Some interesting metal working tools

[BBShark]

Lots of work. Here is the finished car at SEMA:

 

[rtj]

He incorporated a lot of stuff we discussed in the aero thread.

 

[rtj]

A guy is coming tomorrow to pick up the hot rod irs. When I disassembled it, I messed up a spacer for the coil overs.

Went out looking for scrap to make a new one. Somehow stumbled on this lug nut.

Left is original, a lug nut, and on the right is the copy. Lug nut worked perfectly. Yeah, my tolerances are pretty loose, but it will work fine and the steel quality should be great.

 

[rtj]

$3700, actually thought it would be higher.

 

[rtj]

Okay this one is off topic. That said, when all the tariff on aluminum talk was ramping up, I found a car trailer on sale in MI. I was actually cheaper than what guys were asking for the same model in used condition.

I ran across this “camper” today that you put on your own trailer or in a pickup bed. Neat idea, but since it is glued and screwed foam board covered in bed liner, 2500$ seems high for a DIY’er.

I really don’t crave camping, but for the occasional trip, this might be ideal. Plus, only one trailer to plate and insure.

 

[rtj]

The trailer I grabbed and the tow dolly for driveway moves.

Being able to drop a camper on this might be nice. Maybe later, pretty busy now.

 

[phantomjock]

Coincidence?
I've been researching various methods to make an enclosure for my car-hauler.
Been looking (seriously) at SnoCaps, for a "Serpent Express-Style" build.




And, also been considering a DIY effort using Maker-Pipe and EMT Conduit. Cover with Aluminum Composite panels or canvas. (Best is Shelter Rite skin)



Now Foam enters the mix! Might get a sheet of 2 inch 4x8 and see how it "works." A number of YT videos using their product.

Just what I don't need -- a side step... Thanks Anyway!

Cheers - Jim

 

[rtj]

Yeah, it would be nice to be able to switch to enclosed sometimes.
I’ll see if I can find photos of one for sale. He made a pipe structure and appears to have had a custom tarp made.

 

[rtj]

“Get the best of both worlds with this 17 foot Featherlite trailer with a custom built removable heavy vinyl enclosure. This aluminum trailer is light and easy to pull with a 7 foot interior height for tall vehicles. Six bolts and 2 people can remove the enclosure to use it as an open flatbed. In overall great condition. Just came back from Chicago with it. Selling because I need a larger trailer.”






Not secure at all, but for $6000 probably a good deal.

 

[phantomjock]

Just the Featherlite ought to be worth most of the asking price-
But of course Buyer - Beware... Wide enough?
Looks narrow - dual bike trailer maybe?

Cheers - Jim

 

[rtj]

Getting ready to start working on cars again, hopefully will be able to finish a bunch of unfinished projects.

Anyway, my old lawn tractor was just listed for 550$ a month ago, and people were starting to jump on the ad. Well, an unusual rattle made me pull the ad after a couple of days.

The driveshaft belt looked like ____, but to be sure ordered a new driveshaft bearing.

I’ve had this for 12 years, snowblower for two years and lawn mower every year.

Someone had put the pulley on with bondo last time ad it was galled up. So, bored it out made a bushing, but then needed to recut the key way.

 

[rtj]

Amazon has free shipping on broaches. Last time McMaster zinged me for shipping, it was as much as the spring washers.

Use lots of oil. You can see I damaged a cutter on the brass guide, but it still worked.

Oh yeah, quiting half way through leaves a tapered key way.

 

[BBShark]

I've never broached anything. Are you doing that on a hydraulic press?

 

[rtj]

Yes, hydraulic press. Seemed to take less effort than expected.

If you order from Amazon watch delivery dates. I didn’t and the first one I ordered is still on it’s way from china.

 

[rtj]

This vevor high lift table was a Black Friday sale on Amazon with free shipping. I ordered it a couple of days ago.

I will probably keep the HF as it is sturdy but I seem always need more height, which ends up being a two part/step lift.


The YT videos look ok.

 

[rtj]

Same brand as the mag drill for which bob77vet just posted photos.

 

[rtj]

I’m calling this the Back-Saver. As expected, it kind of shakes when compared to the HF lift table, but the lift height is impressive. I’ll keep both. My big rotary table is too much to lift anymore, so this will work great. When I welded up the mill-drill stand it was a bit too high. I’ll fix that when it gets disassembled next time.




Funny story, the blue lathe in the background has been pretty good once the new chuck and tool post were installed. And, the feed rate gearing improved. Anyway, I was machining some sway bar heim joint links. After intermittent running over an hour or so, the motor started smoking like mad. Shut it off and let it cool a few minutes, then back to machining with no issues. Go figure. I’ll keep an eye out for old treadmills as those seem to work as replacement drives.

If you are wondering what is going on with the windows, I welded up 0.5x0.5 steel bars to keep people out. 12 years and so far so good.

 

[rtj]

A couple of comments, after fooling around with the broach and keyed pulley, the hydro drive went to ____. So, rather than trying to sell it for $500, I listed it at $150 and described the issue. Engine running in the vid must have sold it, as it was gone in one day. Those 2 cylinder kohler engines are popular.

I saw these on another forum and had to ask for their name. As usual, Amazon stocks a variety of them. I wish I had known a few years ago. Tack clamps for tubing. There are narrow ones that might work on pie cuts.

 

[rtj]

Not metal working, but I saw this on another site.

Use one of these when changing tires to lift tire into place. They have some height adjustment and allow rotation.





Might try this next time.

 

[Administrator]

Not metal working, but I saw this on another site.

Use one of these when changing tires to lift tire into place. They have some height adjustment and allow rotation.



View attachment 57931

Might try this next time.

That's neat to have, but you'd still need to lift the tire to put it on, right? Or is there something I'm missing?

 

[rtj]

Video showing how it works….

 

[rtj]

I picked up one of these. Yeah, I know, snap on is pricey, but I’m tired of those hacksaw blade holders. The hacksaw blade usually folds up.

Seems to work good. Plus, the blade is very well secured.

 

[BBShark]

Your right, those hacksaw hacksaw handles are useless. Might as well wrap a bunch of tape around the blade.

The sawzall handle is a great idea. I'll wait for HF to steal the idea.

 

[rtj]

Well, if you want to save some $$, you would just need to find a junk sawzall. Then strip it down and remove the main shaft. Add a handle and maybe a wing nut release, done.

 

[rtj]

First 4 minutes tells the story. After that is mostly a factory tour.

 

[BBShark]

That is a pretty impressive operation. Kind of a mix of old school and modern production methods.

Looks like they make a 60's Mustang. It would be nice to see a comparison with a Dynacorn Mustang.