Chicago Flag Key Hook

34 likes
271 opens
60 copies
3 comments
Alex Berger

Project by

Alex Berger

General Information

Rep Chi AND stop losing your keys

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1

Designing

I designed this project using Easel (www.easel.com).

This HDPE is white on top, but when you engrave it deeper than .05", it reveals a thick layer of blue. Use the following depth settings for each part of the file:

2 Rectangles - .07" 4 Stars - .25" to cut all the way through the HDPE 5 Squares - .25" to cut all the way through the HDPE

2

Milling

Mill the HDPE. I cut this on a Shapeoko 2 with a speed of 15 and a depth per pass of .04". I used a carbide 2 flute straight flute end mill found in the Inventables End Mill Starter Set. The material milled beautifully.

Next mill the "silver acrylic hooks":http://app.easel.com/projects/pvBa6hf-CByf0G-vA8pnHg and the "red acrylic backer":http://app.easel.com/projects/wOuMtWmC275F2TR2wUuHRg. I cut these on a Shapeoko 2 with a speed of 25 and a depth per pass of .02"

3

Assembling

To attach the red acrylic, carefully cover the back of the cut HDPE with Weld-On. Line the red acrylic up and press it against the back of the HDPE. Apply pressure for a few minutes until the pieces are fused together.

After cutting the metallic silver acrylic, you'll have 10 hook pieces. Each hook is made from 2 of these pieces sandwiched together. For each hook, apply Weld-On to the large flat surface of one piece, then line the 2nd piece up the same way and press them together. Apply pressure for about a minute until the 2 pieces are fused together.

Attach the hooks to the HDPE/acrylic piece one at a time. Put a few drops of Weld-On into one of the 5 square holes, making sure it covers both the inner edges of the HDPE and the red acrylic. Put a few drops on the back of the hook, then insert the hook into the hole. Apply pressure and hold for a few minutes until the hook is secure. Repeat in the other 4 holes. Let the Weld-On dry completely for a couple of hours before using the hooks.

I hung this on the wall using basic mounting/hanging strips meant for photos.

4

Finishing

Lightly sand the milled portions of the HDPE to remove tool marks. This will leave the blue parts a little white/dusty - apply a small amount of mineral oil to restore the color and add a polished finish.

Michael Audette

Very nice. When are they going to let us mere mortals use easel.com? Makercam works (sometimes)...but easel looks to be just what the doctor ordered.

Michael Audette

Alex Berger

Hi Michael, you should have access now! Please feel free to share any projects you've been working on :)

Alex Berger

Sarah Massey

I ordered the kit for this project but the blue acrylic does not fit in a Carvery

Sarah Massey