Dar Shelton
sheltech@webtv.net

>Brian Ross wrote:
>>
>> Hi Lee.
>> Brainstorm on pin forming dies.
>> I tried to post this, but couldn't get on to the site.
>>
>> 1. Square pins are cheaper; hex pins have best packing ratio
>> 2. a couple of saddle clamps might be enough to restrain the pins under
>> short spans.
>> 3. put rare earth magnets around the inside of the clamps to loosely
>> hold pins when not fully clamped
>> 4. don't need individual cnc on pins: put them under a modelling mill
>> (like Phil's) and position the pins using a tracer ball head in the
>> spindle
>> 5 high pressure support could be had by spraying underside of pin array
>> with release agent; pouring epoxy cap (becomes base when in working
>> position)

>Lee
>

I thought of a low tech, super cheap approach. Small dia. hardwood pins all cut the same length and ammassed in a frame; position their heights however (by hand, or with a quickie model) . Then glue them in place and saw off the ends on one side so that side was flat ; that'd be it's base.