240 Inwall Construction (Image Intense)

[melev]

I've got a question that I don't believe has been asked and answered yet: When you make something, such as the acrylic chiller project, do you make a prototype out of anything first, to work out any logistical issues? Or do you plan it out on paper, follow a punch list, and just create them truly as one of a kind? That last project reminded me of a guitar for some reason, maybe because of its shape (before the cooling chamber was attached) with the wing nuts.

I can't imagine dreaming up such a plan, and getting it right the first time. How did you know how much vacuum was necessary, as well as the tolerances that would end up doing damage to your final product?

 

[jnarowe]

Dude, It's Weatherson for God's sake. I suppose you'll be wantin' to know where the Holy Grail is next eh? :lol: :lol:

 

[melev]

Of course I want to know that. I just didn't realize you were curious as well! :fun4:

 

[weatherson]

Well... my mind, while lacking in so many other ways, is extremely analytical. Some say to a fault. So I typically don't prototype much but I actually did so on the Anti-Cycle device. That one required testing different configurations to get it "right" once the basic principle was determined. Other projects, such as the skimmer and chiller coil housing, I simply measure and work from there based on intuition or experience and what's bouncing around in my mind. In the case of the chiller coil housing, I measured the chiller coil and estimated what was required to build the housing well beyond being near faulty mechanically. (in fact, I did so for the coil of the next model up from what I currently have for room to grow ) That is... overbuilt like I prefer for general peace of mind. The vacuum area I guessed at as I couldn't find much information or any basic formulas in my fairly limited search. In the end, what my instinct told me, fortunately, worked as desired.

I can generally see what I want to build in my mind and figure out which pieces are the best to start with and work from there. There are times when I will jot down measurements to compensate for my lack of memory but the rest is basically from scratch. I hope this doesn't come off sounding arrogant or worse but it's just how I do it and this seems to work pretty well... so far. You have to keep in mind (no pun intended) that I've been a tinkerer and have been enthralled with engineering my whole life, starting with having taken everything apart at a young age. Perhaps not such a virtue back then but it has helped me greatly in present time. Curiosity of and appreciation for art and creativity have always been strong on my list of interests. I find a certain Zen in there and always have.

The other aspect of all this is being able to look into a piece of work and "reverse engineering" it. It's quite fascinating to "see" where the original designer was coming from and how he or she overcame certain obstacles during the original design. If you know what to look for and have a relatively good understanding of design and engineering, you can literally see the path taken and the abilities of that individual, whether lacking or far surpassing the norm. This can equally be applied to art and music. The "looking into" a song or painting tells a huge story, well beyond the superficial.

Anyway... enough babbling.

Joseph.

 

[melev]

You've taken your mechanical aptitude to a much higher level. Gifted is a pretty good word. :thumbsup:

 

[JGross4]

Truly Inspiring! Extraordinary work, and beautiful tank! You dont happen to be a college professor do you? I would love to take a class from you! haha...seriously!

 

[jnarowe]

It is a rare individual that has the linear mental capacity for engineering as well as the non-linear abstract sense of art. That's why your work is so appealing to us geeks!

 

[weatherson]

Marc, JGross4 & Jonathan: Thank you for your kind words.

Joseph.

 

[erics3000]

It is truly engineering ART.

 

[weatherson]

erics3000: Thank you.

Joseph.

 

[adddo]

Ive posted earlier in the thread, but have to say again that this is truly a masterpiece not only in beauty of the tank and the inhabitants itself, but also in the engineering and 'behind the scenes'. Truly inspiring and a big thanks for the awsome documentation Joseph!

 

[jwedehase]

You know... one thing I didn't see in this new split...

What camera are you using?

LOL.

 

[weatherson]

I knew I was forgetting something. Here you go...

Seriously, just to get this out now... I shoot with the Canon EOS Digital Rebel (the original version) and most of the macro shots are with the Canon 100mm lens.

Joseph.

 

[speartheman]

You must be the of DIY ! I've seen a lot of your work and its awsome

 

[speartheman]

You must be the of DIY ! I've seen a lot of your work and its awsome and your tank looks great too

 

[weatherson]

speartheman: Are you typing on your cell phone because you're breaking up? Seriously, thank you very much.

Joseph.

 

[thor32766]

sweet tank, love it!

 

[weatherson]

thor32766: Thank you and me too.

Joseph.

 

[Rock Anemone]

Wow, absolutely stunning!

 

[mg426]

Unbelievable, TOTM