Console Project
So, moved on to the sides of the lower portion of the console.
This part I am using "STARBOARD" it is made for marine applications and thus will withstand lots of abuse - like kicking it on accident, and climbing into the back seat. Makes sense yeah? This stuff is about $100 for a 4.5' X 8' sheet. It is very flexible and for this application I am using 1/4". Since it flexes, this would be ideal if you were making a slightly curved console.
One length cut, which will do both sides.
Layed the console on its side and traced. If you want nice straight lines - learn to drive a bandsaw - like really learn how to drive it. I have been using one since I was 12 years old. But that's the secret. Learn to draw with it like a pencil. If you can't and you are making a complex shape - use the bandsaw to make curves, then a table saw with the guard pushed away to make straight lines. Just run it into the blade at an angle that will hit the soft side of the cut. The higher the blade, the straighter (but rougher) the cut. If you have the blade down low you can actually use it to cut curves.
Learning time OVER!
Now, sides attached with ABS glue and screws, which will get ground down and filled.
Note that the sides aren't EXACT, this is good. You want a little left-over to sand down to your desired height. Yes, ABS sands, and it sands rather quick, so I recommend not using anything tougher than 100gritt.
If you want the ABS to turn black again after you sand it (it will be frosty grey) you can heat it with a hair dryer, or paint abs glue in a thin coat over it and let it dry. The glue will cause the surface to melt a little, and re-harden with a glossy finish.
Now it's ready for a test fit. the sides sit down 2" on both sides of the console. This is where the carpet will attach eventually, with a vice-like piece inserted into the inside of the console. I'll show you how that works later - when I get to that part.
Messed up a gauge hole earlier - going to remake that plate in a smaller (1/4") section. Not a problem!
Also thanks for all the feedback guys.
Had to stop for the day cause muffler time!
So, moved on to the sides of the lower portion of the console.
This part I am using "STARBOARD" it is made for marine applications and thus will withstand lots of abuse - like kicking it on accident, and climbing into the back seat. Makes sense yeah? This stuff is about $100 for a 4.5' X 8' sheet. It is very flexible and for this application I am using 1/4". Since it flexes, this would be ideal if you were making a slightly curved console.
One length cut, which will do both sides.
Layed the console on its side and traced. If you want nice straight lines - learn to drive a bandsaw - like really learn how to drive it. I have been using one since I was 12 years old. But that's the secret. Learn to draw with it like a pencil. If you can't and you are making a complex shape - use the bandsaw to make curves, then a table saw with the guard pushed away to make straight lines. Just run it into the blade at an angle that will hit the soft side of the cut. The higher the blade, the straighter (but rougher) the cut. If you have the blade down low you can actually use it to cut curves.
Learning time OVER!
Now, sides attached with ABS glue and screws, which will get ground down and filled.
Note that the sides aren't EXACT, this is good. You want a little left-over to sand down to your desired height. Yes, ABS sands, and it sands rather quick, so I recommend not using anything tougher than 100gritt.
If you want the ABS to turn black again after you sand it (it will be frosty grey) you can heat it with a hair dryer, or paint abs glue in a thin coat over it and let it dry. The glue will cause the surface to melt a little, and re-harden with a glossy finish.
Now it's ready for a test fit. the sides sit down 2" on both sides of the console. This is where the carpet will attach eventually, with a vice-like piece inserted into the inside of the console. I'll show you how that works later - when I get to that part.
Messed up a gauge hole earlier - going to remake that plate in a smaller (1/4") section. Not a problem!
Also thanks for all the feedback guys.
Had to stop for the day cause muffler time!
