Re: Billet Aluminum Dash Bezel
 

Tonight I cut a jig to align the top & bottom anvils. Next is to cut the frame tube & match it up to the flange on the back of the top wheel assembly.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...eelwoodjig.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ginstalled.jpg

Re: Billet Aluminum Dash Bezel
 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...elBracket1.jpg

I got the frame built. I knew when I decided to built an English Wheel light enough to easily mount to the wall receiver it would be a challenge. Deflection is not a good thing, so I am hoping to make up for the light frame with some triangulated bracing. Only time will tell if it works or becomes lawn art. I figure if it doesn't work I can always build a steel frame since the top & bottom anvil yokes are bolt ons.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...mebracket2.jpg

Re: Billet Aluminum Dash Bezel
 

Just about done with this deal. Got all the steel parts painted black & made a plywood rack for the lower anvils. All that's left is to dial in the top anvil. Seems to have pulled the bottom in a little during the welding. A shim ought to bring it back into alignment. I tried it out and I'll be if it doesn't work. Time to get back on the "Z" now.

The plan was to make it light enough to carry around. Weighs 84 Lbs. including a set of anvils. My shoulder fits under the top arm so it's not bad taking it out & putting it in the wall receivers. I planned to put struts on the bottom arm but it seems to be pretty stable the way it is. If it becomes a problem I'll add that later. Don't want it any heavier than it has to be.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../AnvilRack.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...elFinished.jpg

Re: Billet Aluminum Dash Bezel
 

I tried a scrap pc. of .080 aluminum just to see what it would do. Bare in mind I've never used one of these contraptions before so I'm sure it would turn out better with practice. I'm surprised how easy they are to use. I figured I'd get a workout pulling & pushin' the workpiece back & forth but it's so easy a caveman could do it. :lol:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...numwheeled.jpg

Re: Billet Aluminum Dash Bezel
 

And, it fits in the void behind the door with the Bead Roller, Shrinker/Stretcher, Plannishing Hammer & Welding table when they aren't in use. So, I'm hardly loosing any floor space at all when it's all put away. I have to add one more receiver on the storage rack for the vise since I now have one more attachment than I do storage rack receivers. On normal days this space is just more or less a hallway to the back room where the CNC is (where I normally do sign work). I need this space open so I can get materials into the room and signs back out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...oolstorage.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...lsStorage2.jpg

Re: Billet Aluminum Dash Bezel
 

O.K. Now I'm done. For sure. I'm in the sign biz' ..... I had to do it.....what can I say? lol.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...heeldecals.jpg

Re: Billet Aluminum Dash Bezel
 

Gary

I like both the fabrication work and the sign art! Nice job!:)

P.S Did your brother Dave teach you how to weld aluminum?

Re: Billet Aluminum Dash Bezel
 

Gary,

Great thread! You are one handy dude! An artist no matter what the medium.

LOL, first time I have seen Norm's name on a site like this.

Keep up the good work and keep us posted.

Bill Lamb

Re: Billet Aluminum Dash Bezel
 

Thanks Bill L.
Bill B. you didn't work with Dave by chance?
To answer your question I watched Dave lay a bead once or twice but he moved to Georgia before he had much time to teach me. I don't really weld aluminum I just melt it together. lol.

Re: Billet Aluminum Dash Bezel
 

Gary
Yes I did and I have inspected dozens and dozens of his welds and he was one of the best! I can't weld aluminum worth a damn fortunately T-Roy can!
I believe Rick Elberts introduced me to you at RT-66?
Are you going to finish that turbo charged bad boy this winter?