The things a machinist can do...

[65ShelbyClone]

The things a machinist can do...(pics)

My seasonal job as an apprentice machinist just ended, but I got a few things done for my car when the work slowed down. I realize calling this tech is stretching it, but I suppose it can get moved over there if its a problem.

Anyway, take a gander:

Fuel pump block-off

Carb linkage quick-disconnect joint, 303 stainless knurled jam nut, 303ss 12-24 to 1/4-28 thread convertor, and a 3/16" titanium rod

Aluminum HEI module heat sink plate lapped on precision granite for flatness and a knurled/HeliCoiled air cleaner nut.(yes, I see the geasy fingerprints)
View attachment 504305

Tool steel post pressed into the old(disposable ) idler bracket and a 303ss domed nose.
View attachment 504307

Probably the most functional parts in the lot; bronze Z-bar bushings, a full set of each white and black Delrin Hurst shifter bushings, one set of bronze shifter bushings, a clutch fork pushrod with greasable rod end and hardened tip, billet door lock knobs, and a 303 stainless water pump bolt(scratch built).

I also did up some Delrin z-bar pivot bushings, but forgot the pic.

 

[WORTH]

someone has been having FUN

 

[MustangMatt1966]

because i told you that the roller bearing conversion was worth it, can you make me some stuff!!!!!!

 

[65ShelbyClone]

This is a change, usually I'm the one asking for favors . They'll have to wait until next summer when I go back to work, though.

I forgot, I also made a bunch of Teflon Roto-Loc washers for the A/C compressor fittings and a phenolic carb spacer. I wanted to make more parts out of titanium, but that stuff is a bear to cut internal threads in.

Something I was DYING to get around to was building a set of tie rod-ended aluminum shifter linkages for my Hurst, but once again ran out of time.

 

[Route666]

That's some fantastic work!

 

[C0V3R]

Awesome and definitely welcome in the tech forum. The more of this the better!

 

[65ShelbyClone]

Thanks. The things I did are fairly basic compared to what a seasoned pro can do, even on manual machines(which is all I used). If I could do CNC programming and setup or had 40 years experience, everything would have been really cool.

 

[zookeeper]

You got that right. I program and operate a Haas CNC machining center and get to make all kinds of fun stuff. We have to account for our time very carefully, but if I beat the estimate by a bunch, I sneak in personal stuff. Last week I made some trick fire-bottle mounts for my bosses drag car. I've also made canard wing ends for a vintage front motored dragster, fuel tank mounts for a Jr dragster and assorted parts for one of the guys at work who races a circle track car, all on the sly for free. When I start doing stuff for myself that takes a while, I'll need to come in on my day off and buy my own material. The neat thing about CNC stuff is that while you're running the companies stuff, you can do the programming for your own stuff, then when the time's right, put in the material or fixture, load some tools and run 'em. Parts that would take hours on conventional machines take minutes on CNC. I highly recommend that you take some classes on programming if at all possible. I use MasterCam and it's pretty easy and very powerful software. It's almost like getting paid to play all day, it's that much fun. Sure, there are days you want to slam your head in the door, but the more you do it, the better it gets. It looks like you're doing a great job on the manual stuuf BTW. Those are very nice looking parts!

 

[65ShelbyClone]

Thanks. They look good and are right on the numbers(because I made the numbers ).

Right now the shop I was in only has a Haas tool room mill, but they're expanding and are getting a 12 hole tool changer plus an indexer(they should have just bought a VF to start with). Where I was at, the engineers use Solid Works and down in the shop they program on BobCad. I was trying to convince the manager to get a CNC lathe as well.