After months of use, both in the beta test and with Version 1, many suggestions for improvement were made. The biggest area of improvement is smoothness. Glassworkers want it to move as smoothly as possible
Here's a list of improvements planned for Version 2
Ball bearings on the horizontal arm to increase smoothness of motion
Ball bearings and new magnet design on twist axis to increase smoothness of motion
Additional control mode that locks twist axis while allowing vertical motion
New software with many improved functions
Hard stops on horizontal motion to prevent over-rotation
Metal mesh covering on magnet wires to protect against heat
Making new drive rollers
Adding drive rollers, from 6 to 8, gives more flexibility. In this configuration, it's possible to hold short pieces
Laser cut steel parts, ready for plating. Zinc was a poor choice, I'm investigating nickel and nickel-chrome
Powder coated parts are ready
Handles are ready to go. The previous handle design with glued laminations looked cool, but wasn't strong enough
Parts have arrived from the anodizer and plater. They look great!
I will be evaluating nickel-chrome and electoless nickel as replacements for the zinc plating in Version 1
Assembly starts tomorrow
The first production unit is assembled
Next step will be to test the nickel-chrome plating
So far, it looks and works great!
After I'm satisfied that it will do the job, I will send the rest of the production run to the plater
My improvised photo studio
The nickel chrome plating works well, production continues
Here's the first Version 2 unit in shipping position. Note the secure screw lock
Another view
Here's the second one
Another view
Fourth and Fifth in progress
Fourth one
Fifth one
My personal Version 2 NQALHA, on the glass bench
Production continues
Production run 1 complete
Units in stock
Production of lock collars is complete
Development continues on the new integrated blowhose swivel
It eliminates the need for lock collars in many situations, and provides a quick-release, ball bearing blowhose connection
Today's version improves sealing while retaining the free motion of the previous prototype
When I made the last run of lock collars, I assumed that 25.4mm would be the biggest size required
Then, a customer asked for larger sizes
38 and 50mm are complete
Experimental right hand punty stabilizer