Monday, January 31, 2011

Jenco 'Vibrabells' Vibraphone

 For a about twenty years I've had this old Jenco Vibraphone kicking around. It's rather beat, including a few broken items on the chassis and a missing key.  About six or so years ago I bought a piece of aluminum to make up a new key.  Since the weathers nice, I figured it would be a good time to dig into the aluminum. Though the production of the new key was mostly successful, the grade of aluminum is not quite spot on.  Eyes will be open for a block of 2024 T4.

The factory would grind the keys to rough tune, but that would be a bit more than my grinder can handle;  an having aluminum dust didn't seem too cool either.  Using the mill was time consuming but gave the same results. The point that the key attaches to the frame with cord is the same location the key pivots on when its in a vibrating state (also known as an node)   Its rather interesting to take a block of aluminum,

Making a new note was mostly successful but too much milling on the arch part of the bar made the note come up flat.  After shortening the bar the key is close, but I'll have to make another one to match properly.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

More dirty Frame Fab

With all the snow going on in the north east a few things are taking a beating, such as this plow truck frame. But more snow is on the way and it needs to be done now.  Here are a few pictures of more dirty fab work with what you can grab for material.  Tomorrow I'll brace up the back section and add the missing gusset back to the chassis mounting point.  



Here are a few pictures with the first half of a box section added. I'd put some gussets on top and the sides to add support.  Would love to take the time and make it pretty-  but, hey-  its a plow truck.  


Friday, January 7, 2011

Duncan's Beemers, Getting into an Ebay box

Here is a quick demonstration of how to use the factory tool to remove the output flange. The gear box is a find from Ebay and what a treasure it is!  And we all know what you do with treasure, you bury it! Here are a few pictures of what happens when a gear box is neglected. e.g.  water in the gear oil and allowed to sit for a year or two.



Real treasure! argh!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Side Stand Design

Scans from a mad mind.   I usually make it a point to carry folded paper sections with me for when ideas or thoughts hit. It also helps to carry a modified watercolor set too.  Here are a few views of an idea for a self retracting side stand.  the weight of the bike bearing down locks the unit in place.  As the pressure is relieve the internal spring pulls the foot up,  allowing it to be swiveled up out of the way.


Now for a little free time to build a simple prototype.   The concept is for my Hotrod BMW which currently does not have a side stand. The idea would be to attach it to the central bolt of the left cylinder stud, or there about. Maybe this spring?