mfstraydog1 Posted July 17, 2010 Posted July 17, 2010 I am looking to build a few star plates. I am thinking of making a 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in plate. The question i have is the thickness of the plates for each of the star sizes. I know the ideal hight of the star is equeal to the dia. of the star. So with that in mind i am assuming the plate is a little higher than the ideal star hight . So when the comp is compress in the form it make the correct size star. so if anyone can messure ther star plate hight or give me some direction to the plate hights would be helpfull. Thanks Michae Freeman
Goofy Posted July 17, 2010 Posted July 17, 2010 I am looking to build a few star plates. I am thinking of making a 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in plate. The question i have is the thickness of the plates for each of the star sizes. I know the ideal hight of the star is equeal to the dia. of the star. So with that in mind i am assuming the plate is a little higher than the ideal star hight . So when the comp is compress in the form it make the correct size star. so if anyone can messure ther star plate hight or give me some direction to the plate hights would be helpfull. Thanks Michae Freeman Mike, For most comps. (glitters/colors) the female plates which hold the comp are 2x times the dia of the star. My 1/2" female plate has a 1.007" deep holes with a corrosponding male plate having 1.07" long pins and my 3/4" female plate has 1.507" deep holes with a corrosponding male plate having 1.548" long pins. I got my plates from Ben Smith at http://www.firesmithtools.com/ the plates produce excellent stars. If you're good at machining and have the right tools then settle in for some time well spent on the lathe and milling machine. If not, I would just save up to buy them. At least take a look at what's out there it may give you some ideas. Goofy
mfstraydog1 Posted July 18, 2010 Author Posted July 18, 2010 thanks goofy. thats all i needed. looks like i will be spending a few days in the shop next mounth to get them made. Mike Freeman
Arte valdo Posted September 11, 2010 Posted September 11, 2010 There is my 6mm 196 holes home made star plate, made from aluminum and brass: http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn126/Artevaldo/Pyro%20foto/DSC00625.jpg http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn126/Artevaldo/Pyro%20foto/DSC00626.jpg http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn126/Artevaldo/Pyro%20foto/DSC00627.jpg http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn126/Artevaldo/Pyro%20foto/DSC00628.jpg http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn126/Artevaldo/Pyro%20foto/DSC00629.jpg Few silver stars made whith this star plate: http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn126/Artevaldo/Pyro%20foto/DSC00631.jpg
Pretty green flame Posted September 11, 2010 Posted September 11, 2010 Arte Valdo, how much for 1 of those?
pyrogeorge Posted September 11, 2010 Posted September 11, 2010 excellent man!!! how do you made the centers for the pins??Looks very accurate!
Arte valdo Posted September 12, 2010 Posted September 12, 2010 Pretty green flame: It's cheap, completed star plate cost to my (translated to euros) about 44 euros. Pyrogeorge : you see three holes on the side? So firs dril them, thent put in them steel pins. Now your star plate won't slide. then you mark the holes and drill. Drill thirst plate through it, and second plate you drill only half. You must do it at the same time. So then you have accurate I hope you understand me My englsih isn't good at all, but I do my best
pyrogeorge Posted September 12, 2010 Posted September 12, 2010 I understand Arte, the pins are glued?
Arte valdo Posted September 12, 2010 Posted September 12, 2010 No, it's not needed.. just drill a little bit biger than pins, my pins 6mm I drill 6,1-6,2mm I don't remeber, than take hammer an punch it in the hole it's simple and very strong
50AE Posted September 13, 2010 Posted September 13, 2010 (edited) 1mm difference is too much in my opinion. The holes must be veery slightly larger, like a 0,05 - 0,1mm difference Edited September 13, 2010 by 50AE
Arte valdo Posted September 13, 2010 Posted September 13, 2010 Just look again what I was writing 6,1-6,2, so diferent is 0,1-0,2mm.
50AE Posted September 13, 2010 Posted September 13, 2010 Sorry! I guess it's one of these days when I act like a retard.
hawaiiwerks Posted January 4, 2011 Posted January 4, 2011 does anyone have a video of how to use a star plate? Also do you had to use a hydraulic press to use a star plate? Thanks in advance
dagabu Posted January 5, 2011 Posted January 5, 2011 Werks, Star plates are not quite as simple as they look. You need to have another plate to press against and you need spacers to hold the plate off the pins if it didn't come with them. Now the fun starts, if you dont support the top plate when you pull the spacers out, it can fall and all of your comp will fall out. You can press a lot of stars by hand, I simply stand on the plate if I need a little pressure but to get the 500PSI on each star for dry comps, you will need a press to get the pressure you need. I also use weak coils springs to hold the plate up before pressing.
alexpyro101 Posted November 2, 2011 Posted November 2, 2011 I'm looking to build a star plate, plexiglass looks too expensive. does anyone know what type of plastic skylighter uses for their star plates?
Mumbles Posted November 2, 2011 Posted November 2, 2011 If even plexiglass is too expensive, you're in the wrong hobby.
Peret Posted November 2, 2011 Posted November 2, 2011 I'm looking to build a star plate, plexiglass looks too expensive. does anyone know what type of plastic skylighter uses for their star plates?It's nylon. Also Skylighter doesn't make them, they come from China, and other people sell them cheaper.
guntoteninfadel Posted November 2, 2011 Posted November 2, 2011 I'm looking to build a star plate, plexiglass looks too expensive. Plexi is cheap! google plexi rod. There are several mfg's that will cut to order with no min order. The plexi sheet can be obtained from ebay generally cut to size. I use 1" thick plexi and as long as you dont make the plate too large it is pretty easily handled. That brass and aluminum thing is sweet though! Great job Arte.
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