Altering a CB3000

[Deleted member 53138]

I want to make my CB3000 smaller, I have an idea either to completely remove the 3 plastic rods and have it connecting straight to the ring. I might start by trying to make a shorter version of the rods as I still need something to attach my lock to. Has anyone done this before, I can't believe I am the first one to think of this. It will make the cage so much smaller and less noticeable. Tell me what you think.

 

[bondinchas]

I have altered a couple of plastic devices, it worked very well.
The first was a Curve, my very first device. The first image shows it held with an elastic band while the epoxy resin was setting. [Araldite or similar]
I then cut a couple of small pieces from the offcut, and used them to fill the slots in the main tube, as I would occasionally get skin pinching there.
To finish, I smoothed the joins while the glue was nearly set and then when dry rubbed down with some fine grade sandpaper finished it off.
I then sprayed it with some car body panel paint spray that I had, quite pleased with the end result, it proved very comfortable to wear.
[photo=medium]14848[/photo] [photo=medium]14847[/photo]

The finished product being worn: http://bondinchas.tumblr.com/image/147808530579

 

[bondinchas]

the critical things are:
- the correct glue for the material. The Curve and similar plastic devices are made of polycarbonate, 2-part epoxy resin is good for that. (and for repairing the ones that split at the join - I don't know how they weld the two halves in manufacture, but epoxy seems to be stronger than the original join)
- a nice straight cut in the right place so that the two halves join well. The CB2000 that I shortened was a bit trickier as the two cut ends didn't quite match shape wise, but a little judicious sanding and filling did the job. To make the cuts I used a bandsaw, if you don't have one, use a stiff saw with a fine blade and go slowly.
- measure twice - cut once!