Need help with range finder stalk

[Mister Hyde]

What is the best way to cut out the range finder stalk? I've tried using a jigsaw, hacksaw and box cutter but I always get a sloppy result no matter how careful I am. I want it to look perfect, uniform and even on both sides from top to bottom with a perfect round wheel at the bottom. Are there any tutorials I could reference?

 

[tubachris85x]

have you considered purchasing an aluminum stalk from a maker? Or are you making one for a scratchbuilt helmet?

 

[Mister Hyde]

It's for a scratch built bucket. I wouldn't want to put a nice aluminum stalk on a scratch built bucket.

 

[tubachris85x]

It's for a scratch built bucket. I wouldn't want to put a nice aluminum stalk on a scratch built bucket.

True. I have never scratch built one myself, but I know Ive seen others who have, what they'll do is cut out the shape several times, stack/glue the layers until they have their desired thickness, and then sand/smooth/clean it up that way. Good luck!

 

[Stormrider]

What _i_ did, which isnt for everyone was this:

I went to the hobby store, and bought three pieces of square alum or brass tube.

Glued them all together.

Cut a piece of circle plastic and cut a notch in it, and glued the two together, with large washer as backing.

That way I had, straight, and hollow.

But to get something you cut fully straight, you put your piece of large sand papeer around a piece of 1x6 wood, and just slide itup and down, so you have a nice flat, long, straight edge, and you sand the whole edge at once.

Eventually, it will be flat.

 

[madmanmoe64]

It may sound stupid but try a cardboard one.I made mine from layers of mat board which can be cut with a ruler and scalpel making it perfectly straight.

After a few coats of primer it doesn't look like cardbard at all.

I hollowed mine out and ave ires running down it and it still supports a fair weight.

Check Antman's posts for a detailed tutorial

 

[Jango72]

I've made a few stalks, most out of 1/8" thick hardboard ( two pieces glued together ) and one out of plasticard ( two sheets of 3mm glued together ).

To cut out the stalk, that's easy... I used a scroll saw and went nice and slow, following just outside of my desired cut lines. Then I used my dremel with a sanding drum on it to smooth the edges to the final thickness ( and proper flat/square shape). I finally used fine grit sandpaper and sanded the final finish by hand. They all turned out great, just remember to take your time.

 

[Rupidupe]

As was mentioned. Draw the stalk on the material you're making it out of. Cut the stalk out just around the outside of the line, then use a dremel or sander to sand down to the line you drew...this will make it clean.