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The Amazing Workshop

geologist

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Dec 14, 2011
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Hello, I'm Steven, and I lovingly refer to my workspace as The Amazing Workshop. You can learn more about me by visiting this thread, or you can learn more about the goals of the workshop by visiting post #2 of this thread.

amazingworkshop.png


Click here for the LARGE panorama:
http://stevenbiars.com/TheAmazingWorkshop.JPG

The Harley Davidson and Pontiac Solstice aren't mine, unfortunately. :dunno:
 
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geologist

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Dec 14, 2011
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Some of the tools I use on a daily basis:

stevenbiars


IMG_2182.jpg


IMG_2181.jpg


IMG_2180.jpg


IMG_2179.jpg


These tools are stored in a Black Friday special Craftsman 5 drawer roller (friction slides).

I also have the following power tools:

*Black & Decker 4 1/2" angle grinder
*Black & Decker circular saw
*Black & Decker jigsaw
*Black & Decker palm sander
*Craftsman scroll saw

So, that's the shop I work out of for now, those are my tools, and the endeavors of the workshop are what I use them for. I'm eventually hoping to build a 40' x 60' timberframed shop if I ever get caught up. It looks like I'll be going back to work around the first or second week of January (possibly), so I'm happy about that.
 

perfect

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Mar 2, 2009
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Steven, you're an inspiring man doing inspirational things. Thanks for being a part of the GJ community.

I look forward to seeing more posts about your creations for disabled persons.
 
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geologist

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I'm just happy to be finding people willing to volunteer some machine time. All of the pediatric wheelchairs I've seen have these crappy plastic handles (similar to the brakes on a bicycle) for adjusting the tilt of the seat of the wheelchair. They're complete and utter junk, and they break really easily. I think the same manufacturer makes them for braked wheel walkers as well. I've been tinkering in Google Sketch-up with a simple aluminum or mild steel replacement (powder-coated) as well as a new fastening system.

While a lot of people wouldn't even think about it, those parts wear out quick, and really aren't well designed to begin with. However, there aren't any better solutions out there. I often see a lot of tool box stickers that say something along the lines of "the guy with the most tools wins" and while it's always nice to have lots of tools, I tend to think that the guy that gets to work most with his tools wins.

As for this thread, I know there are some forum members that have children with special needs as well (or know someone that does) or even disabled or elderly veterans. I urge any of you that might need a hand in getting something designed or built to contact me! My help is always free and will remain so as long as I have a pulse.
 
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Red Leader

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Steven,

would an aftermarket bicycle brake lever work in that application? - might be a cheap way to do it in that scenario. Any pictures of the part you are talking about?

-Dave
 
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geologist

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Steven,

would an aftermarket bicycle brake lever work in that application? - might be a cheap way to do it in that scenario. Any pictures of the part you are talking about?

-Dave

Conceivably the levers themselves *might* be able to be used, although the body holding the lever and the bracket itself would likely need modified. Most of the ones I have looked at online have an aluminum lever and a plastic body. The completely aluminum ones start to get pricey fast. On top of that, the cable ends appear to be a proprietary design, so I'm forced to do some machining anyway.

chair.jpg


I've considered reworking both adjustment cables to a single lever as well, but that would likely require a new cable job. I've been eyeballing a used "chassis" online to use as a test frame in the workshop, but I haven't yet chomped the bit and placed a bid.
 

Red Leader

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Hmm, I can see how those are different. Unfortunately I have no metalworking skills otherwise I'd offer a more substantial opinion:)

I'm curious how you have the rest of your shop set up!
 

55shoebox

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Dec 9, 2011
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15
Location
West Richland, WA
It might sound kind of out of place - look at drag car parachute handles. The mechanical ones use cables and some have mounts to go to small tubing. They are made to fit your hand and pretty stout - safety item. Even if it is just for ideas might help.
 

RVDan

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A universal motorcycle clutch lever sounds like the easy answer to me.

I just bought one for one of my minibikes. The Honda dealer had it in stock, its an aluminum lever on a steel bracket, and came with two bushings for different size tube. Cost was about twenty two bucks.
 
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