ZMotorsports Shop Projects 2.0

[Boosted1]

So what's the first project with the brake going to be?
Looks like a very nice machine.

 

[shortykorte]

The stand turned out great. It looks bigger than my 24” but they do say pictures add pounds, lol. Looks like your brake is a little better condition. Southeast humidity didn’t help mine but it cleans up well.


Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Bears Fan]

Nice job on the metal brake stand and your shop is just freaking awesome

 

[C_F]

Looks like a metalworking Buffet!

It sure does!

 

[zmotorsports]

Looks like a metalworking Buffet!

Yeah, that whole wall is a dream!

Nice finished work! I'd like to add a few of your machinery row items to my setup!

Nice job on the metal brake stand and your shop is just freaking awesome

It sure does!

Thanks guys. I really appreciate all of the kind words. I love how the shop is setup now and for the foreseeable future.

I appreciate all of your following along.

 

[zmotorsports]

Sweet new brake Mike. Since you went this way, I have been thinking about going that way instead of holding out for a 48" I can afford.

Thank you. I have been waffling over a 48" pan brake for several years now, especially since I built the new shop. However, I still didn't want to take the plunge and give up that much real estate in the shop and finally realized over the past year or so that I could get by with half of that pretty easily.

Thanks for following along.

 

[zmotorsports]

Mike I understand your apprehension to the flat surface, uhm $#!+ Collector, so you could add a couple of vertical flat stock bars that your fingers could sit on kind of upside down to the in use mounting. I hope you can grasp my lacking description. Just copy the upper finger mount on your brake and you should be able to sit them on there when not in use. I think that the Diacro is an excellent choice for your brake, if you out grow it with their following you will do quite well quickly when you upsize. Harry

Thanks for the suggestion Harry. While I think that would work I think I will just order some expanded metal next time I order material and any dust will fall through yet still allow a small shelf.

I appreciate you checking in and for the suggestion.

 

[zmotorsports]

The stand turned out great. It looks bigger than my 24” but they do say pictures add pounds, lol. Looks like your brake is a little better condition. Southeast humidity didn’t help mine but it cleans up well.


Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Thanks Shorty. It should be the same as your DiAcro but I was impressed with how clean it was. I can tell it was well used but the bushings and all of the hardware are still in pristine condition. Should provide many more years of service, especially where I'm not a production shop.

Thanks for stopping by to check it our Shorty.

 

[MP&C]

Now Mike, you know you're gonna need some radius dies, so go ahead and add the shelf to your stand.


Nice job, enjoy the new brake!

 

[zmotorsports]

Now Mike, you know you're gonna need some radius dies, so go ahead and add the shelf to your stand.





Nice job, enjoy the new brake!

Thanks Robert. I appreciate you stopping by.

 

[zmotorsports]

Tonight I arrived home from work and before mowing the lawns I thought I’d add the ball valve and elbow to my natural gas line on my deck in preparation for the arrival of my new grill this week.

Added the elbow, 1/2” ball valve and 1/2” to 3/8” reducer. I angled it downward because I want to run the line down and under the deck to the grill.

After installation I wiped everything down with acetone, masked and painted to match the railing.

 

[Kevkx125]

Looks good, nice neat work MIKE. Enjoy the new grill!!

 

[zmotorsports]

Looks good, nice neat work MIKE. Enjoy the new grill!!

Thank you.

 

[Graham08]

Gas fitting looks good. Glad I'm not the only one that paints those!

 

[casmurbax]

Gas fitting looks good. Glad I'm not the only one that paints those!

x2


I am curious about about what I believe to be are different types of welders lined up against your wall. I do very little welding because I never have done enough of it to become proficient at it, but it is one of things that I am always curious about. If you don't mind telling me or I am sure one of your many followers could tell me, what are all the different types you have? I am assuming the helmets are all different because you have different lenses in them based upon what type of welding you are doing?

Thank you for sharing so many of of your projects and your knowledge on here. I appreciate what you and all the other members on here share.

John

 

[zmotorsports]

Gas fitting looks good. Glad I'm not the only one that paints those!

Yeah, I couldn't just leave it bare metal Graham. I wouldn't be able to live with myself.

 

[zmotorsports]

x2


I am curious about about what I believe to be are different types of welders lined up against your wall. I do very little welding because I never have done enough of it to become proficient at it, but it is one of things that I am always curious about. If you don't mind telling me or I am sure one of your many followers could tell me, what are all the different types you have? I am assuming the helmets are all different because you have different lenses in them based upon what type of welding you are doing?

Thank you for sharing so many of of your projects and your knowledge on here. I appreciate what you and all the other members on here share.

John

Certainly John.

In the picture above from center of the picture to the right they are as follows:

* Miller Dynasty 300 DX with Coolmate cooler
* Miller MM251 MIG welder running .030" wire and C25 gas
* Miller Millermatic M211 MIG welder running .023" wire and C25 gas
* Miller Passport portable MIG machine w/ CO2 bottles and .030" wire located under the cart with the ESAB 875 Plasma cutter on top.

If you have any further questions about welders or any other equipment in the shop please don't hesitate to ask John.

Thanks for following along.

 

[jbmatth]

I'm a fan of the blue as well, but venture out, I do have to ask then with so many Miller's why the ESAB plasma?

JB

 

[zmotorsports]

I'm a fan of the blue as well, but venture out, I do have to ask then with so many Miller's why the ESAB plasma?

JB

Because the Miller plasma's ****!!!

I haven't used one yet that I'm impressed with. Now in all fairness the newest I've used has been two years old but we have had half a dozen between work and contractors and none have worked worth the ****, plus they eat consumables like candy.

My ESAB, although doesn't get used very much, it gentle on the consumables and cuts consistent as hell.

I tried to like the Miller plasma's but just can't do it nor can I recommend them. Other than their plasma's I pretty much bleed blue.

Sorry JB.

 

[bradpac]

I have one of those ESABs, mine is probably 10-15 years old with the older style cutting torch. Have you made any improvements to that one? I really like how it cuts although finding tips and consumables is a little tougher than the newer stuff.

 

[zmotorsports]

I have one of those ESABs, mine is probably 10-15 years old with the older style cutting torch. Have you made any improvements to that one? I really like how it cuts although finding tips and consumables is a little tougher than the newer stuff.

Mine is the same, older unit with the older style torch and hose/cable. I'd really like to upgrade to the new style but it works so well I can't justify it. I've had to order the consumables when needed because my local welding supply doesn't stock them on a normal basis but it hasn't been an issue. I reorder when I get low and not out but the nice thing is that they last quite a while so I'll order half a dozen of each and be fine for 4-5 years until I have to reorder.

 

[amalik]

Tonight I arrived home from work and before mowing the lawns I thought I’d add the ball valve and elbow to my natural gas line on my deck in preparation for the arrival of my new grill this week.

Added the elbow, 1/2” ball valve and 1/2” to 3/8” reducer. I angled it downward because I want to run the line down and under the deck to the grill.

After installation I wiped everything down with acetone, masked and painted to match the railing.

What did you decide on for a new grill?

 

[jbmatth]

Because the Miller plasma's ****!!!

I haven't used one yet that I'm impressed with. Now in all fairness the newest I've used has been two years old but we have had half a dozen between work and contractors and none have worked worth the ****, plus they eat consumables like candy.

My ESAB, although doesn't get used very much, it gentle on the consumables and cuts consistent as hell.

I tried to like the Miller plasma's but just can't do it nor can I recommend them. Other than their plasma's I pretty much bleed blue.

Sorry JB.

Absolutely no need to apologize Mike, I appreciate the feedback. I didn't have the coin for a miller when I was looking for a tig or plasma so I'm glad I didn't stretch to get the Miller plasma now. As always I appreciate the information you share, nice to hear from someone who uses equipment regularly and knows how to use it.

JB

 

[zmotorsports]

Absolutely no need to apologize Mike, I appreciate the feedback. I didn't have the coin for a miller when I was looking for a tig or plasma so I'm glad I didn't stretch to get the Miller plasma now. As always I appreciate the information you share, nice to hear from someone who uses equipment regularly and knows how to use it.

JB

Glad to help JB. This is hard to say because I'm such a fan of Miller products but there are much better plasma cutters out there.

Thanks for following along and I'm happy to answer any questions that I can.

 

[zmotorsports]

Today turned out to be pretty productive.
After getting the new grill up and running last night I focused on getting the old Kenmore grill disassembled, cleaned and ready to give away. A co-worker’s mother in-law was looking for a grill and this one works good and I couldn’t justify throwing it out and would like to give it to someone who can use it.



Ready to pressure wash.


Reassembled the burner and made sure the spark igniter worked and the burner wasn’t plugged.


Reassembled.


Ready to be picked up.


I thought it was about 12 years old or so but when my wife grabbed the original paperwork so I could give it to them I noticed the purchase date of 6/10/2000 that I had written on the owner’s manual. I always write the purchase dates, installation dates as well as vendor for references.

After that I had a “hey man” project to work on. A friend of mine dropped off the carburetor from his Yamaha YFZ450 last night. I generally don’t work on powersports equipment any more but this is a friend whom I’ve built many snowmobiles and ATV’s for over the years when I had my business so I told him to bring it by and I’d take a look at it for him.

Disassembled.


Nasty looking inside. Jets plugged up as well. No wonder why it wouldn’t run.




After removing from carb cleaner.


Ready for reassembly.


Another project completed and ready to be picked up.


Last project in the shop before edging, trimming and mowing the lawn in preparation for tomorrow’s BBQ.

I needed some new adjustment screws and angle stop pins for the leaf on the DiAcro finger brake.

The fine adjustment screws were in pretty poor condition.


I cut a couple of pieces of grade 8 5/16”-18 allthread and reduced the tip to .200” diameter as well as machined two knurled thumb nuts. The threaded rod will thread into the nuts and be TIG welded on the end then turned to finish them off.




Next was to machine two push pins for the leaf angle. These are .625” diameter, knurled then stepped down to .250” x .750” in length.


Head faced and chamfered.


Original pieces in foreground with new pieces in the background.


I opted to use some cold bluing to match the original thumbscrews on the brake.


Wiped down with a little oil and ready to install.


Completed left side of brake. The upper right large knurled thumbscrews are original on the brake and the other two are the ones I just made.


Right side of brake.


Thanks for looking.

 

[jjeffries]

That (the replacement screws for the brake) is really cool. John

 

[Kiwi Canuck]

Mike, nice to see you using Vessel Screwdrivers, I bought a #2 & #3 PH with the 150mm (6") shank and they saved many screws on my older Suzuki's that I restored, I recently bought the same sizes in the Impactor model, they are excellent drivers and I love using them.

Excellent for carb work.

You know it's a tight fit when it can support it's own weight, never see a phillips screwdriver do that.

David

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Mike, nice to see you using Vessel Screwdrivers, I bought a #2 & #3 PH with the 150mm (6") shank......

How often do you find yourself using the #3? I keep the #2 Vessel for working on bicycles (Shimano components) and Japanese carburetors, but never came across a need for a #3.

 

[Kiwi Canuck]

How often do you find yourself using the #3? I keep the #2 Vessel for working on bicycles (Shimano components) and Japanese carburetors, but never came across a need for a #3.

All engine case screws on the older Japanese bikes use #3 on the engine side covers, (see previous picture from a 1981 Honda CT90), also the carbs on the 4 cylinder bikes are racked together with #3 screws, so quite often.

Those screws are often damaged from PO's using the wrong driver, probably a #2 Phillips screwdriver.

I have disassembled many engines and the OEM JIS screws still look pristine after using the Vessel screwdrivers, no need to change them out to Allen Head Cap screws as many do because they think the "Phillips" screws are junk, which is certainly not the case.

I even found a way to restore damaged JIS screws, when I need to get something back together and didn't order the right length screws, they can also get expensive when you have dozens to replace on a bike, so restoring them makes sense at times.

After some hammering and a light pass on the buffing machine, still needs a little work but you can see the progress here.

Here's the other screw.

David.

 

[zmotorsports]

That (the replacement screws for the brake) is really cool. John

Thank you, I appreciate that. I tried to match the original thumbscrews but really didn't want the regular slotted screw for the fine adjustment.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my projects.

 

[zmotorsports]

Mike, nice to see you using Vessel Screwdrivers, I bought a #2 & #3 PH with the 150mm (6") shank and they saved many screws on my older Suzuki's that I restored, I recently bought the same sizes in the Impactor model, they are excellent drivers and I love using them.

Excellent for carb work.


David

Thanks David. I like these Vessel screwdrivers. I had an older #2 and #3 but gave them to my son when he took my work toolbox home and I ordered this new set a couple of years ago to replace them.

My old ones saw many, many motorcycles and ATV's but so far these are still pretty new and virgin since I don't work on many powersports equipment these days. In some ways I miss working on the ATV's and snowmobiles and in other ways not so much.

Thanks for stopping by David.

 

[C_F]

Tonight I arrived home from work and before mowing the lawns I thought I’d add the ball valve and elbow to my natural gas line on my deck in preparation for the arrival of my new grill this week.

Added the elbow, 1/2” ball valve and 1/2” to 3/8” reducer. I angled it downward because I want to run the line down and under the deck to the grill.

After installation I wiped everything down with acetone, masked and painted to match the railing.

Man, the idea of not having to refill a propane tank for the grill ever again sounds very appealing! I think I'm gonna need to borrow this idea of yours. Thanks for posting!

 

[shortykorte]

Ummm, I wonder where I can get some replacement screws if needed for my brake.


On the #3 driver, I use a #3 once a year probably. Definitely one of those right tool moments.


Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[zmotorsports]

Man, the idea of not having to refill a propane tank for the grill ever again sounds very appealing! I think I'm gonna need to borrow this idea of yours. Thanks for posting!

Yeah, that was definitely an appealing aspect of going to natural gas. Still can't figure out why the NG grill was about $50 more than the propane one. The propane grill requires a large regulator as well as a slide out tray and other components for tank storage where this one does not.

Thanks for checking in and checking out the projects.

 

[zmotorsports]

Ummm, I wonder where I can get some replacement screws if needed for my brake.


On the #3 driver, I use a #3 once a year probably. Definitely one of those right tool moments.


Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Gee Shorty, I don't know where you could get those.

And to answer Cam's question about the #3, I used mine quite a bit back when I was doing a lot of motorcycle, ATV and snowmobile work but nowadays maybe a couple times a year is all I use it. Another place the #3 was common was on ignition timing plates. Those are usually a bit larger head screws.

Thanks for stopping by Shorty.

 

[Finallygotit]

Yeah, that was definitely an appealing aspect of going to natural gas. Still can't figure out why the NG grill was about $50 more than the propane one. The propane grill requires a large regulator as well as a slide out tray and other components for tank storage where this one does not.

Thanks for checking in and checking out the projects.

Supply and demand there Mike. They probably sell way more propane set-ups than NG.

 

[zmotorsports]

Supply and demand there Mike. They probably sell way more propane set-ups than NG.

Yeah that’s true Dan, but still from a materials perspective it doesn’t add up.

 

[zmotorsports]

After work tonight I racked the Jeep to perform a LOF service and tire rotation.





These 37” Nitto’s are wearing quite well. I’m impressed so far. I have 19,800 miles on them and still have between 12 and 13/32”.








I hope we're going to be able to get this thing off-road soon or I'm going to go out of my freaking mind. The most off-road it's seen in the past almost 7 months is the street in front of our subdivision being torn up.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Yeah that’s true Dan, but still from a materials perspective it doesn’t add up.

Mike, in a past life, I was a Parts Manager at a John Deere dealership.

Certain things like rasp bars on a combine had a different price for right and left side...mirror images of one another mind you...but one was always MORE. Why? Cause they had to be replaced in pairs, captive market.

I think there are a lot of things like that in life!

 

[C_F]

Yeah, that was definitely an appealing aspect of going to natural gas. Still can't figure out why the NG grill was about $50 more than the propane one. The propane grill requires a large regulator as well as a slide out tray and other components for tank storage where this one does not.

Thanks for checking in and checking out the projects.

Huh, I figured it would only be a size change of the burner nozzles, to go from propane to NG. I didn't take into consideration a change in regulator too.

Funny story, if you don't mind. One winter back around '88 or so, when my EX & I were just starting out, we got behind in payments with Mountain fuel co. and they shut us off! I couldn't come up with the money to pay them to turn the gas back on, but I could afford to fill up a tall (I think 20 gallon) propane tank I had. So I filled that up, and hooked up to our furnace. That was back when the propane tanks had a smaller valve fitting than they do today.
It worked great! After about 60 days of us not paying our bill & not begging them for forgiveness to turn the gas back on in freezing temps, they figured something was up & threatened to take us to court. By then, I had enough to pay our bill off, so OKAY, here's your money!
Actually, I was kinda glad, I had to fill that tank up every week, and it was getting old. But the rebel in me sure had fun for a while.