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Step 4Attaching mirror to the motor
UPDATE!!!
---
New tutorial "How to balance acrylic mirrors".
www.instructables.com/id/How-to-mount-and-balance-mirrors-for-spirograph-pr/
---
Acrylic mirror is very light, so double sided sticky foam tape will do job.
Piece 1/2 x 1/2 is working good.
You can use thick paper as a wedge to tilt mirror. Insert it between mirror and motor.
In my setup tilt is 2-3 degrees. It results 6' wide pattern at a distance 18'.
It's impossible to center mirror properly regarding motor shaft and even slight offset will cause
vibration and noise at high speed, so I've developed some tricks for mirror balancing.
Make sure your safety glasses still on.
WARNING!!! This method will work only for acrylic/plastic mirrors!!!
At first I've tried to shape spinning mirror with file but fan is low torque device, so even light pressure with tool forced motor to full stop.
Since idea with turning part and fixed tool has failed, I've tried opposite approach -
Dremel with 1/2" sanding drum against motionless mirror, and that's really worked.
Some advices for people who wants to follow.
Motor with mirror must be off.
Select sanding band with coarse grit.
Set Dremel to minimal speed.
Hold Dremel that axes of tool and motor shaft are parallel.
Slowly bring sanding drum to the edge of mirror and press against it. Don't put much pressure. Spinning tool will rotate mirror and file it at the same time.
Take your time, go easy and, if you have enough patience, you'll get perfect round mirror which will run smooth and quiet.
---
New tutorial "How to balance acrylic mirrors".
www.instructables.com/id/How-to-mount-and-balance-mirrors-for-spirograph-pr/
---
Acrylic mirror is very light, so double sided sticky foam tape will do job.
Piece 1/2 x 1/2 is working good.
You can use thick paper as a wedge to tilt mirror. Insert it between mirror and motor.
In my setup tilt is 2-3 degrees. It results 6' wide pattern at a distance 18'.
It's impossible to center mirror properly regarding motor shaft and even slight offset will cause
vibration and noise at high speed, so I've developed some tricks for mirror balancing.
Make sure your safety glasses still on.
WARNING!!! This method will work only for acrylic/plastic mirrors!!!
At first I've tried to shape spinning mirror with file but fan is low torque device, so even light pressure with tool forced motor to full stop.
Since idea with turning part and fixed tool has failed, I've tried opposite approach -
Dremel with 1/2" sanding drum against motionless mirror, and that's really worked.
Some advices for people who wants to follow.
Motor with mirror must be off.
Select sanding band with coarse grit.
Set Dremel to minimal speed.
Hold Dremel that axes of tool and motor shaft are parallel.
Slowly bring sanding drum to the edge of mirror and press against it. Don't put much pressure. Spinning tool will rotate mirror and file it at the same time.
Take your time, go easy and, if you have enough patience, you'll get perfect round mirror which will run smooth and quiet.
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May 26, 2011. 3:51 PMhollowpoint
says:
would it be possible to use mirror tint for the mirror rather then an actual mirror?
Reply
11
May 27, 2011. 2:26 AM
AP Digital light (author)
says:
AP Digital light (author)
says:
You can try any available reflective material and if it works share your experience.
Reply
Jun 11, 2008. 9:57 AMteraboy
says:
what type of fan is it? how many volts?
Reply
11
Jun 11, 2008. 7:24 PMAP Digital light (author)
says:
AP Digital light (author)
says:
40mm CPU fan 5V DC, 200mA
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