Looking to build my own custom field, where can one find the materials/resoures ?

[stevemc31]

I am looking into builing my own custom field.

- Can someone please tell me which motors are most reliable ?

- What gague sheet metal is usually recommended ?

- How do I print on the sheetmetal ? Is there a special printer for doing this ? How can I get crisp looking logos to display on the field ?

Any feedback is much appricated.

Thank you

[Orleanian In Exile]

Originally Posted by stevemc31

I am looking into builing my own custom field.

- Can someone please tell me which motors are most reliable ?

- What gague sheet metal is usually recommended ?

- How do I print on the sheetmetal ? Is there a special printer for doing this ? How can I get crisp looking logos to display on the field ?

Any feedback is much appricated.

Thank you

Pit Couture did a whole thread on the subject, showing step-by-step how he built his custom monster field. This thread here recommends Radio Shack n.273-256 motors and a model train transformer to control the current flow.

For metal fields, most board makers choose 24 gauge sheet metal. You'll have to have the sides worked at a professional shop for mounting. It is also feasible to use fibreboard as your field surface, but you'll have differing issues regarding vibration depending upon which surface you do use.

Field dressings are done with field-covers, usually a magnetic or vinyl sheet with the field and the graphics of your choice printed on it. Some very intrepid individuals will paint their own fields, but most go with the cover, which is removable and cleanable. This way, you are not stuck with one permanent "home field" for your board. Field covers are also printed professionally by shops with the right equipment to handle vinyl graphic signs and all you do is give them the electronic file with your design on it and the size you want it in. You will want a field cover as thin as possible so as not to damp down vibration to any noticeable degree to get optimum performance from your motor(s).

Pit Couture, Rollertaco, Megawattz, CLM Designs, JerryM and Reginald Rutledge could give you more detailed advice on these and other board-building issues.

[stevemc31]

Thank you for the tips. This was very helpful.

[FrustratedFinFan]

send a PM to Bluesman 280 if you are going to use the Radio Shack motors. He has a good lead on the proper hobby gears to buy to use as counterweights for the motors. He knows how to mount them too....pretty simple using bass wood and epoxy/resin. I have two of the Radio Shack motors on my Megawattz field and it runs great. You could get the train transformer to provide the current flow....other folks have recommended cheaper rheostats....you might look into that. Rollertaco has a line on those. I use a relatively cheap train transformer.

Some folks hate the rotary motors because there is some "coast" when you shut the board off. I think it isn't that big of a deal, considering the great performance you get from these motors. Once you get used to that little bit of extra distance the players will cover when you shut off the board, then you will have no difficulties. It is only scary to those that aren't familiar with it.

[the french guy]

Hi,

when you pose the vinyl field cover on your board, can you use it directly, or is it a good idea to coat it with varnish, for example ?

another question, what thickness represents "24gauge" ? 1/24 of an inch ? perhaps you've got the measurement in metric system ?

another another question : Searching for motors information, I found that some people used vibrating motors with counterweight factory installed. Did you heard (good or bad) of that ?


thanks;


dimitri

[FrustratedFinFan]

I think high speed rotary motors with minimal counterweight is the way to go, especially for bigger boards. Small hobby gears with a screw or something to offset weight seems to work nicely.