Inserts for the Sys Mini 3 - Video

[Stone Message]

Hi Everyone

I could not resist buying a Sys Mini 1 and a Sys Mini 3 the other day. The latter need some tray inserts in order to maximise the space and keep things tidy.

This video shows how simple, quick and easy it is to make mitre cornered trays without the need for any complicated jointing.


The same technique can be used for boxes. BTW, my CXS will fit inside the Sys Mini 1.

Peter

 

[six-point socket II]

That's awesome. I was thinking about how to get some layers within the Mini-3.

Thank you Peter!

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Oliver

It takes longer for the glue to dry than it takes to make them.

Cheers.

Peter

 

[Farming_Sawyer]

I'm thinking some kazen foam glued to some plywood shelves to create layers for storing Forstner bits might fit the bill.... Thanks for the idea, Peter!

 

[pixelated]

Peter, another nicely done video and great idea. Thanks especially for pointing out that a CSX drill will fit in a mini, I may get mine a new home.

 

[Stone Message]

Peter, another nicely done video and great idea. Thanks especially for pointing out that a CSX drill will fit in a mini, I may get mine a new home.

I think that there is a lot of wasted space in some of the tool systainers although I do understand that tools may be better protected as a result. The Mini Sys 1 is perfect for just a few things when the little old lady around the corner phones for some help.

Peter

 

[Michael Kellough]

You’re right, there is a lot of unused space in Systainers populated by the official insert. But, that also keeps the weight down. When I pack a Systainer myself (with no space wasting insert) the thing becomes almost too heavy to take down from a tall stack.

The limited size of the Mini-3 allows it to be fully loaded with steel fasteners and still be manageable.

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Michael

That is a good point about weight and I agree that the Mini systainers have a lot of potential.

I am tempted to look at all the tool systainers that I have and see if a bit of Parf bling might help.

Cheers.

Peter

 

[sprior]

Peter,

Slightly off topic, but I don't recall seeing any videos from you in which you use your X-Carve for projects besides making a cabinet for it.  Is that because you're not using it much, videos focused on it limit your audience, or some other reason?

It came to mind at the moment because making tool inserts for Systainers might be a CNC worthy project.

 

[live4ever]

Great video Sir Parfitt!

Peter,

Slightly off topic, but I don't recall seeing any videos from you in which you use your X-Carve for projects besides making a cabinet for it.  Is that because you're not using it much, videos focused on it limit your audience, or some other reason?

It came to mind at the moment because making tool inserts for Systainers might be a CNC worthy project.

I was wondering the same thing.  I think I remember seeing a video from Theiss Hillmar on YouTube where he made some plastic inserts/dividers for the Minis.  Not sure if the X-Carve can do plastic, but agree it makes for an ideal CNC project, especially if you can use a thin strong material to save space.

 

[Stone Message]

Hi [member=14226]sprior[/member]  and [member=13462]live4ever[/member]

One has to use a bit of common sense...

If you are producing loads of items all the same then the CNC starts to make sense. If you are making a one off then the investment in CAD/CAM just does not make sense (for me). However, if the shape (or whatever) is difficult to produce using normal tools then even a one off might be better done on a CNC.

If I were cutting the rebates on a CNC, then some strange setup for the mitres it would take ages longer than a few passes on the router table and then the Kapex. I would be happy to have a race against a CNC guy making these inserts. He or she would have to start with no pre-made files. I would start with a pencil and some lumps of wood. I would win.

Peter

 

[Svar]

Peter,
Slightly off topic, but I don't recall seeing any videos from you in which you use your X-Carve for projects besides making a cabinet for it.  Is that because you're not using it much, videos focused on it limit your audience, or some other reason?
It came to mind at the moment because making tool inserts for Systainers might be a CNC worthy project.

I was wondering the same thing.  I think I remember seeing a video from Theiss Hillmar on YouTube where he made some plastic inserts/dividers for the Minis.  Not sure if the X-Carve can do plastic, but agree it makes for an ideal CNC project, especially if you can use a thin strong material to save space.

Perhaps it's just me, but cutting simple rectangles from sheets using CNC seems counterproductive. Track saw or table saw sled is faster and less wasteful. Look at Theiss' video, he could have gotten 5 more dividers from that sheet had he used a saw.

P.S. Hah! Peter beat be with the answer.

 

[live4ever]

Hi [member=14226]sprior[/member]  and [member=13462]live4ever[/member]

One has to use a bit of common sense...

If you are producing loads of items all the same then the CNC starts to make sense. If you are making a one off then the investment in CAD/CAM just does not make sense (for me). However, if the shape (or whatever) is difficult to produce using normal tools then even a one off might be better done on a CNC.

If I were cutting the rebates on a CNC, then some strange setup for the mitres it would take ages longer than a few passes on the router table and then the Kapex. I would be happy to have a race against a CNC guy making these inserts. He or she would have to start with no pre-made files. I would start with a pencil and some lumps of wood. I would win.

Peter

Well, I don't really have any common sense because for some reason I think I need to make a million (now or in the future) of whatever I'm working on at the moment.  It rarely materializes that way but I live in fear of the regret.  [tongue]

For the record, here's the video I was thinking of:=

 

[sprior]

I didn't mean to just ask about the sys 3 inserts, I was asking if Peter was using his X-Carve for that or anything else these days.

 

[Stone Message]

[member=13462]live4ever[/member]

If you want to use a $5000 CNC to produce one or two Sys Mini 1 inserts then fine but the video gave me the impression that there was a lot being made.

[member=14226]sprior[/member]

I am not using the X-Carve much at the moment as I am so busy doing tool design work. Most of my time is sitting at the computer using Draftsight (like AutoCad) and then producing prototypes by hand. My problem with the X-Carve for really accurate work that I need for prototyping is that it is not quite good enough. Do not get me wrong, it is a great small shop CNC for all sorts of uses but for my current work (accurate to 0.1 mm or better) it is not quite there. I do not put any work out to other woodworking CNC people as they cannot match what I need. So I stick with my drawings which then go to a $400,000 CNC for really accurate prototyping. In my workshop I produce simple prototypes to be used for proof of concept only.

Peter

 

[ben_r_]

I have several Mini 1s and a Mini 3 and have to agree the Mini 3 definitely needs some layered organization options! Its just a little too tall and a little to small to be used as is.