New Member from Dearborn, Michigan

[rick_brade]

Hello everybody.
I'm a former Ford mechanic and now a Mechanical Engineer who works with 3D CAD software by day trying to advance my fabricating skillset so I can take on bigger and cooler projects.

I enjoy every chance I get to fire up my Miller XMT 304 multiprocess MIG welder and Miller Spectrum 375 plasma cutter. My TIG experience is limited, but I love the challenge of creating a good TIG weld.

My 2 biggest projects are my CNC plasma torch table which will eventually be connected to an Everlast 60C (CNC capable) plasma torch or something similar and will run Linux EMC2 CNC software which is 100% free. I'd love to make this into a dual purpose CNC plasma torch and CNC router table, but unfortunately I think I'd be making too many comprimises by trying to make 1 machine with 2 purposes. The biggest comprimise would be making the machine rigid enough to handle tool chatter created by a router yet lightweight enough for the fast travel speeds required by a plasma torch. The best solution I can currently think of for a dual purpose machine will be to have a removable "girdle" to strengthen the gantry for routing jobs while being removable for plasma jobs.

Here is what my CNC table currently looks like.



I recently bought some cheap folding trailer tongue jacks with caster wheels from Harbor Freight that clamp onto the legs that will let me roll the entire table outside while still letting me lower the table down onto it's own legs for stability while operating. Eventually this table will get a removable water bed to cut down on the dust and prevent warpage of my workpieces, but for now I just want to get it running.


My other big project is my Factory 5 roadster. So far it is nothing special considering the competition in the Factory 5 community, but I'd love to fabricate a twin turbo setup someday with some custom 321 stainless headers as a future winter project. Here are a few photos of it.

[Joe Hartson]

Rick, welcome and thanks for the introduction. Looks like you have a lot to keep you busy. Hope you find the site helpful with your projects. If you have questions just ask and someone will try to help you. Thanks for joining us.

[David Gardiner]

Hi Rick, welcome to the site. I am trying to build a plasma table as well. I have got quite a good way with it but I have several other projects on the go at the same time so it has taken a back seat at the moment.

David

[HEATNBEAT]

Hi and welcome Rick!

[Peter Tommasini]

HI Rick welcome to AllMetalshaping
Peter

[fordguyfordman]

A ford mechanic. living in Dearborn and building a factory five. My new hero. L.O.L
Welcome to the site. I'm sure you'll have a great time here.
Tom H

[geelhoed]

Welcome Rick, I will be hosting a metalshapers gathering in Hastings Mich. this summer on July 21 9-6 on a Saturday. Check out the info on meets like this under EVENTS or call me at 269-948-9474 9-5 M-F. PS I recently worked on a Factory 5 project (the GT car) for a local guy , Turned out really neat!

Andy Geelhoed(guesswork) Hastings Mi.

[RockHillWill]

Welcome to the site Rick, you will meet a lot of savvy folks here and they are all willing to share.

I used to be a NASCAR guy, owned a Ford that Dale drove, and currently enjoy using my SolidWorks 3D software to layout assorted machines.

I visit Dearborn on occasion to visit the Henry Ford Research Center, doing Model A research. Would love to pick your brain on the 3D 'stuff' as well as metal shaping ideas.

Visit often and post lots of pictures, we all like that!

[moose]

Greetings from another Michigan Gearhead!

moose

[geelhoed]

Ric I previously invited you to my metashapers meet but have had to change the date to July 28. All else stays the same. Hope you can make it !
Andy Geelhoed (guesswork)