Brass on

Getting a Rise!

Finished my Hex Brass Risers in the Shed today.  Just need a light sand to get the scaring from the lathe chuck jaws and a bit of a polish.  Thinking to make some profile cut leather washers to go under them.

Hex Hell

Was feeling restless today and as I haven't gotten my hands on some cheap levers and m/c for 1" bars.

I decided to hit the shed and make som brass ⅞ risers to tide me over.

Well I had a few minor disasters.

Firstly I wanted the holes bored through on the flats, but due to the width of the worm gears on the four jaw chuch I couldn't get it o sit flat.  So I had to rest the vee in the groove.  This leaves less room for the holes for the clamp bolts.  Next issue was the tail stock lock came loose the bolt had gotten slack and with a bit of chatter due to the large drill went a bill haywire. Tightened her up and had another crack.

Drilled the tap hole for the clamp bolts but the clearance hole for the head walked on one side. As I said earlier rotating the bar hole from flat to vee reduced the material left.

All in all it still came up pretty good just ned to sand the chuck jaw marks out and polish her up.  The mate is half finished. Decided to see if it was going to work before I bored the second incase I needed to find another way.

Riser Lathe Practice

Moved a heap of crap that was stacked up so I could get to the big lathe today.  The Colchester Master 2500 with a 4' bed.  I haven't used this sucker since 1998?? Been scared off as last time I used it a chunk of steel flew out of the chuck clipping my ear and putting a hole in the roof.

Well time to face my fears!

Started of with a 2" bar, which I now have blisters from cutting with a rather blunt hacksaw. Took ages and a bit of sweat to get through. 

I have to  part it off at A

Then pore out the ⅞ hole C

Drill and tap the top clamping bolts.

Finally finish parting off B.

Lastly, attempt to make a duplicate for a matching set.

Boxes, n Brass Bars

Scored a used tool chest of ebay for $66. This is a Heavy Duty 1-11 tool box.  Quality steel with 6 draws and an accessory carry tray.  Measurements are approx 670mm x 320mm x 380mm high.  Smooth draw slides.  Worth $300 new. Few light scuffs in the paint and the key is missing. On the way to get the box which was a pretty long drive. I passed a factory which buys scrap metal and also sells  machining brass. Decided to call in on the way back. My eyes lit up at the sight of all that scrap metal.  I had sat  in the car for a bit before going in and worked out what sort of sizes I would need for, grips, pegs, risers etc. Went up to the counter and asked for some pricing she said you know we only sell 6m lengths.  I said well Shit that stuffs me then. Then she suggested I look through the scrap.   The scrap is anything from Grandma's old candle stick holder to various length bar, slab and block. Price on brass  was $7/Kg, and Aluminium $6/Kg. I thought that made the brass sound better. Not sure if these are good prices or  not but seemed ok from what I remembered. Scrounged through what they had and found a few pieces and dropped $231 well that was the last of my savings. I figured though that if I was to buy a set of 4" brass risers they would set me back at least $300 bucks and I have  enough to make about 3-4 sets from the large hex bar. Also got enough of the large round for maybe 6 sets of grips, Small hex pre-bored, for 2-3 sets (foot pegs,  pillion pegs, gear lever, etc), and i can't even remember what the other bits were for now. Have to measure em up  again to jog the memory.  Also picked up a massive 50mm shell casing. Plenty of possibilities for it from fuel cap  to taillight. So set out to save some money on a used bargain box and came home broke having spent a small fortune!   Maybe I can make a few extra sets and sell some to recoup my finances………... Now I have to get those damn belts for the lathe and start turning!!!

I got a Bone to pick……….

Was thinking about dog bone risers after my play with the bars and thought I might try and get some old conrods, looking for ones with 1" hole. I reakon it be easy to make some dog bones outta them.

Already has the top clamp.  Add a cut in the bottom one and weld a tab on each side with a single bolt…Done.

These small ones would make nice girder links.

Now look at these dog bones risers and tell me you can't see what i'm thinking….

They would look much like these ones I guess…..

So if you got some suitable conrods either give it a go and send me some pics or send me ya conrods to have a crack at it...