LinkerLogs-Comments on a "basic" set and materials

[lshuck]

I found the ref to LinkerLogs in an older Forum thread and have downloaded the files.

I visited the LinkerLog Forum but it seems not to be too active.

For those of you who have experience with LL, what comments do you have re: (FYI I will be using the 1/4 sheet files)
1-the parts that should comprise a basic set?
2-material to be used?
3-other thoughts that come to mind

I will be taking the "set" to Montana and will not my bot avail to make parts or improvements on the fly.

Les

[chiloquinruss]

I made a set from two 4x8 sheets of 1/2 inch ply. The kids at our Christmas Pagent just loved them. One word of warning though - they are addictive! Once I had a few pieces cut out ALL work stopped in the shop! I was very glad to get them delivered!
Later I added the arches set and one more full sheet of just regular parts. It seems the aqe of the kids helps determines what pieces they like. The older kids liked the smaller angular pieces and made some really cool stuff and the younger kids made houses and such using the bigger peices. I just know that everyone had a great time playing with them (me too!). Russ

[gary_n]

I cut 4 sheets of LinkerLogs as part of my grandkids' Christmas. I cut 3 sheets from the Smithfiled files. The 4th sheet was from the base set, the arches. I removed 1 large and 1 small arch and inserted my half-width pieces. This worked out very well and is what I would call a "base set." A 5th sheet of planks would be useful. I will try to get Bill Young to post some pictures in the LinkerLogs gallery.

[lshuck]

Russ and Gary;

Thnx for the info.

What are "smithfiled file"?

Did you find one grade of plywood better than others?

Did you sand or finish edges to minimize splinters?

[chiloquinruss]

go to Linkerlogs.com then go to files. The second reference down is the Smithfield files.

http://www.linkerlogs.com/Smithfield.html

I used the cheapest ply at the depot and yes I sanded the edges and a light sanding on the surface. I've had a request to cut some for a good customer so I'll upgrade the ply and then squirt a little sealer on them when done. Russ

[gary_n]

I used 1/2" Arauco plywood like many others are. I did not sand any edges, but I did sand the surfaces. I cut out the pieces with a 1/4" compression bit in one pass using tabs on a vacuum table. The Arauco plywood doesn't seem to splinter at all. I thought it might.

[bill.young]

I've gotten Gary's pictures posted on the LinkerLogs forum...

http://forum.linkerlogs.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=133

...and will get them in the Gallery on the LinkerLogs website soon. His grandkids built some very neat things!

Bill

[gc3]

In the "Smithfield" files it says to use a .375 bit..."but any bit you're happy with will do just fine"...so does that mean a .250 downcut bit will work without changing the slot sizes?


Gene Crain
www.plantasymaderas.com (http://www.plantasymaderas.com)

[bill.young]

Hi Gene,

I guess that could have been clearer...I'll work on that. The "any bit you're happy with" refers to the 2-flute straight bit that we use...that a compression bit for instance will work fine. The part files are setup for a 3/8" bit and will need to be cut with that size bit for the slots to be sized correctly.

If you want to cut with a different sized bit, though, the dxf and PartWorks crv files are available so that you can re-toolpath.

Bill

[gc3]

Thanks Bill, I kinda figured that only a .375 bit would work, but I thought I'd ask anyway.


Gene Crain
www.plantasymaderas.com (http://www.plantasymaderas.com)

[lshuck]

Bill:

I viewed the picts on the ref you gave and I agree that these are creative kids and give insight as to the adaptability of the LL.

Thnx (you) all for the comments and references

Les

[bill.young]

Hey Les,

Kids always do the most creative and interesting things with them...I always enjoy seeing what they make and appreciate seeing all the pictures.

Generally adults just tend to make wine racks!

Bill

[lshuck]

Bill:

Hmm, WineRacks, I had not thought of that.

I have converted the Smith files to qtr sheets and since I do not have a .37bit at the moment, I changed it to .25UpCut. Am I correct in assuming that the .25 radius will work OK even though the inside cuts will be slightly tighter than the .37?

I do appreciate your hands on experience and your willingness to pass it on.

Les

[chiloquinruss]

Les - I wasn't sure about any of the files and my knowle3dge of how to use them so I started cutting a sheet and then stopped the cutting after it cut the second piece. I then removed the two parts and tried them out. They worked perfectly. I would suggest you might try the same with your modified files. Russ

[shoeshine]

Hey Les, if you get it working would you mind posting the 1/4 sheet 1/2" bit .crv's

As you know, I'm on a BT48 too

[bill.young]

Hey Les,

You'll be fine if you re-toolpath with a 1/4" bit...the dogbones in the corners will be cut the same size, even though they were sized for a 3/8" bit.

Hey Chris,

The Smithfield LinkerLogs files have 0.48" slots, so they can't be cut with a 1/2" bit. There are some files with .50 slots for thicker ply in the base set download, but the dogbones are 3/8" so you'll have to modify them.

Bill

[lshuck]

Bill & Chris:

Bill: Thnx for the confirmation

Chris: I plan to use a .25 bit, are you still interested in the files?

Les

[bill.young]

Hey Guys,

Gary's pictures are now in the LinkerLogs Gallery as well as on the forum:

http://www.linkerlogs.com/Gallery_GN_Xmas.html

[gc3]

Les

Can you send me the files for a .25 bit?


Gene Crain
www.plantasymaderas.com (http://www.plantasymaderas.com)

[shoeshine]

oops I really did mean to say 1/4" bit

yes still very interested

Thanks Les

[don62]

know this is a worn out subject, but humor an old guy. how best do you hold the pieces down? first, i do not have a full sheet vacuum system -if i cut all the way through, i am cutting into my table top and soon, with different linkerlog sheets i have reduced my table top so it cannot get any vacuum. if i leave a small (1/16) then the boards need to be put through a surface sander (which i have), but all the joints need to be adjusted. thanks, don

[gary_n]

Don,
Why not use to tabs to hold the pieces in place? After you cut the pieces out of each sheet, you can sand off the tabs.

[lshuck]

Gene:

I can send you the files after I go thru them one or 2 more times to see if they are OK. I did not conform to the # of parts as contained in original files due to the layouts from full to qtr sheets but the file names indicate what is in them.

Thus, to get a desired # of some parts one would need to run a single file 2 or more times.

In addition, I did not make them look "pretty" and by that I mean all lined up perfectly or as efficient on space etc. as they might be.

Also, you will need to modify material thickness and cut depth as I do not have actual material on hand to get meas etc.

I suspect with the stuff on my plate I will not get the test runs until late in the week or first part of next week.

Given all that, at what stage would like these files? where the simulations look OK or after trial parts?

thnx for your interest in this as well as the filter info you provided earlier.

Les

[gc3]

Les,
No hurry, whenever you get the chance.

You can reach me at plantasymaderas@hotmail.com (mailto:plantasymaderas@hotmail.com)

Gene Crain
www.plantasymaderas.com (http://www.plantasymaderas.com)

[shoeshine]

Gene, when I am doing things like this I just screw & tab, I then use a rotozip with a 1/4" laminate trim bit ( the kind with a bearing at the bottom) to zip out all the tabs. I can do a sheet this way in 5 - 10 min

[don62]

Gary - tabs do help, but you need to make sure that the tab location on one piece lines up the tab location on the adjacent piece and the pieces are so light and the board becomes so flexible that everything begins to move. i like the rotozip idea - big job to zip each piece, but a little round over bit would help to finish the pieces. thanks don

[lshuck]

Bill/Others: Questions on 3/8 bit 1/4 feed rates and arches

I assume the advantage of the 3/8 bit is that if you have enough power and appropriate feed rate/RPM then you can cut 1/2 material in one pass - Correct?

I have never tried 1/2 cut in anything just for safety purposes - any comments on capacity using the router setup on a 48" buddy?

I saw arches in some of the picts and comments but not in the part files, maybe I overlooked them somehow, any leads?

[gary_n]

Les,
To find the arches cutting file go to the Linker Logs forum. Click on "new parts & shapes", scroll down to arches and click on "arches." There 6 arches in 2 sizes on a 4' X 8' sheet. By the way I cut 1/2" sheets for the Linker Logs with a 1/4" compression bit in one pass @ 21000 rpm and a feed rate of 1.5 ips.

[lshuck]

Gary:

Thnx for the lead to the arches.

Do you have a favorite compression bit mfg?

Les

[gary_n]

At the moment I am using bits from Centurion Tools. www.centuriontools.com (http://www.centuriontools.com)

[lshuck]

Gary:

As per your earlier post, the Deer file was located and download completed so, now have the curved parts to complete the parts array.

I have not used compression bits before but based on the description on the centurion site it looks like these could be thickness specific due the way they work so an FEM 2 flute cut length of 1/2 should be used on 1/2 mtl. etc. but I did not find a 1/4X1/2 so I am assuming there is some leeway and one should use the closest match of cut length to mtl thickness -- or does it make any difference"

Also, Gary as per one of your earlier posts, I found the Arauco ply at Lowes this AM and thus one step closer to the "trial"

Many thnx for your thoughtful help

Les

[lshuck]

All:

I made 2 sample files that contain all the various parts (2 or more for ea except 1 ea for the arches). I cut with a 1/4 upcut bit with no tearout. All the parts fit and are in alignment when mirrored.

I am very pleased with the Arauco material and altho it showed .43 on the sign it calipered out at .47 and the bot cut @ .47 without damaging the spoil board. I did not make the tabs thick enough for the first sample (Planks only) and then over corrected on the 2nd sample (connectors and arches)so onto more corrections and cutting.

I will go thru the 1/4 sheet files one more time and then will send to those who have requested same.

Thnx everyone for all the help.

Les

[gary_n]

Les,
No, I would not say the bits are material specific. I use the FEM compression cutters because they have a 1/4" upcut portion on the bottom of the bit--the rest of the bit is designed as down-cut. I use the same bits on 3/4" and sometimes thicker materials as well. I usually buy the 1" to 1 1/4" cut length. You could use that same bit for dado/rabbet cuts as long the cut is deeper than 1/4"--if it is not, I would use a down-cut bit.

[lshuck]

Gary:

Thnx for the clarification.

I could not find any compression bits locally yesterday so used a down cut for this days Linker Log trials and it worked OK. The Centurion source looks good and I am glad to have that ref. Will order some bits this week-end so that I am prepared for future "cuts" as it sounds like a good step beyond my current practice.

Les

[navigator7]

Are linker-log structural?
I saw a link somewhere that looked like a small house or an entrance to a small house made from the linker log idea.
Now I can't find it.

If so, is insulation possible? I saw the shelter pic and it didn't allow for insulation.

My guess is, stick framing is still way more cost effective for say.... small structures, storage sheds or small shops.

Is there any engineering data available for permitting if I am totally off base?

[lshuck]

Chuck:

I have no engineering data available but based on my experience to date, I would say these are not structurally sound to make any larger size structure. They are great as a toy but I would use regular construction methods for anything permanent.

Les

[bill.young]

Chuck,

The basic LinkerLogs are a construction set for kids (and big kids), and not at all structural. We're playing with some ideas for a larger scale version using a plywood/foam lamination that could be used by kids to make larger constructions like playhouses, but it's a work in progress so far.

My guess is that the house you're thinking of is the MIT house for the MoMA Home Delivery show:

http://www.youtube.com/user/seaside5592#g/c/45470E9C46C39ADC

There was a lot of engineering that went into that, but I'm not sure if any is public.

Bill

[navigator7]

HI Bill!
Thanks.
Yep...that was it!

The reason for my question is.....
The recent earthquake in Port Au Prince, Haiti.
Seems to me relative ease of building a structure without the use of power tools that could sleep perhaps four and resist the winds and wet weather of the area would be of value.
The Quonset style might be the strongest????
ShopBotters might be called upon by virtual of a common file to build things like shelters, doors, storage, privies and tables to combat the secondary crisis sure to strike the people....living in dirt.
Seems like good use of the billion spent.

Anything like that in the works?

Chuck

[bill.young]

Chuck

We've had a lot of interest in the last day in the Shelter20 project http://www.shelter20.com from both relief groups and ShopBotters. If/when we get a little further along either Robert or I will post more about it.

Bill

[bill.young]

To update the shelter project (and sorry for the continuing thread drift), they've just posted about the Shelter 2.0 project on the Make blog.

http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/01/shelter_20_distributed_manufacturin.html

Bill

[nschlee]

What happened to Physical Design??

[bill.young]

You can find them at http://www.physicaldesignco.com/

We've currently got one of their designs in the Projects section of 100kGarages and hope to get some more.

[navigator7]

EXMORE: Local group building unique houses to ship to Haiti
FEBRUARY 1, 2010
Post a Comment RecommendPrint this pageE-mail this articleShare

EXMORE — Robert Bridges, of Robert Bridges Woodright Inc. and Bill Young of ShopBot Tools are working together to send emergency shelters to Haiti in the aftermath of the recent earthquake there.


Through their partnership, Young and Bridges have developed Shelter 2.0 (www.shelter20.com (http://www.shelter20.com)), where they are designing and manufacturing digitally fabricated shelters.

The plywood dwellings are quickly and easily erected for temporary use, and have the potential for conversion to more permanent structures. Last week, G.O. Ministries, Great Opportunities in Global Outreach, (www.go-ministries.org (http://www.go-ministries.org)) contacted Bridges about sending the shelters to Haiti to help people near Port-au-Prince.

The organization is willing to transport the shelters on aircraft, however, help in every capacity is needed to make this a reality.

Bridges and Young are working to form a nonprofit organization. S.H.O.R.E. Tech (Sheltering Hope Outreach Research and Empowerment through Technology), but in the meantime Franktown United Methodist Church will support their endeavor to get initial shelters to Haiti.

A painting by Babbie Dunnington has been donated by a Franktown UMC member to initiate fund-raising efforts. There will be a silent auction for this artwork, which will run through Feb. 28. The painting will be shown at Franktown UMC until Feb. 11 and then will be available for viewing at Shore Bank, Exmore through Feb. 26.

Call the church office at 757-442-3481 to place a bid or contact Robert Bridges at info@shelter20.com (mailto:info@shelter20.com) or 757-710-2579 for more information.

WAY TO GO, BILL!

[bill.young]

Hey Chuck,

Robert is the mover and shaker behind all this and deserves all the credit...I'm just a worker bee on this project. It's pretty amazing to watch all the pieces come together.

Bill

[navigator7]

LOL Bill,
I'm sure Robert would say the same of you!

Have you designed or is there a demand for sanitary structures?
Porta-potties seem great in a country like ours but not in a disaster zone.

It seems to me a structure that allows people to clean themselves and yet is itself extremely easy to clean would be just as useful as temporary housing.

Water towers?