Just trying to gather some list here to see what are the most common tools we use to play around/support our Oakleys hobby.(both Hardware and Software) After all, they should all fit in our Toolbox (lol)



1) Adobe (not the clay, but Photoshop! lol) - this is the best tool ever -used either by Oakley webmasters or to support our very own "Signature thread"


2) Torx 6 Screwdriver (aka T6)- if you own an X-Metal, Splice, Mag M.. and doesn't have this tool...go get one! for less than $7 @ Home Depot, you will be lens swapping like crazy


3) Dremel- this has become a household name amongst us. It's a rotary tool BRAND NAME but we use it as a VERB...sort of like TiVo
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4)Auction Sniper or similar - for the Ebayers amongst us-need I say more?


5) http://www.spellcheck.net - some of us maybe conscious about our spelling when we post.

6) how about a Ruby-Meter (lol)


Any others worth mentioning? ... spray paints, pins, rivet guns..our own Iridium Chamber (conventional ovens and aluminum foils)

Hey Cal, can you post the dremel bits or attachments that are used in cutting lens? Dremel is somewhat stranger to me. Thanks

Nice post! And yes - some more infos on the dremel would be nice!

here are the only ones I use....
Dremel Tool Variable Speed


Flex Shaft attachment


Dremel 430 1/4" sanding drum with 431 240 grit sanding barrels. Not too aggressive, and won't make as big of mistakes if you slip!



Dremel 402 Madrel with 420 15/16" cutoff wheels..Make your main cuts with this and shape with the above combo

402



420



***DISCLAIMER*** In no way is this information to be used for anything other than that...INFO...

#5 torx screwdriver is better for splice.

Don't forget a digital camera with a nice macro feature.

Myslef, I'm using a kinda-now-dated Canon S400 PowerShot ELF 4mp, but it gets the job done.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons400/

Best for showing off your collection, projects and the fun a lot of us have had together.

Oh yeah, great to point out Phil...Camera, but not just any camera...Macro is huge...I personally use the Panasonic FZ5 and it is great. Don't buy megapixels, buy optics and features. Shop Shop Shop and do your homework. DPReview is a great site for info because they break them down to the rediculous...
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz5/

how about dont attempt to cut an expensive lens if u know u aint got no good hands. so Id say part of the tools we use is definitely having them good talented hands

Since the toolbox is being brought up. I wanted to know if that bag could fit a full face motorcycle helmet???

For what it's worth....

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The conceptual inverse to the dremel is a bench-grinder. Instead of holding the lenses stationary and working a tool around them, leave the tool in place and work the lenses into it. A 6-inch bench-grinder is ideal for this. The 6-inch wheel is a nice and gentle arc, but still has enough curvature to get some good convex cuts. While the Dremel is still king of detailed work, You'll find that sweeping a lens across the spinning grind-wheel will give you a bit smoother and cleaner cut. Use the Dremel for the creative cuts, and use the bench-grinder for larger movements.

Has anyone tried hand finishing the edges after doing the Dremel work? Like with sand paper or a stone?

sure have...I also have found a couple of ways to do it without having this happen




Those were the results of a minor brush with 2500 grit wet/dry paint finishing sandpaper...Doesn't take much at all with any abrasive to destroy Iridium coatings...Although my edges were nice, the fronts were not. My Gascans came out perfect though. I found a Dremel bit that works well for edge finishing and then very small pieces of ultra fine sandpaper...

if you haven't decided what you want for Christmas, it's not too late to decide. Get yourself a Dremel Stylus, you won't regret this! I recomend this over any Dremel because

-variable speed 5,000 - 25,000 RPM for control
-docking station so you hold the lens with both hands against the rotor instead of one hand holding the lens and the other hand holding the vibrating device
-wireless if needed
-stays charged while at use on docking station
-no memory loss battery Lithium Ion battery
-Dremel can be held 2 ways or just leave on dock




also, don't forget these other tools when cutting your custom lens

Air duster - don't ever wipe the dust with a cloth or you can potentially scratch the lens


Disposable gloves - make sure it is snug fit. Avoid touching the lens with bare hand and minimize the dust on your skin


Marker - this one is more of a personal preference, the better you can see you outline, the better you can cut.

Brush- for cleaning up


Dust mask- disposable and cheap


Painter's tape - Make sure you get the LOW TACK, I think 3M's wallpaper tape is the best. This is just to slap on your lens for protection. (other methods can be used such as Saran wrap?)


last but not the least- Oakley clear safety glasses -you should have one already! I prefer the M-frame/Half Jacket for side protection. Don't get these cheapo ones -lol



feel free to correct my method/recommendations if you have a better suggestion

cal is right there, but I find the flex shaft to work very well on the muti speed dremel. very versatile, easy to handle, no torquey motor in your hands...also, since I do decals, the conform pre-mask tape works perfect...it "conforms" to shapes and curves, and is very low tack to release the vinyl. that is what I used on the pink dog lenses, and it worked beautifully. I wrapped both sides and marked them...That method prevents scratches while handling/cutting them, and you can use the sandpaper to polish the edges without scratches or fatal slips...Always fun to experiment...I will post pix and links...