www.axminster.co.uk/proxxon-mbs- ... GwodXl4MQQ