"Lumenarc" Reflectors...

yeeg · #1 01-07-2009, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenSpottedPuffer

I figured that but to me that only applies if I were actually getting paid 24/7 and this was actually loosing me money

Otherwise all this is doing is taking away from...sitting in front of the TV, playing video games, maybe going to the bar, Canreef, I don't know...I waste all kinds of time

I bet if I had kids, I would just buy them

I also hate ordering things from the states and having them shipped. I can't find the mini's in Canada so far and the bigger ones don't fit my canopy.

Man...so many people seem to think this is a waste of time!

I'm not saying its a waste of time, I was just wondering if it was worth your time...Dont get me wrong, I love to save money as well but if it a matter of being able to buy the product vs build it myself, I would consider all sides of the equation. I did however, plumb my tank and thought it was a lot of fun. But then again, I cant buy a plumbed tank but I could have hired omeone to do the job.

It is different for me as the more I work, the more I increase my future pay whereas someone with a salaried job will only see instant compensation in terms of overtime or other benefits.

Delphinus · #2 01-07-2009, 05:36 PM

It's only a waste of time if you think it is. I wouldn't make the reflectors myself, but I have 2 kids and not a whole lot of luck when it comes to making things come together and having them look good when all is said and done. But if I had access to the proper tools and materials and the desire, then I might. I DIY some things, I buy others. It's all about what you want to do and know what you can do and know what you probably can't do. I'll say this: now that I have Lumenarc reflectors in my possession, they are a lot chintzier than they look in pictures. Ie., they are just flimsy aluminum polished on one side, bent in a hundred places and then riveted together. I don't see any reason why one couldn't make their own provided they had access to a press and brake, and something to model it after. I say "press" because I think it would look like total crap if you used tin snips to cut the pieces. But the aluminum is so thin that you probably COULD use tin snips. I wouldn't have known how to make my own but now that I see them I bet I could make some if I had access to the proper tools.

GreenSpottedPuffer · #3 01-07-2009, 05:51 PM

Those ones in the first pics were made using tin snips and look great.

Delphinus · #4 01-07-2009, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenSpottedPuffer

Those ones in the first pics were made using tin snips and look great.

I only meant if *I* had to use tin snips it would look like cat barf. There's always a slight warp introduced into the aluminum everytime I squeeze down. Actually even the ones you pictured I can see that in it too, although it's pretty minor. I guess it's not reason in itself not to do the project but I was just saying if it was me, I'd prefer a press for the cuts over tin snips. It can't be THAT hard to find access to a press .. I bet most machine shops would be able to do it if you provided the metal and the measurements.. having said that it's not something I'd ever look into. For me, I wouldn't do this project but I actually meant I understand why you might want to do the project. It's all good.

Chris_A · #5 01-07-2009, 08:45 PM

Delphinus,
Do you mean, use snips then press the edge flat or use a shear? Just trying to clarify is all.

A shear would only be useful for the outside edges. Any cut outs would have to be done by hand and because of the design even a notcher would be of limited use. If one was really good they could be made with a zip disk, some kind of backer and deburring tool... but you'd have WAY more patience than I.

If it was a job at the shop, for sure! For home DIY... snips would be good enough for *me*

.

So far as getting a shop to do it, I don't know what going rate out there is but I get charged out at $95/hour for fab work... (and that's cheap, the shop down the road charges $120/h) Assuming the fab is a one of (or a small number anyway), a store bought one would look dirt cheap after that bill!

Honestly the only way I could see these being produced cheaply is by hand (diy) or mass production with a Punch Press. Lol! I seem to be fresh out of those... Anyone got one sitting in a corner of their garage? Maybe with the right die's sitting around too?

j/k

Chris

daddy01 · #6 01-08-2009, 12:54 AM

Hi,
Have you tried a HydroPonic(speling?) outlet I was told they might have sheets if reflective materials.
JIm

fishytime · #7 01-08-2009, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daddy01

Hi,
Have you tried a HydroPonic(speling?) outlet I was told they might have sheets if reflective materials.
JIm

You were told huh?...Uh-huh

daddy01 · #8 01-08-2009, 03:30 PM

Yes Fishttime I was told by a plastic shop where I went looking for reflective sheets plastic for a canopy idea I had. But I never followed though with it. Just my idea.

GreenSpottedPuffer · #9 01-07-2009, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yeeg

I'm not saying its a waste of time, I was just wondering if it was worth your time...Dont get me wrong, I love to save money as well but if it a matter of being able to buy the product vs build it myself, I would consider all sides of the equation. I did however, plumb my tank and thought it was a lot of fun. But then again, I cant buy a plumbed tank but I could have hired omeone to do the job.

It is different for me as the more I work, the more I increase my future pay whereas someone with a salaried job will only see instant compensation in terms of overtime or other benefits.

My job is the same. I work from home and the more work I do the more money I make. Generally I do a bit more than what I am expected but not much. I am not someone who can spend my whole life working

I just don't see my time as you see yours. I can't put a price on it. If I did think that way, there would be so many things I would never do.

plutoniumJoe · #10 01-07-2009, 06:44 PM

I enjoy the DIY projects and find them rewarding. Many times when it is all said and done even without a price tag on labour they may not be that finacially rewarding. I enjoy the problem solving and the tinkering. I have two kids and try to include them in the projects as much as possible. When things come together and they work I think it can be a valuable lesson in physics, biology, electricity, and even life. Even if I break even on a project I sometimes take solace in the fact that the quality of many of the components are better than those found in pre-assembled products.