I am a firm believer that a successful craftsman needs to be able to utilize the tools at hand.
To create my wheeled designs I have been utilizing simple machining and fabrication processes and never any CNC machining. Well that has all changed now!
I have a background in computer design and my day time design job relies heavily on hand sketching and computer drawing in both 2D and 3D. My moonlighting design jobs typically utilize lots of 3D modeling and rapid prototyping processes to help realize the functionality of a design.
Because I seem to spend way too much time in front of a computer I have always welcomed the challenge and physicality of creating pieces with my two hands. I never seem to realize a design that I can not make with my hands. Most times this is just fine but lately I am visualizing more and more details that I find nearly impossible to do freehand.
Being a believer in a craftsman needing to master his tools I see a computer to be no different than a pencil and that there is a time and place for everything. With my current build, the Ducati, I happened upon the perfect element to utilize CNC machining.
A dry clutch Ducati requires a cush-drive and the rear hub I am using had none so what did I do, I designed one. Working around available polyurethane cush-drive bushings I created a 3D AutoCAD drawing that not only hid the cush-drive bushings but spaced the sprocket for perfect chain alignment.
I do know I could have machined this part on the rotary table by hand but I wanted a more flowing and sculptural part that closely matched the original Ducati part. Careful measuring, drawing, and incredibly accurate machining created a perfect part.
Casey, thank you for giving me the opportunity to see this piece come to life. It all went together flawlessly! I couldn't be happier!!!!
Great job! Details make the design. This design has great details :-)
ReplyDeleteyep....no doubt the tools maketh the man...funny how ive given away CAD drawing in the last five years to concentrate on drawing by hand and then letting one of the girls who used to work for me do the computer stuff...cause im still thinking about the vincent frame chris and there is no doubt i am going to need to get some of it c and c'd....and thats going to require me drafting it on the box....nice work!.
ReplyDeleteThats not cheating. Its showing off :-) that will suit that bike well, that peicelooks good in back again the machined parts in the front.
ReplyDeleteGlad to lend a hand Chris and so glad it worked out, But now you owe me some outstanding welding! hehe
ReplyDeletenice hub choice, i am currently using them on a project.
ReplyDeleteNice job integrating a sound engineering design with an aesthetically pleasing one. Also, good choice with the Avon Pro Xtreme's ;)
ReplyDeleteThe hub looks beautiful, glad you got it sorted.
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