The Curta.org Bulletin Board

[Pete]

Hi Guys (Murff),

I see various "demo" models (some casing removed, window cut on upper carriage, baseplate cutaway) on sale from time to time, often at OUTRAGEOUS prices. But it seems to me there's little to do to make one of these - a cutaway in the clearing plate, a cutaway in the carriage, remove the outer housing around the sliders, cut the baseplate sides off.

I mean, there's 37180 on eBay right now for a starting bid of $2100. But it's a $800 machine with a couple of bits cut away, nothing more. Has anyone attempted to make one of these on his own? I'd like one, and I have a donor machine available. But if there are pitfalls to avoid, I'd like to hear about them before I get my hacksaw out and start cutting!
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Cheers, Pete

[murff]

hi Pete


You're speaking about Curta 37480, starting bid GBP 2,150.00 ... (it's the Curta from the red box).

If you like to cut off a Curta by yourself you need some specific mechanical handcraft skills. And a milling machine with the fitting fixing tools. Then you disassemble your Curta (hoping you will be able to assemble it again later ) - and now you will have ONE try for milling the parts. If this is given and you really like it... let's start!

I would estimate about $800 for the complete professional work - so in total a "demo" Curta is worth about $1600 - not more.
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:: m u r f f
:: curta.li

[Pete]

Hmmm. The disassembly-reassembly scares me more than the cutting; here in Toronto I know metalworkers and millwrights. More on this later I guess.
_________________
Cheers, Pete

[shtoink]

I can't help but wonder if having a 3D model of the Curta might help with deciding where to make the cuts. As long as the model is accurate, you can cut it up until your heart's content with risking a functional Curta. What's even better, is you can cut it up, and then render it to get a better idea of how it would look in a finished state.

It's just a thought, though...

[murff]

I made a virtual demo model (based on real Curtas...):

cut - uncut

You can move the cursor line or click anywhere in the picture (also the keyboard cursor should work).


Enjoy
_________________
:: m u r f f
:: curta.li

[Pete]

You never cease to amaze.
_________________
Cheers, Pete

[dab658]

You have prepared a wonderful job again.
Sometimes I do not understand where you got so much time ...

[murff]