#Copper meltdown ice press how to

The basic model is easy: use AutoCAD or the equivalent to model the original block, make a sphere of the appropriate diameter, and subtract one from the other. It's not too difficult, but it requires time to learn. If you use TechShop, take their classes and play around with some easier projects first to get a feel for how the machine works.

#Copper meltdown ice press how to

This is the hardest step and will require you to learn how to use a CNC mill and the associated software. Next, you'll want to machine out the hemispheres. I used a 1' ball end, but smaller diameters will work as well. The inner hemispheres will be cut with a ball end mill, and you'll want as large a diameter here as possible. I added rubber feet and a cabinet knob for lifting the top.įor equipment, you'll need a CNC mill and a lathe, and basic tooling. The only extra material is whatever you think will make the final product easy to use. I used 3/4' teflon rod, but teflon turns out to be hard to machine. This piece slides over the stainless steel rod.

Last, you'll need plastic rod of a larger diameter. These serve as the bottom vertical guide shafts. That's a 13-to-1 ratio, and works pretty well. My ice ball maker produces 70 mm diameter ice balls, and the aluminum blocks are each 125x125x75 mm. This is so the aluminum properly melts away the rest of the block.

You'll need blocks that are in total at least 10 times the volume of your sphere. You'll need to pick a size based on the size of the ice ball you want. The basic material is two large blocks of aluminum.