After 20 minutes of taking measurements off of someone's A5-Lux, I had all the dimensions I needed to do another round of sketches. Then I moved to Google SketchUp and made a full 3D model. Even though the nitty-gritty construction details were not 100% accurate in the SketchUp model, I used the model to figure out the different stock aluminum I needed, and specific cut lengths for some pieces.
Later on in the build (about 5 months later) I learned SolidWorks in an engineering class. By this time in the build, I had most of the pieces made, so making an accurate model was much easier this time around. I used this model to figure out the exact length and placement of the "folding support bar", but I'll get into that later. However, I'll open each step from now on with a picture of the part from the Solid Works model.
Once I had my SketchUp model, I made a materials list and ordered all of the aluminum from Online Metals. I also took time to figure out generic screw sizes, and ordered these from McMaster-Carr.com. I used mostly 8-32 socket-head and 8-32 button-head, with several 5-40 button-head screws for the little things.
I was originally going to purchase the replacement 8 inch A5-Lux wheels from the Razor store, however, I decided against it after I found out they were back ordered and 60 dollars. After much online research, I found that large wheel-chair casters are cheap, durable, and pretty available. I got two 8 inch wheels from some guy on eBay for less then 20 dollars.
Early on I decided I wanted the deck to be clear acrylic, so I also ordered a piece of 1/4 clear-green acrylic from E-Street Plastics. I'll use my school's laser cutter to cut out the deck. Laser cutting acrylic is great because it likes to crack and chip when you machine / cut it with regular saws, and the laser cutting also 'flame polishes' the edge when it cuts it, so it's just an all-around great way to cut acrylic!
OS X: Popular RSS reader NetNewsWire just announced a public beta of its next version, just in time for Google Reader's demise. The software adds a variety of features, but temporarily removes an important one for many users: sync.NetNewsWire 4 brings a major re-design of the interface, making it look more like a native Mac app and adding some attractive touches here and there. In particular, the new share menu makes it easier to share any article you find via email or on social media. A distraction-free reading mode removes images and puts just the text of an article on a simple off-white background. You can now also bookmark individual articles to read later, mark certain feeds as your favorites, and manage everything with tabs. More features—like sync—may come with the final release. For now, you can give it a try for free during the beta period and pre-order if you like it at 50% off ($10).NetNewsWire (Free Beta, $10 Pre-Order Price) | via The Next Web
Tools Needed: (That I needed personally) 3 cans white plasti dip spray paint 3 cans neon "blaze" pink plasti dip spray paint 1 can gloss plasti dip spray paint Rim cleaner, towels, deck of cards/tape if necessary Change summer/winter rims if needed
Clean rims of all grease, dirt, etc. and dry. Line inner tire with cards (to avoid overspray). I suggest changing your summer and winter tires for the day to fully let the paint dry over night after spraying.