I copied one of Tom's classic frames a while ago to make a XN Cortez classic squidder - this time I have started on a set of side plates to go with the frame.
I've got a few more gadgets in the workshop since I made the frame, I started by picking up X Y coordinates of features on Tom's plate with the spool bearing centre as 0.00 0.00 on the mill DRO.
Used an edge finder for straight surfaces,
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-011022125422-372091100.jpeg)
And a coaxial indicator for circular holes (shown here with a jigmaster plate)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-011022125443-372102033.jpeg)
I'm new to the coaxial indicator, I ended up taking the readings three times and averaging the second two.
Next was to cut a slice of 6061 on the bandsaw,
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-011022125514-37212900.jpeg)
Clean up the ends, turn to a few mm over thickness and drill and tap a centre hole to hold it
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-021022094541-372171657.jpeg)
Use the DRO to spot drill hole locations;
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-011022125542-372132193.jpeg)
I used my home made boring head for the bigger holes,
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-011022125556-372141404.jpeg)
Roughed out the internal shape using various cutters;
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-011022125623-37215761.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-011022125636-372162294.jpeg)
More to come later.
Mike
VERY IMPRESSIVE !
Looking forward to updates . Thanks
masterful work !
Very cool!
What is the intended use of the XN squidder?
The drills down there turn counter-clockwise, right? ^-^
Quote from: Squidder Bidder on October 02, 2022, 03:25:58 PMThe drills down there turn counter-clockwise, right? ^-^
Only the Toilet Drains and Prop Wash on Single Engine Cessna's
Thanks guys, PJ I don't have a particular use in mind - general bait fishing in estuaries and inshore usually under about 50 - 60 ft, the XN spool holds enough braid and makes line lay easier.
Quote from: Wompus Cat on October 02, 2022, 03:36:05 PMQuote from: Squidder Bidder on October 02, 2022, 03:25:58 PMThe drills down there turn counter-clockwise, right? ^-^
Only the Toilet Drains and Prop Wash on Single Engine Cessna's
Only sometimes...it depends on the clock.. ::) ;D
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-031022074626-372311611.jpeg)
To do the outside features, I inverted the X coordinates and left the Y as they were to flip it on the Y axis.
Used an indexable end mill to rough out the bulk of the material;
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-021022103806-372181221.jpeg)
And used a sharp end mill to cut to shape and the rotab used to set angles.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-021022103822-372191084.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-021022103835-372201411.jpeg)
The rotab in use to cut curves:
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-021022103848-372211556.jpeg)
A similar process was used on the tail plate. Measuring Tom's plate;
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-021022103911-372221438.jpeg)
Roughing out;
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-021022103940-37223389.jpeg)
Cleaning up the internal corners
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-021022104005-372241486.jpeg)
I could use the lathe for some of the work on the tail plate;
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-021022104133-372252429.jpeg)
Then back to the rotab for the recessed edge sections;
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-031022081852-37232151.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-031022081859-37233738.jpeg)
Thanks
Mike
Loving it. Been there... Bravo!!
Thanks Doc, seeing your creations has been an inspiration to learn how to use these gadgets - I'm still joining dots at the moment but hope to progress.
Mike
:cf uff you're really a master
That workbench was way too clean. Nice to see it covered in shavings as another masterpiece comes to life. Thanks for bringing us along.
Amazing work!!
Earlier someone was asking for someone to build something... here's your answer 😉
Fantastic work Mike! 8)
Thanks again guys, I appreciate the encouragement. I haven't done much with reels lately but it's good to see there is still some interest in modifying and/or custom reel builds.
Quote from: Bill B on October 03, 2022, 11:19:16 PMEarlier someone was asking for someone to build something... here's your answer 😉
;D Correct Bill, from memory it was Thorhammer that started that post and it did start me thinking I had probably made all the tooling I need for my mini benchtop machines and should start using them for reel stuff - the purpose I had in mind when I bought them.
Edit - Correction, JasonGotaProblem started the 'someone build something' thread. John was the first response
Quote from: Maxed Out on October 03, 2022, 08:56:20 PMThat workbench was way too clean. Nice to see it covered in shavings as another masterpiece comes to life. Thanks for bringing us along.
The bench isn't clean very often Ted - it's worth taking a photo when it is ;D
Mike
Nice to see the operations that go into making these plates.
You've come a long way with the milling in a relatively short time.
Keep it coming!
Eagerly watching Mike, nice to see how a master tradesman does it, thanks for taking us along, cheers Don.
Glad to see some aluminum getting cut , i am tired of cutting trees .. Looking forward on your progress .
Thanks again guys, good to see you taking a break from the storm clean up Joe.
A few more photos of progress - I left tapping the bearing cup housings until most of the machining was complete so the threads wouldn't get damaged. Tom's plates have 1/2" x 28 tpi thread;
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-041022090132-372341334.jpeg)
The state of play, still need a bit of touch up filing and sanding around the frame 'lugs' to match the frame profile;
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-041022090156-37236377.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-041022090211-372371732.jpeg)
And the internals installed, with the pinion in both the engaged / disengaged positions showing the eccentric spring has clearance;
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-041022090613-372411371.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-041022090325-37238778.jpeg)
And a test fit with a Cortez 146 frame;
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-041022090641-372422157.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-041022090348-372401683.jpeg)
I was a bit surprised how well it fit first up - all the screws lined up, it goes into and out of gear smoothly and there is no rubbing. Fingers crossed it stays that way. ;D
Next is to make a few of the fiddley bits.
Threading a pair of shorter bearing cups to match the cortez cups;
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-041022091427-372441968.jpeg)
Boring the bearing seat;
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-041022091441-372451867.jpeg)
And cutting a screwdriver slot with a slitting saw;
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-041022091454-372462428.jpeg)
The two bearing cups with one of Tom's on the left;
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-041022091505-372471168.jpeg)
That brings this up to date - a couple more bits to make like clicker button & short eccentric lever then polish and anodizing.
Thanks
Mike
Down Right Amazing Skill Set you have Sir !
Beautiful work .
Are you going to be able to turn out fifty SETS or so an hour now ???? ;D
Thanks Henry. With a bit of practice I could probably manage 3 sets a year although my enthusiasm would likely run out half way through the 2nd set. I don't think Cortez Conversions will have anything to worry about or make any royalties from me copying Tom's design. ;D ;D
Mike
Again: Bravo, Mike. Well done.
For those who don't quite understand all of this, please do understand that this is a lot harder than it looks.
.
Quote from: Robert Janssen on October 05, 2022, 08:42:59 PMAgain: Bravo, Mike. Well done.
For those who don't quite understand all of this, please do understand that this is a lot harder than it looks.
.
I second that , each step requires thinking before you cut . and each step requires do this before you do that . All manual machine work ... And learn as you go along or watching the progress . :d
I look at things like this, and I look at the router my dad gave me. And I find myself wanting to get a table or try to rig something up to start learning how to machine stuff. Obviously there's thousands of hours of practice between these musings of mine and being able create anything remotely like that. But it's a nice thought. And a fellas gotta start somewhere right?
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on October 06, 2022, 01:04:11 AMI look at things like this, and I look at the router my dad gave me. And I find myself wanting to get a table or try to rig something up to start learning how to machine stuff. Obviously there's thousands of hours of practice between these musings of mine and being able create anything remotely like that. But it's a nice thought. And a fellas gotta start somewhere right?
I don't want to discourage you Jason, but routers are great tools for wood - not so good for metal, they're used for edging, grooves and slotting and usually rely on hand feeding the stock (you learn very quickly not to 'climb cut' with the feed direction the same as the cutter rotation - things literally get out of hand :( ;D ) and they spin too fast for most metal applications.
Machining metal relies on holding the work securely and moving the work or cutter precisely in a controlled manner. Lightweight benchtop machines like mine aren't considered rigid enough by machinists but are OK for semi-accurate small hobby work. If you want to dip your toe into making parts, an angle grinder, drill press and set of files would be start, and after a year or two of tormenting metal with those you will really appreciate any dedicated machines you get ;D.
Mike
A quick update on this project - I think it's ready to polish and anodize.
I copied Tom's low profile clicker button, turned out of 316 stainless;
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-081022120338-37303492.jpeg)
Original in the foreground;
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-081022120356-37304669.jpeg)
I've made another eccentric eccentric lever ;D. The diameter of the new plates is 3.5mm less than stock - I decided to try leaving the lever at the stock length and moving the stop in 3.5mm and shaping the end in a slide button sort of shape...or something ???
Roughing on the rotab
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-081022120417-373051212.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-081022120417-373051212.jpeg)
Inserted a delrin post where it contacts the plate;
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-081022120458-37307802.jpeg)
top with grooves for grip :)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-081022120545-37308177.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-081022120601-373092174.jpeg)
Thanks
Mike
Nice Mike. Love That eccentric lever !!
Mike, the humble clutch lever has gone through some serious design evolution from you and Ted!
all I have to say is WOW.....
DUDE!
Thanks again guys.
Quote from: Rothmar2 on November 17, 2022, 07:33:48 AMMike, the humble clutch lever has gone through some serious design evolution from you and Ted!
It's all Ted's responsibility Chris, he started the 'new style shift lever' movement back in January 2017.
A quick update on this reel - I've had my first attempt at anodizing it, I say first because it's not going to plan at the moment. A few weeks ago I tried to anodize a 501 I had modified a couple of years back but not finished off.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-181122050515-374531681.jpeg)
As you can see in the photo, most of the reel was OK but the dye didn't take in a few places at the front of the reel. I wasn't sure what caused it and put it down to me being a bit rusty with the process.
After brushing up on my notes and checking the anodizing tank I ran a couple of test pieces.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-181122061853-37455549.jpeg)
They seemed OK, a couple of slight blemishes but they were multiple colors - the darker gold is green over red dye, the lighter gold is red over green dye and the rum color is violet over gold dye.
Thinking it's working as normal I tried doing the squidder copy today
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-181122050407-37451348.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-181122050437-37452485.jpeg)
Not as bad as the 501, most of the reel is OK but there is still a couple of patches where the dye didn't take.
After looking closely at the blotches, my current theory is there is a trace of the hard waxy build-up left from the polishing / buffing process.
My small 200 year old ultrasonic cleaner burnt out cleaning test pieces before the 501 attempt which means I've been soaking in simple green but not 'vibrating' as I used to. I didn't use a degreaser after polishing either :-\
The dye has taken well to unpolished test pieces and the inside surfaces of the plates which would support my theory/ clutch of straws.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/37/7995-181122050528-37454754.jpeg)
I had bought an ultrasonic cleaner on ebay but had the money refunded today, after asking about overdue delivery.
I'll try again when I get hold of a cleaner.
Mike
I am enjoying your progress . I think you are right about the polishing compound residue contamination.
I know that i have fell victim to it a few times ...
Thanks Joe,
I'm hoping that's the problem - I probably underestimated how effective ultrasonic cleaners are and didn't put enough effort into cleaning without using one. I don't have an assistant or supervisor I can blame, so for now I'll blame Donnyboat - he gave me the buffing wheel and compound I used. ;D
Mike
Again, bravo Mike.
Anodizing is a bit of a black art, and any such effort is commendable. That it didn't go quite right on the first try just goes to show that it is difficult. Learn by doing; you'll get it right next time. Well done.
You can sub a cheap electric toothbrush for a US cleaner and you'd be surprised how well it works. I put the part in a cup of my solvent of choice and turn the brush on and leave it in the cup tip down. Every time I've told myself I need to leave a part for a while, then came back a few min later to make sure it hadn't tipped over or anything, the part is always already clean when I check it. Sign of success.
Well Well Well Mike, you can wash the buff through the washing machine, then use braso to do the buffing, braso even cleans ars##?, follow up with alcohol, I am sorry its 3,000 mile across australia, or I would do your machining for you too,
Jason the electric tooth brush idea sound good, Mike you can borrow mine as I only use it when I shower, thats about once a month, through the winter, keep well, n good luck, cheers Don.
I can't wait to see how this thing spins! It sounds like you got the color issue on the run, thanks for bringing us along.
The Man
Great/interesting stuff!
Any updates?, can't wait.
Thanks guys. Gfish, there's been a bit of sideways movement with this but no progress, I stripped the anodizing and tried again after degreasing and ultrasonic cleaning with simple green - and got similar results with blemishes in different spots and possibly as bad as the first attempt.
Plan C is to strip the anodising again and use a mechanical buff/polish without using a hard compound, maybe something lighter like Simichrome or Autosol which didn't cause any problems on earlier reels.
Mike
Interested on what you find to cause problems with the blemishes . I have not tried Anodizing and willing to lean from your adventure .
Thanks for keeping us updated Mike, hope you can get it right, & Merry Xmas, cheers Don.