So I decided to make my 3rd projector, the first was a regular 15 inch, the second a pro kit 17 inch, this will also be a pro kit 17 inch. So far I have just made my bulb locating mechanism. It adjusts front to back, side to side, and up and down. This should help me dial in the perfect bulb location. It is 90 percent done, I have to ad a few metal guides to make sure it stays in track. Also, this is upside down, it will be hanging from the top of the projector in the end, my lenses will hang from the 2 main bars and be micro adjustable also.

here is a picture

Interesting progression.

In most manufacturing processes that I've done, the prototypes are made most adjustable, to get things exactly right. Once the results are in, then subsequent builds substitute parts with less adjustment, but more correct tolerances. The idea being that you make things adjustable so that you can move it to where it needs to be. Then you measure where you put it, so that you can reduce parts and complexity (And therefore cost) on production models.

I've noticed a trend here to make subsequent ones with the adjustability that the prototypes lacked. Maybe it will eventually turn the other "normal" way, though the one-of approach to building these seems to indicate otherwise.

Anyway, that's a nice frame, looks like very fine adjustment possible in 2 dimensions.

My feeling is you need something adjustable so that when the technology moves ahead so can you. If we end up having to get a different triplet I can change it with only one board. It we end up with another bulb, i just adjust what I have around.

The bulb is actually adjustable in 3 directions.

I will have more pictures tonight when I get off work.

Here are some more pictures of the progress, the entire thing weighs about 20 lbs so far. everything is going to be super adjustable and have the ability to be locked in place.
i just havent figured out what i want to use for the skin, maybe some oak plywood or something that will look nice stained.

oh and something fun to note about this projector. The only tools I have are a cordless drill and a 10 dollar handsaw mitre box combo. every screw with the exception of those on metal plates has been countersunk to that the surface of the wood is not raised any.

Wow, your arms must be reall sore!

Looks great, though! Nice work.

Ouch! I had one of those $10 miter boxes and used it once and then returned it. I bought a nice $45 miter saw....and then I bought a cordless drill and cordless trim saw combo from Home Depot...oh yeah and a cordless staple gun/ brad nailer. I couldn't help myself.

-- jaydillyo

ok so how is the lamp going to attach to this i was thinking in the last picture where the orange sticker is but it looks offset to the left looking from the rear of the box

it will attach to the piece of wood directly behind the one with the orange sticker. I have it adjusted to where it is moved towards the center so in case of an accident it wont get broken, figured it was safer in the middle. It can be adjusted to where it is all the way against the future wall of the box.

Cool,major adjustability,You definately can't have too much.looking very groovy.

soo.. what heppened with this build? I'm interested to see the final design