Thread: A-frame free standing mirror (WIP)

Originally Posted by Lplates

The rebates for the glass and the glass backing have already been cut using the router table. Looks like i'll need to find someone to sharpen my bits after this job cos this wood made a mess of my spiral upcut 1/2in bit. I thought carbide was supposed to be tough stuff too, not too impressed with these Yonico bits. On a side note the 1/4in spiral bit from the same set disintegrated on me when I used it for the first time on a shallow (6mm) cut in some pine board. It only went 2in before the bit split into five parts, luckily none of the bits got flung very far.

I would be very concerned using any more of those router bits if they shatter that easy.

I used a Carbi-tool spiral bit on my redgum buffet that is still sharp after bucket loads of mortice cuts. I have lots of different bits from the same manufacturer that have never given me any trouble at all and i consider myself to be pretty hard on them.

I think you may need to invest in some better quality bits. You dont need to spend big bucks, i've bought quite a few from my local Gasweld store (branded Toolmac) that have been durable.

Anyway...keeping an eye on your mirror, looking good.

Steven.

I got out the number 4 and the flush cut saw yesterday to clean up the corners, here is the result. I've placed everything in the position it will sit eventually (without the necessary hinges). Still need to work out the exact mechanism for the angle adjustment but I have an idea of how it should work, just need to find a good way to execute it.
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I'll be ordering the mirror today, it's size will be 1470x510 probably in a 4mm glass. I'll see what the experts recommend.

More soon.

Not much progress on the weekend, just sanding and oiling (tung). I also got around to working out how the adjustment mechanism will work. It will work via a hinged panel that has dovetail slots running through it. The runners will be made from the redgum pieces i had leftover and will have a single bolt protruding in the center. This will allow me to fasten the panel in place using wingnuts. The runners will be screwed onto the back of the mirror backing. I would normally avoid screws but since mirrors are glass and glass has a habit of breaking I thought it best to allow for replacement with minimal fuss if needed.

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I sanded and oiled the above yesterday so tonight I should be able to assemble everything (sans mirror, still need to order it) and see how it looks.

Finally got around to getting the mirror so it was time to assemble everything. They cut the glass a little long so a few last minute adjustments to the rebate with a chisel and it all slipped together pretty easily. The adjustment mechanism works really well too. The max angle is just under 90degrees although I don't think it will ever be used like that as it's too unstable in that configuration. Everything is screwed together so that the glass can be replaced if needed and all the joins in the A-frame use hinges so that the adjustment mechanism can work.
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The towel in the pictures is there because I used Tung oil and I can't be 100% sure it's dry yet, it's only been 5 days so better safe than sorry, don't want it leeching into the carpet.
Hope you enjoyed watching
Mat.

Hi Mat.


It has come up really nice. Adjustment mechanism looks interesting too.


Is it for yourself or a lucky recipient?


Steven.

Competently done!

The mechanism looks to be nice 'n robust, too.

Hi Lplates

It looks great. Hope the recipient appreciated it.

The adjustment mechanism with those sliding dovetails is very nice. I wondered about the load on it. Will the backing sheet be strong enough to support the mechanism over a few years of use?

Paul

Originally Posted by PaulL

The adjustment mechanism with those sliding dovetails is very nice. I wondered about the load on it. Will the backing sheet be strong enough to support the mechanism over a few years of use?

Thank you for all the kind words guys. The recipient in this case was my wife. She's been asking me for something like this for a while just not when I've had time. This time she got me when I was between projects. Anyway she is pretty happy.

In regards to the adjustment mech. There isn't too much load on it since it's (the mirror frame) at a high angle and most of the weight is on the vertical plane which transfers onto the bottom hinges. Also the mirror frame section is quite lightweight since the glass is only 4mm. The adjuster probably wont see a lot of use but i Thought to include it in case she ever wants to change the angle for some reason or another. If i'm honest I was a bit concerned when I was making the thing about whether there would be too much pressure on the back of the glass (ie warping, possible cracking) but there isn't any to speak of yet and like i said it's all pretty light so i'm not concerned any more.

Take care
Mat