oliver2257
Wed 20 July 2011, 21:54
Hello,
I am a returning Mechmate builder. I first started in 2006 or so, had bent steel for the carriage and many things got in the way. I watched with amazement when Fabrica and Donald worked together to get #1 going. I was talking to Mike Ray (Metal Head) about upgrading my parts to the new version with new plans. Conversation got to the reality that getting new would be the best. I was relying on his judgment. It was a great choice. These new parts, not only conforming to the updated plans, are beautifully prepared. UPS must have tossed the package and slightly bent one corner. With some clamps and time, it all just clicked together. All the tabs in place, like a fine jig saw puzzle. I feel Mike has carried the Mechmate along to a new level. Having him as a resource source to me is invaluable. More than once I have purchased parts that almost worked. I do not see this happening here. I have no plans for great innovation. Better minds than mine have been working for some time on this. My opinion, there is a lot more than having the construction plan files. I had those, plans, etc. and still it all gets down to how the parts are cut and bent. Any fees that are now charged are still more than reasonable and I feel one the great bargains available.
I have some cold rolled steel pieces and am using them to square up the carriage. Threaded rod holds it all together, the steel keeps it all straight. Cold Rolled, 5/8” plus thick can be really nice and straight/flat. A light file to remove any dings. Good weight so the parts stay put.
The recesses for the #8 screw heads were handled by a ¾ inch 90 degree counter sink. Metric uses 90 degree taper, US 82 degree. Just going to the bottom recesses the heads and it is possible to keep a slight thickness for the base without enlarging the holes. ¾ quarters is slightly larger than #8 and works very well.
I ordered Teflon washers from James who advertises on the forum. That was an A+ experience. Nicely made and fast service.
One very good thing about the lone pause is the evolution of the design. I have decided on using the 8X15 I beam, some bolt, some weld. Many thanks to Russell (Regnar) for all his sharing and innovation. I am much more of a hermit but hope to share some of my progress.
I am finding the biggest issues is what length table to make. I know I am going to use the standard US width for 4’ ply. Problem is, I have a garage full of tools, some pretty big so decision time. No matter what length, I will be allowing for an extended end to accommodate rotary. Small diameter can be done over the table.
I use ArtCam Pro for my designs and will be doing primarily more art type work. And I am no where near even intermediate with AC. Lots to learn there. It is expensive but has fantastic capability and the support has been excellent, and I feel, getting better and better.
I am a retired, live in California. Built a Long EZ airplane, flew it for years. Nice thing, I have a lot of tools from those days. I have very good fiberglass skills, not too useful here.
Stephen
I am a returning Mechmate builder. I first started in 2006 or so, had bent steel for the carriage and many things got in the way. I watched with amazement when Fabrica and Donald worked together to get #1 going. I was talking to Mike Ray (Metal Head) about upgrading my parts to the new version with new plans. Conversation got to the reality that getting new would be the best. I was relying on his judgment. It was a great choice. These new parts, not only conforming to the updated plans, are beautifully prepared. UPS must have tossed the package and slightly bent one corner. With some clamps and time, it all just clicked together. All the tabs in place, like a fine jig saw puzzle. I feel Mike has carried the Mechmate along to a new level. Having him as a resource source to me is invaluable. More than once I have purchased parts that almost worked. I do not see this happening here. I have no plans for great innovation. Better minds than mine have been working for some time on this. My opinion, there is a lot more than having the construction plan files. I had those, plans, etc. and still it all gets down to how the parts are cut and bent. Any fees that are now charged are still more than reasonable and I feel one the great bargains available.
I have some cold rolled steel pieces and am using them to square up the carriage. Threaded rod holds it all together, the steel keeps it all straight. Cold Rolled, 5/8” plus thick can be really nice and straight/flat. A light file to remove any dings. Good weight so the parts stay put.
The recesses for the #8 screw heads were handled by a ¾ inch 90 degree counter sink. Metric uses 90 degree taper, US 82 degree. Just going to the bottom recesses the heads and it is possible to keep a slight thickness for the base without enlarging the holes. ¾ quarters is slightly larger than #8 and works very well.
I ordered Teflon washers from James who advertises on the forum. That was an A+ experience. Nicely made and fast service.
One very good thing about the lone pause is the evolution of the design. I have decided on using the 8X15 I beam, some bolt, some weld. Many thanks to Russell (Regnar) for all his sharing and innovation. I am much more of a hermit but hope to share some of my progress.
I am finding the biggest issues is what length table to make. I know I am going to use the standard US width for 4’ ply. Problem is, I have a garage full of tools, some pretty big so decision time. No matter what length, I will be allowing for an extended end to accommodate rotary. Small diameter can be done over the table.
I use ArtCam Pro for my designs and will be doing primarily more art type work. And I am no where near even intermediate with AC. Lots to learn there. It is expensive but has fantastic capability and the support has been excellent, and I feel, getting better and better.
I am a retired, live in California. Built a Long EZ airplane, flew it for years. Nice thing, I have a lot of tools from those days. I have very good fiberglass skills, not too useful here.
Stephen