Turbulator: DIY 3D-Printed Watch Parts Cleaning Machine

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JimInOz

·Sep 11, 2026·Melbourne Australia

rendo

I actually like the looks of the new design better.

I didn't sign off on the revised design, but I'll let it pass this time 😁.

Actually better than before I think, and the couple of cm height difference isn't noticeable and if you hadn't seen the original design before, then you wouldn't know.

 

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CaliberKingPin

·Sep 12, 2026

Agreed next time though maybe put out a survey before making large cosmetic changes again!

Joking of course. Lol

 

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GuiltyGear

·Sep 22, 2026

Revisited the main PCB and ended up doing a bunch of changes:

• Upgraded to a 4 layer board, which gives me more routing options but most importantly, keeps a solid GND plane on layer 2 uninterrupted by routes. It increases the price a bit, but it's a better board.
• Changed the heater + fan control circuitry to a n-channel mosfet + driver. Simpler and will run much cooler.
• Changed the reverse polarity protection diode to an "ideal diode" p-channel mosfet. Again, will run much cooler.
• Added the connector for the limit switch, something I had forgotten about last time.

Also finished the front-panel PCB. This one is smaller, simpler, and just 2 layers. A few passives related to the actual parts, like debouncing on the switches. Apart from some sanity checks on the fitment, it should be good to go for an order. Wish me luck.

 

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JimInOz

·Sep 22, 2026·Melbourne Australia

I had a good check over of all of your specs and my only comment is, the blue colour of the prototype board looks fine to me.

The rest of it is "nice technical words", my electronics instructor from 1977 would be shaking his head at my ability to remember all of those lessons.

 

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CaliberKingPin

·Sep 25, 2026

Nicely done! Who is printing the boards for you? Are you an electrical engineer by trade?

 

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GuiltyGear

·Sep 25, 2026

CaliberKingPin

Nicely done! Who is printing the boards for you? Are you an electrical engineer by trade?

Not an electrical engineer. Have been brute forcing into the field over the past year or so. Boards will most probably order at jlcpcb.

 

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CaliberKingPin

·Sep 25, 2026

Wow good for you man that's impressive!