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Anything Manufacturing - Small to Medium Scale Metal Work (CAD/CAM included!)

Discussion in 'Garage / Workshop' started by Kwikvette, Oct 5, 2024.

  1. Jul 27, 2025 at 9:26 AM
    #781
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette [OP] Well-Known Member Vendor

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    4 run, 2 don't
    I stopped telling people that in the CNC groups long ago :rofl:

    They're always calling it a ground so I just let it be.
     
  2. Jul 27, 2025 at 9:32 AM
    #782
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette [OP] Well-Known Member Vendor

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    4 run, 2 don't
    Looks like you're due for an upgrade anyway! ;)

    Either a machine torch or new plasma cutter (I always look for reasons to upgrade :anonymous:)
     
    Drainbung likes this.
  3. Jul 27, 2025 at 9:34 AM
    #783
    TacoTuesday603

    TacoTuesday603 I welded it helded

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    Fox and Locked suspension 63's Skinny 33's
    I fixed it in 10 minute with a cable lug....

    Yeah looking to pick up another cutter so I dont haver to disconnect this one from the table. Its really a pita
     
    Drainbung likes this.
  4. Jul 27, 2025 at 9:38 AM
    #784
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette [OP] Well-Known Member Vendor

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    4 run, 2 don't
    While I'm normally a proponent to the "2 is 1 and 1 is none...", there should be no reason why it's a pain to disconnect your plasma cutter from the table.

    I have no idea how you wired things up, but when I used to run my PrimeWeld CUT60, I did find myself cutting both on and off the table. Having a machine torch allows one to leave a torch dedicated to the table, while having access to a hand torch off the table. And the cables to the VIM and table controller? Just disconnect them as it's just 2 or 3 total plugs (if you got THC).

    I used to cut a lot of stuff down off the table, specifically for some trailer repairs or cutting down large sheets to smaller pieces.
     
    Drainbung, koditten and soundman98 like this.
  5. Jul 27, 2025 at 9:39 AM
    #785
    koditten

    koditten Well-Known Member

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    Reserected from the dead.
    I lost a set screw on one of my steppers today.

    The circles get a little squinty when one stepper has left the chat.

    Fortunately I caught it early. Only fucked up one bracket.

    I forgot to update.

    My fab shop got me for $400 for materials and bending. I'm happy with that.
     
  6. Jul 27, 2025 at 9:40 AM
    #786
    TacoTuesday603

    TacoTuesday603 I welded it helded

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    Its just cause I have to disconnect evverything while cramped between the bridgeport and the table. Setup isnt even close to dialed in yet. Booked too much side work to make shop improvements

    upload_2025-7-27_12-41-22.png
     
  7. Jul 27, 2025 at 9:42 AM
    #787
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette [OP] Well-Known Member Vendor

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    4 run, 2 don't
    Ahh I hadn't considered placement, makes sense.

    Had my plasma cutter next to the table for the longest time until I threw it underneath. I'd just roll that fucker out, disconnect some plugs and the torch and it was ready to go.

    Speaking of, I haven't even used my Hypertherm's hand torch :anonymous:
     
    Drainbung likes this.
  8. Jul 27, 2025 at 1:12 PM
    #788
    koditten

    koditten Well-Known Member

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    Open heart surgery on the table.

    PXL_20250727_182433752.jpg
     
    Drainbung likes this.
  9. Jul 27, 2025 at 1:13 PM
    #789
    koditten

    koditten Well-Known Member

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    Of course you have to remove the entire drive top gain access to those screws.

    PXL_20250727_182426495.jpg
     
    Drainbung likes this.
  10. Jul 27, 2025 at 1:17 PM
    #790
    koditten

    koditten Well-Known Member

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    Job is done. Off to the fab shop to get bent.

    The 2 on the right were rejects.

    The loose set screws made the left side of the gantry lag That stepper and gear drive was just going along for a ride. The gantry is stiff enough that the right stepper and gear drive was carrying the entire thing.

    PXL_20250727_200850703.jpg
     
  11. Jul 27, 2025 at 1:20 PM
    #791
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette [OP] Well-Known Member Vendor

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    4 run, 2 don't
    Shame you're not around - I'd charge you $5/bend to bend all those at 90 degrees.
     
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  12. Jul 27, 2025 at 2:23 PM
    #792
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette [OP] Well-Known Member Vendor

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    4 run, 2 don't
    What should I pay for someone to take some nuts, and turn them down a bit on a lathe?

    I'm talking from 1.8" (corners) down to 1.49" round.

    Unless someone wants to do that for me here?
     
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  13. Jul 27, 2025 at 2:32 PM
    #793
    Pyrotech

    Pyrotech Well-Known Member

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    poor mans lathe.. chuck them up in the drill press using a bolt as an arbor an use a flap disk to take down the edges, use a file to get down to nearly the final dimension and emory cloth to final.
     
  14. Jul 27, 2025 at 2:36 PM
    #794
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette [OP] Well-Known Member Vendor

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    4 run, 2 don't
    Rather just have them done on a lathe for quick and precise work but I did consider that route way back when I made my stool.

    Locals have expressed interest, and when I told one person I would make one for about $1,000, he didn't balk for a second and confirmed if I'm for sure good at $1k.

    Says he values a custom chair far more than the Vyper he's familiar with.
     
  15. Jul 27, 2025 at 3:14 PM
    #795
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette [OP] Well-Known Member Vendor

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    4 run, 2 don't
    Still got a bunch of steel left over so trying to kill it.

    20250727_120247.jpg

    Cut 10 motorbike chain tensioner brackets, along with cutting and bending another backrest

    20250727_150839.jpg

    I'm pretty much all out of 3/16" so I'll have to wait until a big order comes in before buying more

    Once I do, I'll cut a set of legs out for the stool and have most of the parts to weld together the assembly
     
    Drainbung, soundman98 and koditten like this.
  16. Jul 27, 2025 at 4:05 PM
    #796
    koditten

    koditten Well-Known Member

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    I need to cut me the parts for one of these stools.
     
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  17. Jul 27, 2025 at 4:09 PM
    #797
    koditten

    koditten Well-Known Member

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    Resized_20250727_181123_20250727_181252.jpg

    I cut this for an Xmas gift for my brother 2-3 years ago.

    Trucker chick hose holder.

    He just told me he wants 20 of them to put up for sale since so many peeps ask about them.

    They about as basic as you can get and they cut fast.
     
  18. Jul 27, 2025 at 4:11 PM
    #798
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette [OP] Well-Known Member Vendor

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    4 run, 2 don't
    I use 1/8" steel so measuring from the bottom up, the first bend is at 6" and 40 degrees.

    The next bend is 2.36" above that at about 42 degrees.
     
  19. Jul 28, 2025 at 5:26 AM
    #799
    jmferg

    jmferg Well-Known Member

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    If you're interested in more income vs work load, you should get your name out their for industrial work. I have a local fab shop that fabricates brackets, mounts, transitions, keys shafts, etc. All pretty simple work, but time is money when operating a large plant.
    YTD, I've spent $121,000 with them on custom items. Their costs are mostly fair and they can produce quickly. This gearbox adapter and shaft was $5,000. After the first was installed, i needed another 9 made.

    upload_2025-7-28_8-22-48.png
     
  20. Jul 28, 2025 at 7:36 AM
    #800
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette [OP] Well-Known Member Vendor

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    4 run, 2 don't
    That's pretty sick!

    Naw, definitely not interested as I have enough workload already.

    I have two shops I already make parts for locally, and that's a neat gig because one of them I started with over 2.5 years ago.

    However, I would like to keep my work week to a minimum which is between 4-6 hours a week. Anything more than that and it won't feel like a hobby anymore.
     

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