This project was a departure for me: from wood to brass. I’ve always fancied making a sundial, especially a vertical sundial.
Software:
- VCarve for Gcode
- F360 and Illustrator - Modelling the DXF file for VCarve (mucking around converting file formats)
- Sundial software: I reverse engineered the math on this site to create a script for F360: Declining vertical sundial calculator
- Useful Website:
- Wall Declination: Sundial:Make Sundial
- Sundial Creation: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ802706.pdf and https://sundialsoc.org.uk/ and Vertical Sundial Designer - DT Online and The Sundial Primer - Index.
In the I end used this wonderful piece of software: ShadowsPro - sundial and astrolabes
Machining: I did everything with an Amana 90 Deg V Bit (45 IPM, 18k), except the slot for the Style and cutting out the Style where I used 1/16 flat bit (5 IPM, 18k)
Material: 3mm Brass for Dial, and 1.5mm Brass for the Style (Gnomon)
Dimensions: 250mm x 250mm
Lessons Learned (Even Better If…):
- Experiment more with Brass carving Feeds/Speed and get a sharper bit (I have punished this bit since July 2021 when I first got my 1F and I doubt it was meant for brass)
- Whilst I enjoyed programming F360 and understanding the math behind sundials, Shadows is a great bit of software, so just use that.
- photographing shiny things is awkward - the finished dial looks nicer than the picture (and I always look fatter in a picture)
