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These Steampunk Goggles inspired by, amongst others, the work of Gogglerman on Instructables and Jake Van Slatt at The Steampunk Workshop, are an attempt to combine the Steampunk aesthetic with production of some functional eye-wear which would produce excellent lighting and variable magnification. I use commercial loupes in my day-to-day job and have an old pair for use in my shop as needed, so really this was just an excuse to make something I considered aesthetically pleasing, satisfying to make and well into the Steampunk genre. I apologize for any lack of detail, but I would think that this would be more of an inspirational jumping-off place to go out and make something of your own, rather than a detailed "how-I-did-it" account.
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Signing UpStep 1Making The lens Holders
The actual goggles, the part that holds the lenses in front of the eyes is the body of the design, just as the frame holds the spectacle lenses. I made these from 1/8" recycled brass sheet which I got at the metal recycling plant. I annealed the sheet by heating to red-heat with a gas blowtorch and then quenching in cold water, before cutting with tin snips to fit the paper template. Annealing makes brass and copper soft and easier to work with. I used a stainless steel former, again acquired from a scrapyard, around which to bend the sheet and held the curvature with a wire wrap before soldering. The external brass ring was used for aesthetics rather than because it was absolutely necessary.
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and also, what kind of solder did you use? did you use a soldering iron for it or did you use the blowtorch?
I use two torches: the larger is a propane based torch and the larger uses butane, as is used in cigarette lighters and similar. Both will heat metal to >700degrees, so seem to be adequate to my uses. I use Duzall liquid or gel flux and vary my solder from standard lead containing to lead-free silver solder. I find the key is to have absolutely clean surfaces to solder. I usuually freshen the surfaces with steel wool or fine-grade paper immediately before soldering.
sorry but your're rather wrong on that. for those who have no idea on what they're doing....have no experience in your field....its too difficult to fathom making something this complicated. it ends up being a jumping point into the depths of nowhere.
I know what you mean, but I'm also entirely self-taught. You learn by picking up a tip here, a technique there and then putting the bits together in your own individual way. Sure, there will be errors and things that don't work out but that's part of the process, as long as you enjoy what you're doing. Bottom line - have a go, you may surprise yourself with what you can produce.
WHY would I mention this to you? Because the thing in your mind needs to come out as you saw it. What stinks is the amount of work your hands must do to get what your mind thought up so easily.
One of my problems when doing a project like this is when you have a great idea for an assembly and when you go to do it you see physically it can't be done, conflicting intersection points or it's an incompatible sub-assembly.
If you decide to do another similar project, (and I hope you do) here is a hint that may help, a bench buffer, grinder with a wire wheel will eat away excess solder when curves and small areads need the solder cleaned away.
Wonderful project, and best wishes to you.
Bill
Well done.
Currently working on a brass steampunk desk lamp - sort of a mash-up of an extendable anglepoise and something Captain Nemo might have had on Nautilus. Watch this space.
I am studying Jewellery making at the moment, and have been making art/sculpture/props/weird things for years, and you do have the creative/artistic gift.
Believe me, its actually rare. ;o)
I will be making something like this for sure, it will give a good laugh to my fellow students, and freak out any of the more 'square' teachers hehe All this while being practical.
If you have a set of metal rollers, you can roll out the metal after annealing it, which will make it go a lot further, and drastically decrease the weight. all the curves in this will ensure its still rigid with the thinner metal.
Amazing stuff mate!
Warmly, Marty
Very flattered that you mentioned my name :)
Happy new year!