Scratch Build – In Progress Hydros Core Copper Reservior

Hi this is part of my first full scratch build!

So I am currently completing the design for a new case which I will hopefully have done in a month or so. So in the mean time I am working on making a reservoir out of copper for it.

I am a student at Walla Walla University and I am taking a machining class so I have access to a bunch of tools that make this much easier.

This is the machine that I am using. She is kind of old but gets the job done!


This is the part so far. I have quite a bit more to do on it including making the base and adding some fins etc.




I still have another pass to do on the inside to clean it up.

 

Now that's the way to start a log!!!

 

^^Hell yes!

Now why didn't I think of that!?

 

Thanks for the comments! I finally was able to get into the lab today and get a bunch of stuff done so here's an UPDATE!

I started by adding enough clearance for my bolts. I am making another piece that will be the base but I have yet to start it.



Next I added my massive "fins"!







Then I added the o-ring groove after grinding a new tool.



After that I parted/cut it off.





That is as far as I could get today... The shop doesn't stay open as long as I would like(Only 7 hours today ). I should be able to get some more done tomorrow so I will try to keep you guys updated.

 

Hydros Core Copper Reservoir Updated 3/28

I have been on Spring Break for the last week so I haven't been able to update or work on my project. But here is what I got done before I left:

First we had to offset the head of the milling machine to 30° to be able to chuck the part.





Then I drilled 4 holes for the O-ring seal:





I also barely started the base:





I should be able to go into the shop tomorrow.

 

looking good!
can you make one resevar 4 the water cooling?

 

But what a beauty!!


Looking great and good luck with the rest of the build!!

 

That is what this is for. I haven't put the fittings on it yet but I will have those done soon.

 

What copper alloy is that, as it looks like brass, well unless the colour settings for your pictures are out.

Nice machining

 

the lighting in the shop is really yellow. I tried to correct the photos. Idk what type of copper it is I will try to find out tonight.

 

I'm trying to do the math here...
If I take and flunk machine shop 101 repeatedly for the next 10 years...but stayed in the lab for 10 hours every day...
Do you think the instructor would notice I was only there to raid the equipment?



Will you put a port in each end, or both ports on the bottom?

 

I wish I had access to a lathe,nice work so far i'll be watching this closely

 

I will be putting one in the top and one in the bottom/base. There will also be a fill port in the top

 

Hydros Core Res Update

So there is some good news and bad.

First the bad:

While trying to face off the top of the res with this chuck:



The chuck didn't hold the part and it fell off and took some damage.





So we decided to use a vise which worked for facing the top.







Right now I am waiting to tap for G1/4. I still have to order the tap. The correct tap is BSP 1/4 19 right and is there anywhere in the USA to get them somewhat cheap? also what do you guys use for the drill hole size? I know some people are using 11.8mm?

Thanks!

 

just give up the case and make a lightsaber...

thats my two cents

 

Great work and wonderful pictures. I have a "sweet-pot" for copper.

 

Arrrr you beat me to the lightsaber jokes.....
It looks like its not brass after all, it appears to be bad lighting or something. Good work so far, reminds me of a res I saw on sale somewhere in the forums..... Hmmmm....
Hey, you should lathe up your own barbs too! Or make leak-proof barbs, i.e. barbs that are lathed right out from the top and bottom of the res!!!

 

that is copper

and it looks way-cool

 

US 1/4NPT is compatible to G1/4. I don't know if BSP1/4 is.
You will need a g1/4 O-ring barb handy for test fitting. Because it's a tapered thread tap, it's easy to over/under tap it.

 

Sweet work so far. Thanks to MS and Langer I am now addicted to copper lol, this is just the last nail in the coffin. I can't wait to see more.