Maxx

Okay, the two sections have been indexed and welded together. I checked the shimming on gears and they will set up without any issues. When I purchased this lower the threads for the spanner nut were damaged beyond repair, so I cut them off and replaced them with a threaded ring. The only thing that remains is to step up the cavitation plate and painting. I have taken my time with this project to work out any issues and to develop better methods. So far everthing has worked out well. On a side note, I went to FL to visit DanB. He's living the good life.

Maxx

The ring welded into place. The margins were "V'ed" out and the piece mig welded.

Maxx

Now the blending begins. My shop is starting to look like a giant aluminum furball.

Maxx

I was ecstatic to see Alfster's post on the hydraulic steering! He has come up with an excellent design at a reasonable cost. It is about time that the consumers take these marine parts/accessory manufacturers to task for the outrageous profit they take on these items. For example: a set of aluminum planes / trim tabs $2000.00+, aluminum exhaust manifolds that cost more than a set of aluminum heads, 1500.00+ for a swim platform, or 400.00 for a very simple shaft. These prices go beyond the absurd, and there is no argument that these manufacturers can put forth that would convince me other wise. I am preparing to throw down the gauntlet and go in to this business, research on some CNC equipment has already begun. My plan is to offer quality products at REASONABLE prices, and not gouge the boating enthusiast. This may take a couple of years but I am determined. Whew! I feel better now that I have vented.

KAAMA

Right on John!

mcollinstn

For primarily aluminum work, Fadal and Haas both produce quality American-built CNC equipment. I use heavy-duty brick s-house ultra-close tolerance Japanese machines, but my work requires that level of machine.

For a fraction of the price of the top-tier Japanese iron, the above-mentioned equipment will perform wonderfuly on what you are planning. They will also remove a lot of material from steels as well, but they do wince when you try to run em like I run my Jap hosses.

As a side note, the Haas and Fadal machines will also run rings around my "comparatively slow" expensive Japanese mills.

Japs also make lighter, faster stuff to compete with the 2 Ammurrican brands above. They are selling at closeout prices, too, so do look around. Korean and Vietnamese machines are actually of an acceptable level of quality, too, but you had better have prior experience with CNC machines because you will end up being your own primary service tech on them - they are Cheap, too.

I hate doing it, but stay away from anything with a BRIDGEPORT name on it, unless it has a Japanese-made Fanuc control on it. I can give you chills about their in-house Bridgeport mfd. CNC control. Still had prefer to steer you towards Haas and Fadal. Great value in those items. ( I own neither ).

Maxx

Thanks for the info. The machine we used to do this work is a Cincinnati Milacron, however, that is a bit of an over-kill. I am looking at one ( forgot the manufacturer) for around $20,000.00 including training. I will check it out tomorrow and get your thoughts on it.

cobra marty

Funny you say that. I was just looking thru Popular Mechanics and there is an ad for Haas CNC base model starting at $19,995. at www.HaasCNC.com 888-545-0535.

Maxx

Thanks Marty, I'll check them out. With any machine of this nature my primary concern is support followed by parts availability. I don't want to hunt down circuit boards, or oddball class 7 bearing sizes, etc. Oh, and here is a picture of the shortened shaft.

ALFSTER

MAXX
Very nice looking job on the drive.I'm getting in line definitly interested in a shorty.I made all of my parts in my father-in -laws machine shop,I'm not a machinest nor claim to be.Just had alot of direction from his guys.He is not in the machine shop business,it just supports his main line of work.He has 2 cnc's several verical mills W/ prototracs and a host of other machines.He maybe able to help you find what your looking for at a reasonable price.In october I'm getting his engineering dept to put the steering system in blue prints and your welcome to them.The 30" tabs on the boat were also made in his shop.


Brian