Archive for April, 2014
Vanagon – yet another bumper build update
Posted by albell in syncro, vanagon, vanagon mods on April 1, 2014
I got something done today on this never ending project. I bought some C channel steel (1″x2″, 3/16″ thick) to replace the stock bumper mounts. I cut them long enough so a third bolt can be used to secure, just like the stock VW trailer hitch set up, and just like the RMW bumper system. With those channels rough cut and inserted I was able to offer up the bumper to the van, fitting it to pretty well its final position.
I attached the unfinished swing away tire carrier.
And popped on a spare. I was worried that I had screwed up my measurements and the tire would cover part of the left rear light. But It clears it ok.
The bumper was not attached to the rails so it did tilt back a little. The tire carrier upright should be closer to the hatch.
And swung out, the tire clears the van.
ATA – Beaver crossing
Posted by albell in aircraft, around the airport on April 1, 2014
Been quite some times since I have posted a plane pic here. I dunno why. But I couldn’t help but get one while driving near my house today. Beaver about to cross the road.
Taiwanese copy of a Kurt vise
Posted by albell in metal working, metalworking on April 1, 2014
An old rusty bit of hardware was plopped in my lap the other day. It’s a STM CH-6 milling vise. Pretty well a direct copy of a Kurt. I didn’t think to take pictures of the state it was in when i got it, but did get some pics of the guts of the beast.
The claim to fame of the Kurt vide is the little gizmo in the sliding jaw that causes that jaw to push down when tightened on the workpiece. Kurt calls this “Anglok”. Here is a link to a pdf file of a Kurt vide that shows the Anglok feature.
Now the STM I was cleaning up does not exactly copy the Kurt, but does have the “Anglok” feature. Ok, now onto the pics…
The underside, yes it is a big bugger.
Yeah, I know most of you don’t have a clue what this next pic is showing. The underside of the sliding jaw showing the depression where the hemispherical part fits. This is the key of the “Anglok” idea.
Aforementioned hemisphere.
Movable jaw removed. Look at the casting at the end of the screw, you can kinda imagine it has an angled face on the underside. That angled face presses on the flat side of the hemisphere. Also note the rust etching on the ways, where the jaw had been parked. The vide was sitting outside, getting oh so rusty.
At the handle end of the screw there is a thrust bearing.
Oh this pic shows an allen key in the set screw that adjusts the free play on the “Anglok” system.
All cleaned up. apart from the rust, there was a lot of congealed cutting fluid and chips to get rid off. I was surprised that hit cleaned up as nicely as it did. It works smoothly, nice vise.
shooftie 