Re: First build ,cat D11
 

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psa1b0389e.jpg

Well it looks like a dozer.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Looking good! Keep it up!
Cheers, Neil.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Very nice!

What kind of tools/machines do you have avail for this build?

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

My toolbox is pretty light, a hammer and vice grips. :). I'll take some pics of the shop tools to show you.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Looking good. Love your detail work. How heavy do you think this beast will be when done ?

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Great job! You are proving that with talent, you don't need a bunch of fancy equipment to turn out a fantastic model! Very inspiring!

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Atomic, this is most of the tools / machines I have. In a previous post I have shown the mill and lathe.
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7458409b.jpg

This is the wire welder I have and that saw that I've been using to cut the sheet metal is that Rockwell thing. It's like a scroll saw, pushing it to cut metal.

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psc53e1c7f.jpg

Drill press (rarely used) the lathe and mill.
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...pse2e04125.jpg

And this is the brake, shear, roller unit I recently purchased. Was originally going to get a 12" one but Xmas gift card helped with the larger more $ version.

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2cadc1cc.jpg

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Oops, azonic, spell checker auto interfered. :) not atomic.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

How do you like the 3 in 1 machine? I have been looking at a big one but I am a little apprehensive to spend 2k on a machine that does everything but nothing well. I guess I am most interested in knowing how well the shear works?

Reg

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

I'm curious about that too, I'll try and put everything that I have so far on the scale and get an idea.

And I know it looks like I'm a big fan of grizzly tools, not really as they are just rebranded from the original. But the muncy grizzly store and warehouse is basically in my backyard. So shipping is not an issue as that usually ends up less expensive that other models. There stuff is good however and I'm happy with my purchases. (Once I figure out how to use them. !!)

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

The shear could use a little refinement, on full with pieces a couple quick jerks on the Handel shears a pretty clean edge. But I've only cut 22 guage steel. One piece of aluminum and it felt like butter. Took me a couple hours to adjust everything but then again I didn't know what I was doing. I don't have any other experience to compare to but for what I've done so far I think its a quality piece.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Good to know, thanks. Is that a 30"?

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

hey cooper i love your build. im looking into starting my own but i am looking to do a cat 345d. was wondering if i could get some insight from you?

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Appreciate your request but my lack of experience might not be the best of opinions. This is my first build involving any type of production of equipment.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

I started building the hydro parts. I'm making the pistons out of aluminum, it doesn't have any contact anywhere. Do you guys think it would be better to use brass, as I don't want to contaminate the oil, or is that the case when aluminum has contact with something? I'm using brass for the cylinder and stainless for shafts. Honed and polished. The piston has two o-rings , more for guides, and one x-ring for the seal. And the rod seal will consist of a actual seal with o-ring for a wiper, or x-ring.
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...ps47cc2713.jpg

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

You look like you're on the right track... my Vario cyls use a aluminum piston too & the oil stays relatively clean for 50+ hrs.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps67a45c14.jpg

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Very nice work on the cylinders. You have a Very nice shop. I see you are coming along very nicely on the dozer great job. Ed

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Thanks guys, anyone have some pics easily accessible of the rod seal end? I'm working on that today, had to make a internal grooving bit. I assume you want the rod hole to be as tight as possible? Of course some clearance. I have x-ring seals, o-ring seals and actual 1/4" seals. The 1/4" seals have an id of 1/4 and a od of 1/2". No way am I getting that seal into a 1/4" hole for an internal groove. I'm thinking of making a wider portion of the cylinder with basically a washer, with a standoff for the inlet port. So the piston doesn't top out past the inlet port. Then a plug cap bolted on. That way I could use the better seal and just push it in. The plug cap would also get a wiper and oring on the outside for like I guess a gland seal? Not sure if that is right. All sounds complicated but is pretty simple and will be easiest to install.

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

Aluminum for pistons are fine as long as you can keep it from making contact with the tube.

I built race car dampers for 10 years and the dampers were made with aluminum or steel tubes with aluminum pistons.

Some pistons had just 2 grooves cut for a slide ring and an o ring. That's all that was needed to keep fluid from snaking past.

The cover for the rod to exit thru can consist a few ways. Use of a single x style oring can be used with limited seapage past the rod, most dampers i built had a backing oring with step seals and dust ring. Thesis more complex but less dirt can get in...

If you have any questions I will gladly help..

Re: First build ,cat D11
 

This is the little internal grooving tool I had to make. It cuts brass very clean and easy. It's small enough to squeez into a .30" hole.
http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/...psc22716a6.jpg