red94chev
Well-known member
This is such an informative thread. If I was anywhere near Minnesota, I'd be filling out an application so fast.
The GDS Skunkworks, 4 FN 27's Shop Projects
- Thread starter 4 FN 27
- Start date
Maint...all part of life!!!
I was hoping to see my Plow too. Got an email from my Shipping Manager at noon today "When do you want to send this Plow out for Paint?". I replied and them he remembered what I told him...it was supposed to go Monday!!! ****!!!
Well that screws things up...the plan was to have it up there and get it painted ASAP so it doesn't flash rust in their shop. Oh well everyone screws up except the guy who does nothing. However I will be ribbing him over this for quite sometime.
Thank you. I like to learn something new all the time. Come on over to MN...better do it before the cold weather gets here.
Tonight I cut and formed the items for the 3/4 Drive stuff.
Had to do a little creative forming...well just had to plan ahead for the 2 "internal flanges". Normally everything goes up in front and in back of the machine. In this case the front goes down. Had a little crash into the Support Arms. No biggy just had to move one of them.
Tried a "Side Load Rivet Assembly" on this one. Didn't work so we will be plug welding the vertical supports from the bottom. Live and learn.
I might remake this piece. I was hoping to avoid welding it. I'll see what kind of room I have to play with tomorrow when I can upload it into our unfolding software.
Bend-line was .083 out from the edge of the part. You have to make sure the Back-gage is not going to crash into the tools.
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Little interference with the Support Arm...
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Semi-assembled. Need to order more stand-off from McMaster.
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Tomorrow I have meetings across town. 2 big projects to look at and figure out how we are going to build them. I hope the customer does the Engineering on this one. Otherwise I am going to have to work the weekend and some late nights...and this will slow things down in the GDS Skunkworks.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Well color me GREEN with envy Pat. I would love to have that equipment in my shop and your knowledge of how to use it.
customh
Well-known member
Couldn't have said it better Mike.
I'm curious to see the press in person [again] and learn more about the clearance issues you were having in forming and how all of your terminology fits into that. Also sounds like you have some stock/inventory issues you need to get in check... McMaster orders holding these projects up... LOL
I'm curious to see the press in person [again] and learn more about the clearance issues you were having in forming and how all of your terminology fits into that. Also sounds like you have some stock/inventory issues you need to get in check... McMaster orders holding these projects up... LOL
BMW Rider
Well-known member
Well color me GREEN with envy Pat. I would love to have that equipment in my shop and your knowledge of how to use it.
I'd be happy just having a shop that could fit that inside. The equipment would be a bonus.
Well color me GREEN with envy Pat. I would love to have that equipment in my shop and your knowledge of how to use it.
Mike Envy is a 2 way street nearby...LOL...
I aspire to be like Mike and many others on this forum!!!
Thank you...I am content with the Shop and I am trying to utilize it to it's fullest potential.
Been a while...the work load caught up with me at the plant. Won a couple bids and got involved in a few new products. Created a few solutions to a display issue Home Depot is having and waiting to hear what they want to do to move this forward. So it was a few late nights at my desk.
Got down to the Shop this morning about 5:30 am. Put the Coffee on and few buddies made it over and we talked smart, joked, solved the worlds problems and created a few more.
One of the guy brought over a little project he got him self over his head on. Had 26 brackets that needed (6) 3/8 dia holes on 1 leg of an Angle Iron and (2) 5/8 dia holes on the other.
So set him up on the Mill drilling the 3/8 holes while I played with the programming software to Water Jet the 5/8 Holes. The challenge was programing the 2 holes and not cutting a boarder??? Hadn't done that yet. G code would have been a 2 minute deal but since this thing does run G Code I had to sort it out.
By the time he was 50% through the 3/8 holes I had the first part completed with the 5/8 holes. Knowing what I knew now I would have Jetted all the 3/8 and 5/8 holes using a progressive system. For every cycle of the machine I would have gotten one part.
I laid a couple of plates across the X Axis and was able to create a zero from that. Clamped the part down and his start. first part was within .030. We dialed it in from there. The parts fit nicely between the slats
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All 26 parts competed. Cycle time for the 5/8 holes was 1.27 minutes and used .61 lbs of abrasive per hole.
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He bought (6) 3/8 and (2) 5/8 Norseman Drill Bits. We ended up only using (1) 3/8 bit. For those of you who followed the Noseman Thread from last weekend it was kind of ironic the my other buddy was here who is the SIL of the President of Norseman so he took a few pics and forwarded them out to his FIL and showed him how we have replaced drilling with the Water Jet...
The Drill Bit maintained its edge and was cutting strong after drilling 156 holes through 3/8 thick Angle with scale on it. If you run the right speed and feed with lube they will last a long time...and this was with a rookie on the mill. He did develop the skill to get nice consistent chips.
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Tomorrow is looking like lawn mowing day. One last cut before the leafs start to drop by the billion. I best get the maintenance done on the John Deere MC519 Vacuum Cart...that will happen after mowing!!
customh
Well-known member
Slick to see the fence and clamps in action. Looks like a good Saturday! I need a better drilling setup at work. Seems like I'm always making a bracket for something.
I have to mow one more time and it looks like I won't get a chance until Friday. Not sure how far you got with the mediocre weather today.
I have to mow one more time and it looks like I won't get a chance until Friday. Not sure how far you got with the mediocre weather today.
Strouty
Well-known member
Knowing feeds and speeds is “important”, but knowing what the chips or coils should look like seems to be more important. Whenever I drill something, I always try and have a nice coil when I am done. Making chips, well, I am still learning what those should look like.
dr_clyde
Well-known member
They usually go hand in hand. If you have the speeds and feeds right, your chips tend to come out looking like they should. For manual equipment anyway.
On a VMC or something, that goes out the window a bit, as flood coolant and computer controlled chip loads can trick you into pushing harder than you should.
Once again Pat, those socket rack are just way too cool. But I gotta laught at ya. For someone who obviously has no issues with geometry calculating gain or loss of a formed part. You lack the ability of adding 2+2.......is this the third or fourth order for stand offs from McMaster 
Travis the Clamps work. Need to come up with an over center clamp to speed things up...and less of a chance of having to fish the Allen Driver from the bottom of the tank.
Find an old junked out Bridgeport for drilling. Has the beef and you can really control the feed pressure.
I skipped the mowing. I paced the shop for an hour trying to decide. The leafs are just starting to fall. I found in the past the longer the grass when I start vacuuming the better it works. Less clogging and pick em all up.
Strouty and Doc you are both spot on. I typically never go by the book. I go by the color of the Chip. Shiny on one side and dull on the other with high speed. Nice long curly chips from both cutting edges. I become the Chip Breaker using pressure.
Once again Pat, those socket rack are just way too cool. But I gotta laught at ya. For someone who obviously has no issues with geometry calculating gain or loss of a formed part. You lack the ability of adding 2+2.......is this the third or fourth order for stand offs from McMaster
Dude...cut me some slack...LOL...I have ordered 2 times. Built 3 racks...1 order for each rack...well except the last Rack I put together yesterday instead of mowing. I took some left overs from the prior to orders and trimmed them to length in the Lathe. Then I had to pilfer a few more Carb Linkages and cut and tap them. Good thing I owned a bunch of 2 x 4 Carb Motors over the years.
I order extras of everything. Saves me a lot of trips to the Hardware Store. If I need 1 Bolt or nut I buy a Box no matter what.
I think I have a better Hardware inventory the Ace hardware...
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cvairwerks
Well-known member
Pat: You might look at getting some toggle clamps for the setup. Most can be adjusted via finger action if you don't torque the nuts down. Something like this: https://www.thetoggleclampstore.com/201b.html
Strouty
Well-known member
I have the largest assortment of hardware in my neck of the woods, I have things that I don’t even know what they are. 
customh
Well-known member
That's pretty much the plan but then I tell myself I need something with a DRO. It would make many projects simpler as well as making the time taken fixturing worth it. An old, loose one is quickly ruled out in favor of something that is really worth the floor space. Spent 3 hours last night making 2 simple 1/8" brass plates- would have likely taken 1/3 the time with a properly tooled mill and 1/6 to have you make them.
If you really want a mill, I wouldn't get too hung up on having DRO - that can always be added later. Besides, its good to learn how to count turns like the old timers had to - keeps you sharp!
Another thing to consider... Bridgeports have the name recognition and are priced accordingly. If you do some internet searches for terms like "bridgeport alternative", you'll find that there are lots of threads on the machining forums that cover other brands to look for (e.g. Wells-Index 847).
cvairwerks
Well-known member
CustomH: If all you are doing is making holes, look for a jig bore. They can usually had for less money than a BP, are more accurate and often already have DRO's. Something like a SIP MP-3K, or a Pratt and Whitney 1 or 2 will fit a small shop and handle holes to several inches.
metal1313
Well-known member
...are you adopting? I'll mow the lawn...
customh
Well-known member
Appreciate the advice guys. If I'm going to have a machine I think it ought to be a mill for the occasional slotting or whatever. A mill is just handy to have for a maintenance department.
Cam this is for you...the final assembly...
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Toggles were on the consideration list but my concern is height. I want to keep it an absolute minimum. The low profile design. I'll build a Cam into the end one of these days.
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Metal...only if you do it with a scissors and you are a Swedish 20 something blonde with blue eyes...LOL...female is a must.
Today I received the Plow Assembly from the painter. No charge to my surprise...so I am on the hunt for something to get my buddy that owns the paint shop.
For being 30 years old it looks pretty good...
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Tomorrow I'll order the balance of the Hardware in Stainless. Then I'll have to get some Hydraulic Lines made. Should be complete and ready for service.
Today was one of those hard days. Our CFO's son was diagnosed with a Brain Tumor about 8 weeks ago after getting headaches that would go away and loosing his balance and other motor skills. He started treatments last Monday and on Friday he died due to complications. He was 29 years old, married about 1 year, just bought his first house and his Wife is due January 4 with the first Grandchild in the family.
My Wife and I went to the visitation tonight. Tomorrow is the Funeral.
I was happy to see a majority of our employees came tonight and all are ok to take time off to attend the funeral. It will be a tough day...and a tough road ahead. But he is a fighter and like family to us in the business. Hard watching this go down. But we stand as one and have each other back and will pick up where other are no longer to carry the load for the time they need.
Not sure what the next project will be...thinking I need to get the '69 Chevelle 300 Deluxe in 1 piece and get it off the hoist so I can get on with the Jeep M715 Cummins Swap and restoration.
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Toggles were on the consideration list but my concern is height. I want to keep it an absolute minimum. The low profile design. I'll build a Cam into the end one of these days.
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Metal...only if you do it with a scissors and you are a Swedish 20 something blonde with blue eyes...LOL...female is a must.
Today I received the Plow Assembly from the painter. No charge to my surprise...so I am on the hunt for something to get my buddy that owns the paint shop.
For being 30 years old it looks pretty good...
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Tomorrow I'll order the balance of the Hardware in Stainless. Then I'll have to get some Hydraulic Lines made. Should be complete and ready for service.
Today was one of those hard days. Our CFO's son was diagnosed with a Brain Tumor about 8 weeks ago after getting headaches that would go away and loosing his balance and other motor skills. He started treatments last Monday and on Friday he died due to complications. He was 29 years old, married about 1 year, just bought his first house and his Wife is due January 4 with the first Grandchild in the family.
My Wife and I went to the visitation tonight. Tomorrow is the Funeral.
I was happy to see a majority of our employees came tonight and all are ok to take time off to attend the funeral. It will be a tough day...and a tough road ahead. But he is a fighter and like family to us in the business. Hard watching this go down. But we stand as one and have each other back and will pick up where other are no longer to carry the load for the time they need.
Not sure what the next project will be...thinking I need to get the '69 Chevelle 300 Deluxe in 1 piece and get it off the hoist so I can get on with the Jeep M715 Cummins Swap and restoration.
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sweet victory
Well-known member
Just went through this thread and wow! Great work. I love seeing the product of those who take pride in their work. Last Friday we received first articles from one of our water jetting vendors and every single piece was out of tolerance and one of them wasn't even the correct material. If you have any friends with a similar work ethic down in Southern California, please send them my way.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Wow Pat, that was a tough read. That young man had barely gotten started in life and it sounds like he had a great one going. My condolences to you and his family which it sounds like are one in the same.
wasfast
Well-known member
My own father died from a brain tumor at age 38 so it does happen. Very sad and beyond challenging for the parents and his now widow.
Thank you. It does say Precision in our name and we live up to it.
Why Water Jet? Just curious with all the Laser Shops around?
We build quite a few things we ship to Cali.
Thank guys. I will pass the message on to the family. I didn't take much other time last night or today. They/our CFO gets to see me everyday.
The Church was packed at 700+. There is a tremendous amount of strength in that family. Joe's 2 brothers and 1 sister spoke as well as their Dad. I don't think there was a dry eye there. It know it wore me out for the day. That takes a lot for that to happen.
But I am sure their resiliency will pull them through and the support network they have.
I am sorry for your loss.
Just a reminder of how short life can be. Live it to the fullest and make use of every minute and opportunity.
When it rains it pours. Just found out our original Insurance Broker who I have known since I was 4 or 5 years old passed away this morning. Got the message from my Brother tonight. His son handles the insurance business now and has for about the last 20 years. We played hockey together and live about 1 block from each other back in the 70's.
It was a quiet night at the shop. Organized and sorted a few things. Got the rest of the Hardware order from McMaster (with spares...LOL...). I think I need a little trigger therapy...cased up the 50 Cal and 308...need to go play.
I need one of these days:
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Strouty
Well-known member
Life is never what you think it will be, I try not to expect too much and if I get to see another sunrise, I am happy.
gayler
Well-known member
Praying for your CFO's family. This will be a very hard time for them for a long time. Im going to a funeral today to support a friend who's son passed.He was about the same age. Not sure of your next project? Didn't you have a T Bird or something also? As always you work is fantastic!
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Pat, I love the GDS sticker on the plow.
But I hate the thought of what said plow means, that white **** is coming.
But I hate the thought of what said plow means, that white **** is coming.So sorry to hear of the loss in the "family" Pat. My condolences to you and all others grieving.
Plow looks great - I agree with Mike on holding off on trying it out for as long as possible please!
Hope you get that relaxing day on the range sooner rather than later. If not - enjoy some quality shop time - that's always good therapy too. Sometimes I like to just tinker- not really driving hard on a project - just being "one with the tools" so to speak
Plow looks great - I agree with Mike on holding off on trying it out for as long as possible please!
Hope you get that relaxing day on the range sooner rather than later. If not - enjoy some quality shop time - that's always good therapy too. Sometimes I like to just tinker- not really driving hard on a project - just being "one with the tools" so to speak
Hahahaha, you funny guy Pat.
I'm no different when it comes to a hardware selection. It's almost a sickness but it sure is handy having for the small projects. With me trying to thin the herd recently (in preparation of moving) it's been a real brain F deciding what needs a new home.
I'm so very sorry to hear that news. My former in house OSHA compliance person and close personal friend lost his 22yr old daughter to a long drawn out illness. It was totally devastating to he and his wife. Afterwards he was completely incapable of functioning. I literally paid him to stay home for almost a year just so he could maintain his health insurance and get some help. Sadly, in the end it didn't work out.
I truly hope nothing like that happens. My deepest condolences to the family.
I'm no different when it comes to a hardware selection. It's almost a sickness but it sure is handy having for the small projects. With me trying to thin the herd recently (in preparation of moving) it's been a real brain F deciding what needs a new home.
I'm so very sorry to hear that news. My former in house OSHA compliance person and close personal friend lost his 22yr old daughter to a long drawn out illness. It was totally devastating to he and his wife. Afterwards he was completely incapable of functioning. I literally paid him to stay home for almost a year just so he could maintain his health insurance and get some help. Sadly, in the end it didn't work out.
I truly hope nothing like that happens. My deepest condolences to the family.
sweet victory
Well-known member
The material supplier only had a water jet and said they could hold the tolerances. We ended up having the material drop shipped to a laser shop. If you're ever looking for additional work, PM me your work email.
Pat, I love the GDS sticker on the plow.
Mike??? Why the hate???...LOL...winter is my play time. I love it. I honestly would take -30 degrees than 90 any day.
So sorry to hear of the loss in the "family" Pat. My condolences to you and all others grieving.
Plow looks great - I agree with Mike on holding off on trying it out for as long as possible please!
Hope you get that relaxing day on the range sooner rather than later. If not - enjoy some quality shop time - that's always good therapy too. Sometimes I like to just tinker- not really driving hard on a project - just being "one with the tools" so to speak
Had some R&R this weekend. Did the annual retreat up nordth wit da boys youbetcha.
Rolled 4 hours north to my buddies FIL's cabin. Snow was on the ground when we got there and stayed for the weekend.
Thursday we spend fixing things...like the furnace, major importance. Got the second toilet working and diagnosed a few electrical issues with a bathroom.
My buddy and his FIL are not very handy. One of the other guys is a A&P and between the 2 of us we get everything that broke over the summer fixed.
Friday we went on our annual pilgrimage to Grand Rapids gun shopping. I came home with 2...a few of the other guys indulged as well.
Saturday we went to the Range. The Target System I built 3 years ago was still in pretty good shape. The Steels we shot...pun intended and the hardware junk but surviving. So we replaced all the Hardware and Swingers.
I shot Suppressed 308, Barrett MRAD, Suppressed 22-250, Barrett Fieldcraft and a Suppressed 22LR CZ452 Varminter. Left the 50 Cal in the Cases. Weather was iffy sprinkling and misting all day. Had a nice steak dinner at the Cabin. One of the guys is a Master Chef and thus he helps us who are less than gifted in the kitchen.
Got home last night and this is pretty much the first trip down to the Shop since last Wednesday other than to turn on the Geo-Pumps.
I needed that.
The material supplier only had a water jet and said they could hold the tolerances. We ended up having the material drop shipped to a laser shop. If you're ever looking for additional work, PM me your work email.
PM sent...I know you already know that...got your reply.
Hahahaha, you funny guy Pat.
Cam I have 2 shows on Fridays...
Not sure what the plan is this week. Playing catch-up after 2 days off and being away for the weekend. Need to maint the HVAC System here. I fired up the Geo-System last night. Watched it cycle once, ran back down at 11 pm and everything was online. a Checked again this morning and when I got here tonight and still everything is fine...well accept a pressure relief valve is dripping...easy fix...so I'll start with that.
It is nice to get away but even better to be back in my shop.
On a side note, our CFO is most appreciative for all the Prayers and thoughts. As am I. He was back to work on Thursday. I spoke with him briefly and he seems to be in good spirits and making his way through this.
And I think you, the GJ Family for all of your support.
The Drive
The Lake
The Yard
The Pontoon
Pulling the Pontoon out.
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zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I guess I'll have to work on my attitude towards that white ****.
Firstly I worry about my wife and son driving in it, even though they are cautious and careful drivers but there's always that risk.
Secondly and the biggest reason I hate snow is that I am in charge of snow removal at work and it never fails, I can't make everyone happy no matter who I hire to clear our site. When I get to work I get phone call after phone call from people who didn't have their parking spot cleared in time or had to drive through a kerf or something on the way in and they aren't happy about it. They don't realize it is a process when plowing snow and one push doesn't mean they are done and they can't clear it as fast as it fell. I guess that's what pushes me over the edge with snow. I know we need it, especially after the last winter and summer we just had, but I hate dealing with everyone's negativity about it.
Although there are a couple of people that the more they ***** about the snow removal the more I have the contractors do their areas last. Hell last year I had a gut-full of one guy's **** and had the contractor use his parking spot as a staging area for his skidsteer for the weekend just to piss him off. This guy is too stupid to realize the more he calls me bitching the more I push back. He's a slow learner.
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rmack898
Well-known member
Mike,
There are some people that never learn.
There are some people that never learn.
Strouty
Well-known member
20 versus 90, definitely, -30 is pushing it though. I prefer 55 year round, I am much more productive at this temperature. Only mountains should get snow, except on Christmas, weekends can be in the mid 70s, at the beach I will allow mid 80s.
I guess I'll have to work on my attitude towards that white ****.
Firstly I worry about my wife and son driving in it, even though they are cautious and careful drivers but there's always that risk.
Secondly and the biggest reason I hate snow is that I am in charge of snow removal at work and it never fails, I can't make everyone happy no matter who I hire to clear our site. When I get to work I get phone call after phone call from people who didn't have their parking spot cleared in time or had to drive through a kerf or something on the way in and they aren't happy about it. They don't realize it is a process when plowing snow and one push doesn't mean they are done and they can't clear it as fast as it fell. I guess that's what pushes me over the edge with snow. I know we need it, especially after the last winter and summer we just had, but I hate dealing with everyone's negativity about it.
Although there are a couple of people that the more they ***** about the snow removal the more I have the contractors do their areas last. Hell last year I had a gut-full of one guy's **** and had the contractor use his parking spot as a staging area for his skidsteer for the weekend just to piss him off. This guy is too stupid to realize the more he calls me bitching the more I push back. He's a slow learner.
Mike I get the worry...but the guy complaining, well I would do almost the same thing...LOL...
One of my jobs I gave up last year was Facilities. Hired a guy to take care of things. Everyone in the company knows not to come to me whining about the heat, the AC or the Snow...they will get an ear full. It is Minnesota. It snows, we get ice and it gets cold...deal with it or move.
Call me mental but ever since I was a kid I have loved winter. My favorite time of year. I think I enjoy the challenge. I'll throw on the Carhartts and go play out side. Or go Snowmobiling. The best ridding is when it is Zero for the type of riding we do.
Minnesota should get snow...and cold...keeps the Riffraff to a minimum.
Tonight I needed some washers to move the Plow Assembly along. Could have went to the Hardware Store but hey...why not just cut them. .120 SST and some .125 Polypropylene. The Poly is to keep the areas that "rub" from grinding the paint off.
Not sure what tomorrow will bring. Looks like it will be a busy day...quote requests are rolling in tonight. It is good to be busy but we are People Limited. Could stand to hire 5-6 good fabricators right now. Turned down a job today and that does not make me happy.
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customh
Well-known member
I understand where Mike is coming from- I'm usually stuck killing an hour+ shoveling when we get snow. Boss is a bit short-sighted when it comes to buying a snowblower- doesn't think we have the square-footage to warrant it. Since getting a free machine from a neighbor last winter when they didn't want to fix it I think it's going to make a few trips in the truck this winter. We'll see.
I do love the winter right up until March-April. Cutting wood over Thanksgiving at the cabin is the best when it's ~20 degrees. Haven't gotten to ride much for a number of years but I'm hoping the wife and I can sneak along on at least a trip or 2 with her parents this year.
I have at least one project coming up that you'll be a part of, have to get drawings finished. What is your definition of a fabricator in the business?
I do love the winter right up until March-April. Cutting wood over Thanksgiving at the cabin is the best when it's ~20 degrees. Haven't gotten to ride much for a number of years but I'm hoping the wife and I can sneak along on at least a trip or 2 with her parents this year.
I have at least one project coming up that you'll be a part of, have to get drawings finished. What is your definition of a fabricator in the business?
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
What gets me is they drive through the **** getting to work and expect the complex to be snow free and dry.
I don't get these people. They complain because there are slick spots in the parking lot and why can't we do a better job of clearing the snow and slick spots. I try to explain to them that this is northern Utah, it snows, it also thaws, water runs and then it freezes at night. They complain then my boss calls me to ask if we can do a better job. Last year I walked him outside and asked him to show me where there is any snow and how can we keep the water that ran during the day from freezing at night. I simply don't get people.Other than that I really don't mind winter, I just HATE having to deal with stupidity and it seems I have to do that more and more in my current position. And for hell's sake, we can't tell our associates they don't know what they are talking about because they may score us low on our annual survey. It makes me think we are letting the inmates run the asylum.
Sorry to muddy up your great thread Pat, just venting a bit. Back to your regular scheduled greatness so we can continue drooling.
pamike
Well-known member
Well I feel better. I am not the only one that gets wound tight on touchy subjects... I lost it on our shop foreman when we were in a leadership team meeting and he suggested that we need to upgrade our toilet paper so that we don't look so "cheap" to the employees... I guess a/c shop, profit sharing, 401K, and fully paid medical wasn't enough.