I guess it depends on how they are used. I’m thinking that using the fence on the table saw to regulate and control slot separation of fins might be stepping over the line but just as a safer cutoff tool with the t-guide might be okay.
Yes, yes, and yes. All of them are allowed to use as a cutoff tool. [Although I think table saw might be dangerous if working with metal. Be careful out there!]
Does it have to be strictly battery powered, or are other portable energy sources allowed? My entry last year used kerosene. I don’t want to give away too much, but I don’t plan on using conventional batteries this year if I don’t have to.
Thanks for the fast response _the_. Much appreciated.
Rufusbduck wrote:
I guess it depends on how they are used. I'm thinking that using the fence on the table saw to regulate and control slot separation of fins might be stepping over the line but just as a safer cutoff tool with the t-guide might be okay.
This sounds exactly how I planned to use the table saw. It's a very tedious and manual intensive process as you have to very carefully rotate the part and not allow it to shift at an angle from the fence. That was how I did my battery tube last year (it's documented in my build thread). I respect the ruling though and will comply if I participate.
I wish I had a cutoff saw and knew what you were taking about with the t-guide. Do you lock the saw blade in a fixed position when doing this. I can't picture rotating the part and holding the saw blade at the right height. Sounds crazy dangerous, but I probably just don't understand.
EDIT: I think I see what you are talking about with "t-guide". I think you mean using the table saw as a safer way to make a cut by using the t-guide accessory of a table saw.
Table saw used in a safe and manual intensive way is allowed.
Let's try to be keep this event FUN and the rules loose and flexible enough. Judges will lower the score if they think that a contestant is bending the rules too much. :)
Someone help talk me out of entering the machine made category. I’m seriously hampered with a lathe that can’t thread, but I’m still all itchy to enter even knowing I’d have to have a really strange design to avoid large internal and external threads.
Don’t enter. Just watch from the sidelines. Be a spectator. Threading is essential to a good machine-made design. Besides, you don’t want any of the prizes being offered anyway, right? J)
Table saw used in a safe and manual intensive way is allowed.
Let's try to be keep this event FUN and the rules loose and flexible enough. Judges will lower the score if they think that a contestant is bending the rules too much.
Just trying to clearly understand the rules so I don't bend them.
Go for it Henry. Just make the pieces fit snug, then D&T them and screw them together to secure. This is a make the coolest light contest, not the most user friendly lost in the woods light contest. Regardless, I’d have a screwdriver with me in the woods. Hell, there is nothing going to be user friendly with my light.
The way I’m reading the rules I don’t actually have to own the machines I use in the build, just be the one to program and operate them while they’re running my parts. A whole universe opens up for me if that’s right, I have A LOT of machines open to me at work and the local community college.