Ognib

Hi Mike, thanks for stopping in... Part of what makes this so interesting is that although I am loosely using plastic big deuce parts as a template, I'm making no attempt to copy the parts exactly. In my prep for doing the qc assembly, I've also looked closely at the Winters qc & others. In the end though, I'm building the pictures that have evolved in my brain. To accomplish the outrageous concept that I have for the car, everything needs to be bold & "muscular" in design...to the max! But...without spilling over & becoming grotesquely obscene...thus my quandary over how big do I dare go on the bolt heads

Quick change back cover, take 3...out of position drilling for bolt holes aborted the first 2...gotta get it right. Have to check in to the "cold lighting" that Michael mentioned earlier. Even with my 2X flip downs, hard for my old eyes to see where to put the bit...

The lettering on the car expresses my entire concept for it. Visual impact is the only thing a static model has going for it. Balance & perspective & proportion... When it's mounted in the frame, there will be inboard brake rotors & calipers as well as mounting tabs & the structure of the cage itself. Hardware needs to be bold enough so it can still make it's own visual statement in the midst of everything else going on around it...hummm

I don't know...the small ring has #0-80...when I put that size in the larger piece, it doesn't make much of a visual impact, just kinda gets lost down in there, due to the small size. Have to sleep on this one for a few days.

Thanks for the comments, guys! Randy, the documentation is all part of the fun in this for me. My point of view...a build thread should show the build, step by step, so that's what I try to do. Decisions, decisions...do I use a #1 or #2 bolt for the base of the side cover? Got the other mounting surface cut...next step, get the sides attached to the case.

This is very cool stuff...I'm diggin it! Got the mounting surface machined for one of the side covers... The high material provides for the stiffening ribs & will allow the back of the case to be shaped to match the profile of the back cover...I have some ideas as how to accomplish that...see how it works out... as well as for rounding the snout to fit the front driveshaft hub.

Not butting in Michael, I appreciate the comments! Ya, it's starting to come together & look like something. I'm astounded at the sheer number of hours/days I've got invested in these pieces at this point. I'm sure as I gain experience, things will move somewhat more quickly...but...ARGHH! Guess I shouldn't be too distressed over it though...took almost 2 weeks to bend a set of headers for the car that I was happy with..... I've done a lot of reading on a few machinist forums & noticed many recommendations for the use of WD-40 as a cutting lubricant on aluminum. That's what I've been using. However, if there's a better choice, I'd switch. Some of the very light cuts, I've been doing dry. Tim also suggested a shop vac hose close to the work. However, the room is so small, when I put a shop vac in there I can't get in to work. My plan is to put the vac outside the room by the air compressor & plumb in a pvc line from the vac to the mill & accomplish it that way.

The chipaway method...just keep chippinaway at it... Does feel good to finally have things happening...after a year of focused study...reading & watching videos on the subject...& saving my lunch money to buy the machine... Got the other side drilled & parted off of the core plug.

A little more progress.

It is fun...& humbling...& challenging. Ya, I really like the machined finish, as well. More hardware. I've got it from 00-90 through 4-40 in stainless. Nothing looks more like metal than metal!!!

I deal with sciatica & back pain as well, Harry. Empathy. I got an inversion table...gave me back my life. best to you

Thanks for stepping in & taking a look, Michael. Certainly appreciate your comments. I'm happy with my results, given my extreme lack of experience. I now have a pair of side covers with hubs. One piece at a time.

You do some really nice work. Kudos!

Waiting on hardware for the side cover before doing layout & drilling for bolts. So, took it out of the machine so I can proceed with other stuff, while waiting. Here it is, roughed in with the bearing retainer hub/oil seal.

There, that's the look I'm after.

Part of the hardware arrived today. 00-90 & 0-80, hex head cap screws in 18-8 stainless.

Nice! Watching & learning.

More progress. I have hardware ordered...tracking says it'll be here tomorrow.

Jumped up to the 1/2" bit for hoggin off the excess material more quickly & stayed with it for the initial rough shaping. Now, back to the 3/16" for the finer work.

It was hard to see the fine scribed line while cutting, even with my 2X magnifiers, so I stuck the plastic model piece on that I'm using as a template to work to. Would like to find a longer bit in this size so I could get more of a top view of the work...also need better focused lighting on the work.

Good Idea Tim, thanks. Also going to find a larger cardboard box & set up a containment wall that'll help keep the mess localized. Also want it to cover the vertical dovetail & keep it clean while in use. So far I've been going in circles. Watched a guy cut a set of chess pieces on an old school manual machine...spinning all the knobs at the same time, freehand...impressive. I've been visualizing similar techniques regarding some of my pieces that are odd shapes. Thought I'd give the back cover for the QC a whirl using the X & Y tables along with the rotary table.

Practice makes better, Bill. Interesting...there's a pattern in the metal but when I run a finger over it, can't feel anything...just smoooth.

Got this plug squared up & faced on both ends for consistant seat in the chuck & for a smooth surface for layout work. Finally, I'm back on these pieces that I tried, unsuccessfully, to cut on the drill press last summer.

I think SEG works strictly out of the 1965 or 66 nhra rule book for the class.

They're about as hard core as it gets. All 4 speed, flat out balls to the wall, first guy to the other end wins, racing!!