Just machined: Performance axle half-shaft

[ismaelg]

Hello,

I was going to install the halfshafts on a C5 Z06. Then it hit me: How about machining performance half-shafts?

Longer boots and thicker shaft.

It came out much better looking than the plastic one. I'll paint the boots black but will leave the shaft itself unpainted. It came out slightly shorter, but that's no problem. Anyways, you can't see them once all the suspension is assembled.

Thanks,

[MrObsessive]

What a cool looking part............and so professional looking!

Once I get moved I wanna get my machine setup.............can't do it right now though.

[Wildrice]

Nice work. I think you are getting the hang of that lathe. Keep it up.

[Stingray69]

I've machined a few parts before on a friends lathe... this is top notch work man! Looks so much better than the plastic one!

[Len Woodruff]

What brand of lathe are you using?

[ismaelg]

What brand of lathe are you using?

Len,

It is a Sherline. I believe it is a 4100 but I'm not sure since it was originally sold under the SEARS Craftsman brand.

Thanks,

Ismael

[Chad Shapiro]

I know this post is from a few months back. I just saw it today. Not to be critical, but in attempt to maybe make things easier, I'll jump in.

Right off the bat, there is something wrong with either your sherline or the cutting tool. The surface finnish can be much much better than that with minimal effort if everything is set up correctly. Judging by that picture, it is not setup correctly.

There could be excessive play in the machine, but with a sherline, its doubtful. The berings in the headstock shouldnt really go bad on a sherline for a LONG long time. Really excessive wear on the ways is also kind of doubtful.

It looks to me like a cutting tool problem. Either it is dull, isnt cut right, or isnt on center. Also the aluminum may not be the right alloy. If its the "mystery alloy" stuff you get at a hardware store like home depot, that stuff is not easy to cut smoothly. It gums up and leaves a poor finnish. 6061 alloy cuts great, and is very easy to find.

Post some pics of the cutting tools you are using. You will find that a properly cut and setup tool will make the cuts go much smoother, and leave a great surface finnish with little effort.

[ismaelg]

Hi Chad,

Glad to see you here! You have a great eye. This was one of the first parts I did, and the problem was the material used. I did not have much good material to work with at the begining. I mail ordered some great aluminum and brass alloys. But this was cut from... you guessed it, cheapo hardware store rod.

I'm relatively new to machining as well, so now I'm learning about grinding my own tools, keeping them sharp etc. It's a lot of fun and it can be a hobby within the hobby. Only constraint is time

Thanks,