[Fastest1]

Any links to the solar project? Is it grid tie?

[atomarc]

Any links to the solar project? Is it grid tie?

I'm new to this solar stuff but I'll assume that "grid tie" means connected to the grid (duh)..yes, our system is tied into the grid (PG&E) after permits and inspections and forms being done. The array was installed by a outfit located nearby that has several offices throughout California. They did stupendous work, all tied into my local network with neat software that show KW output in real time.

Westhaven Solar

Stuart

[the4thseal]

so what are the paint products you are using? I am looking for white paint for machines and am looking for something better than rustolium.

[atomarc]

so what are the pain products you are using? I am looking for white paint for machines and am looking for something better than rustolium.

We used Sherwin Williams DTM industrial enamel. See post #377 for pictures of the actual product. There is really nothing wrong with Rustoleum paint, but in our case, we wanted custom colors and our local paint store couldn't tint the Rustoleum line. We added a hardener to the DTM paint to toughen it even further. The epoxy primer isn't usually used with a direct-to-metal (DTM) paint but we had Bondo we wanted to seal for a even top coat, hence the primer.

If I could have found someone to tint Rustoleum paint to the desired color I would have used it..albeit, with hardener. Valspar enamel hardener is available on Amazon.

Stuart

[the4thseal]

you would add hardener to rustolium? what does that do? sorry for being think, my kung fu on paint is weak.

[Turbo442]

Does hardner work for rusteum industrial in the can? I find rustoleum to be awesome for machines and even work benches...it just takes several months to really cure hard. Once it does that **** is on.

[atomarc]

Gents,

Yes, add the Valspar hardener to any Rustoleum, Tractor Supply or other equipment enamel paint for a better gloss, faster cure time and tougher coat. Follow the instructions for a beautiful paint job.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...=2HMFRVVAO0U80

Stuart

[Turbo442]

Gents,

Yes, add the Valspar hardener to any Rustoleum, Tractor Supply or other equipment enamel paint for a better gloss, faster cure time and tougher coat. Follow the instructions for a beautiful paint job.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...=2HMFRVVAO0U80

Stuart

Sweet, just ordered some. Doing a second run of parts this week and very interested to se if this hardener makes a difference.

[atomarc]

Turbo442,

Great..let us know how you like the stuff.

An important part of getting those types of paints to harden in a reasonable time period is also very dependent on what type of reducer you are using. Run of the mill "paint thinner" isn't going to be the best choice as it takes a long time to dry out of the paint.

I have always used 'synthetic reducer' which is a step hotter than paint thinner but not as hot a lacquer thinner..it's considered a medium reducer and it's perfect for these alkyd enamels. It's on the shelf at most hardware stores...see the attached link.

Klean Strip | Industrial Maintenance Coating Thinner

Stuart

[Turbo442]

Turbo442,

Great..let us know how you like the stuff.

An important part of getting those types of paints to harden in a reasonable time period is also very dependent on what type of reducer you are using. Run of the mill "paint thinner" isn't going to be the best choice as it takes a long time to dry out of the paint.

I have always used 'synthetic reducer' which is a step hotter than paint thinner but not as hot a lacquer thinner..it's considered a medium reducer and it's perfect for these alkyd enamels. It's on the shelf at most hardware stores...see the attached link.

Klean Strip | Industrial Maintenance Coating Thinner

Stuart

Good info. Thanks. I am a little embarrassed to say this but I use to thin and spray the industrial Rustoleum products but I seem to get the same results / finish if I roll them on. It just seems to level out real nicely before it hardens and I never seen any brush or roller marks. I rolled a bunch of steel work benches in battle ship grey that I had previously sprayed with the same product. Hard to tell the difference.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[atomarc]

Yes..I have also seen brushed and rolled on Rustoleum and it is amazing in its smooth finish. Try it the way you have done in the past but use the recommended ratio of hardener..it'll probably be killer.

Stuart

[Turbo442]

I assume you might be wrangling with the electronics about now? Electronics are friggen painful. It I probably missed it....are you going with mach 3 or something else?

[atomarc]

I assume you might be wrangling with the electronics about now? Electronics are friggen painful. It I probably missed it....are you going with mach 3 or something else?

We're going to use Mach-4. Still learning how to interface all the electrics with the electronics with the computer stuff. Nick is very helpful in this area as he has some actual hands on time with a real CNC machine and is learning G code as well. We'll muddle through and try not to blow anything up.

Stuart

[Turbo442]

Stuart,

Here are some photos of my setup. Maybe it will give you an idea or two. I was able to test and troubleshoot my electronics laid out on the piece of wood. Made chips and everything like this with the lathe. Once I was comfortable with the setup I packaged it all in the electrical box. Make sure you ground everything and use shielded wire. Don't go cheap on your power supply. Too bad Tormach wont sell a ready made pathpilot controller. That would be swwweeeeeeetttt as you say.

[atomarc]

A Friday update on "the grizz" Things are moving along! Pardon the picture "dump"...




this right hurr....

https://youtu.be/CWBF62cyYJw




























- Nick

[atomarc]

Hello! Happy Thursday! Since the last post....... all the castings are now painted, I brushed the insides with a thick coat and sprayed the outside with a gun.... have been spending the last few days tying up loose ends and getting everything organized and ready for final assembly! Assembling the machine should be fairly quick, then its electronics time!



(pre spraying, the brush helps "seal" in the nasty casting sand residue)




(brushed inside again..)






(a bug of some sort... )

[atomarc]

:cheers:

[atomarc]

Bella told me.... to tell you.... "ruff!" (hello. )

[photomankc]

That enclosure is a thing of beauty. Painting the insides is a really nice touch.

[atomarc]

assembly from the yesterday. The enclosure and base are sealed and bolted down now. Hit the base with a trifecta of sealing goodness... still need to do a "kitchen sink" style bead around the perimeter on the base as well. I made up a last minute set of "washers" out of some flat bar for the base plate in an effort to distribute the squeeze from the 4 bolts that hold it all together.... turned out well.


(the eagle has landed..)