#1
|
|||
|
|||
aluminum bumper fabrication
I've spent the last couple weeks working on designing/building a bumper for the widebody MR2 I'm building. I've still got lots of hand planishing and metalfinishing to do, but I had to jump on another project.
. P.S. I'm struggling to find a half round body file that is curved from front to back for working in these reverse curves. If any of you guys have suggestions I would greatly appreciate it.
__________________
Kyle |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
Sounds like you are looking for a bullnose vixen file. Second row from the top, left hand side. They show up on Ebay from time to time. I have several but they have different tooth counts so I don't have any spares. Another useful one is the same row on the right. It's a rocker but with a curved face. This thread shows my collection. http://allmetalshaping.com/showthrea...=Bullnose+file I've used most all of them on the art deco roadster at one time or another. Beautiful work on the bumper.
__________________
Kerry Pinkerton |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Very nice work Kyle!
__________________
Will |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
Looks really nice Kyle!
Do you mean a file that has a convex shape the narrow way and a concave from end to end? If so I have never seen one. That is a tricky shape to file. I have used a straight half round on a low crown reverse, by extending my fingers below the file to support and stabilize the ends of the file. Option 2 Use a flexible file and holder, set it to approx shape of reverse. Carefully just use the edge to find the high and low spots. Not a file, but a wood sanding block made to match the shape, and sticky back abrasive. Steve
__________________
Steve Hamilton Hamilton Classics Auto Restoration & Metalshaping |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Kyle you do very nice work. Those old body files you are looking for came in different sizes and tooth patterns, but are non-existant new today. Used - find them on ebay, but be ready to re-sharpen them, and NOT in battery acid !!! Anyway, take a look at the curved double ender, file/rasp, down the list here: http://www.tinmantech.com/products/h...les-and-rasps/ It is the only thing I have found available today that is good quality, in my world-wide search for metal files. The file end is usable, although a bit coarse, but I would not use the rasp end on aluminum sheet, anyway.
__________________
Kent http://www.tinmantech.com "All it takes is a little practical experience to blow the he!! out of a perfectly good theory." --- Lloyd Rosenquist, charter member AWS, 1919. |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
These files are still available brand new. 9t per inch
__________________
Chris Woolley |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Two things. First, wow. I'm really impressed with your work. Great design and first class work. Really, really cool and inspirational man. Second, on the file: If you can source a flat, curved face file you can make this yourself. I made this one out of a brand new curved tooth flat faced, flat file maybe 20 years ago. A curved face file should work as well. I made a simple fixture out of 1/8" x 1" flat steel bent to the shape I wanted, welded to a small piece of flat stock. I made it with a tab at one end of the bend to hook the end of the file into. Then I heated the file in a small gas forge (you could use a gas torch probably) until it was a dull red, put one end in the tab and bent the file to shape. I let the file cool slowly in a pan of ash, then re-heated it to a dull red and quenched it in ATF to re-harden it. You should do some temper cycle to relieve some of the stress from quenching...I don't accurately remember if I did that (I do for knives I've made). I also made a pattern for the handle. Once you find the source for the files the rest is pretty simple. And after making the fixture and handle pattern you can make a bunch as stocking stuffers. Make sure the files aren't case hardened, that probably won't work when you go to re-harden them. Ideally you want to find files that have screw holes, not a tang. But, after annealing you can grind off the tang and drill screw holes if need be. |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|