Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Thank you Kent. Actually, I don't own a router either, otherwise maybe..... :D I don't think anyone wants to see this project done more then I do. I've been working on it for such a long time now, but I've gained some momentum back. I just have to keep it rolling. I'm doing a little every day, when I can, but more so on weekends. That's when I seem to have the most time to play with things. Funny you mention the rubber fender extensions, because it is on the list of things to do, but that list is quite long at the moment! Maybe what I need, to put the pressure on me, is a feline supervisor, like you have! :D

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Holy ..........those steps are out of this world!! Watching eagerly.

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Thanks Swagger. The tool boxes are coming along nicely. I'm a bit surprised at how well they are turning out, actually. I had a vision in my head and it's becoming a reality. I am really getting into this machining!

So, a small update. I've been finding the time before work each day to do a little more on the boxes. The last two days I've been working on the steps, which will bolt up to the tool boxes. The side members are all done! It was a tedious process to machine such small parts. I did run with the 0-80 screws, which seem about perfect for the task of holding things together. I'm glad I didn't go smaller. I think these are the smallest I would want to try and use for a build like this. They are so tiny! Drilling and tapping went without a hitch. I also milled the side members and gave them the proper angle on their face, to match the 1:1 boxes. These little buggers are really taking the time to make. I think I have 15 hours of work in them.

Pictures of the last couple days of work.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...almostdone.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...lmostdone2.jpg

I think I'm on a machining high right now! Still more to do. I need to make the tool box doors themselves, and drill and tap a few more holes to bolt the steps to the boxes. Also, the top tread plate is still not bolted down either. This should be a simple job, after accomplishing today's work.

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Nice work and attention to detail.

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

great job nate :eek: "I think I'm on a machining high right now!" It doesn't take long does it :D

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Those steps look outstanding. Why not countersink the screws though?

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Turned out real nice Nathan, those screws look good!

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Thanks Scott. I appreciate that.

No, Steve, really all it takes is to have some success with the things a guy wants to machine, and when they turn out good, it makes a guy feel good.

Thanks Archie. Yeah, I'm on the fence about counter sinking the screws. I really wanted to do it, but the material is quite thin at the edge. Only about .0625" room there, and the flat heads I wanted to use would have hung over the edge, which is no good. I can still counter sink the heads of these socket head screws, but there will be .007" or so meat left, which isn't much. Not sure if I'll do it. I want to polish the parts, and a .007" lip would probably tear out on me, ruining the part. I could counter sink the holes after polishing though. We'll see. The real steps have bolts or rivets that show as well, although they are not quite as pronounced. Sometimes you have to compromise. I still think the steps look good. Once on the truck, the screws might be less noticable and I wouldn't have to worry about it. The heads look bigger right now because there is nothing else to compare them too. The small 2mm screws used everywhere else on the chassis are huge compared to these.

Thanks Paul. I'm kind of liking the screws too, but I'll make a decision once these are done and on the truck.

Thanks Kent. Almost finished with these things. Then it's onto the the next set of parts. Some nicer fuel tank saddles, if I am capable!

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Nathan those are the best steps i've seen great job the only thing missing are one slam locks:D

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Thanks Tracy. I'm actually working on the doors with lock details. Have to see what I can up with. These aren't quite finished yet.

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Nathan, this build is the boom daddy. Those steps look great and are totally unique. I'm impatient to see the finished article.
Have you considered half counter sinking the screws? They wouldn't stick out so much and there would still be enough material for it all to be secure. You could even mill the protruding part of the screw off at a later date. Just a hare-brained idea.

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Youre wasting no time breaking in that mill!! Love the custom parts, looking forward to seeing more.

How will they mount?


:eek::D that's too funny! Its actually Arioch, but I like Archie;)

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

WOW love the steps!!

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Hey, thanks Nick. I appreciate the comments. Yes, I've been looking at different ideas to counter sink or remove part of the screw heads as well. I've got a few different options. We'll see how it goes. I'll make a decision based on how they look on the truck, mounted up. I may find that I need not worry about it all that much. The screws might just blend in and disappear. I always appreciate the construstive criticism!

Thanks Rod. Speaking of breaking in the mill, the spindle bearings needed to changed out middle of this week! I wore them out already, I guess! Actually, from new, the lower bearing had this small click in it, which got worse the more I ran the mill. I installed some high quality bearings, and now the mill runs quieter and smoother then it did from new. It's amazing the difference they make. The original bearings were garbage, but I can't complain. I knew I was buying a cheap China mill.

Anyway, the tool boxes will mount up pretty readily, from the rear. I think I'm just going to drill and tap some holes and bolt them to the frame rails. Easy and clean. The screws will be hidden!

Argh! Arioch, I apologize! I'm not good with names! No harm intended!

Thank you dabears. I think da steps are pretty cool too. :D

Okay fellas, I've got just a small update here. This will be all for the weekend edition. I'm needing to order up some more end mills and a little more material, but I did get a start on designing and machining up a couple extra mystery parts for the Wedico. I won't say what they are yet. They are in a pretty raw state. For a hint, there are two parts per plate. :D

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...tforWedico.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...edicoparts.jpg

The smart guys will probably figure it out! Any guesses?

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

A flux capacitor?

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

I bet I'm close!
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/m.../9109998_2.jpg

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

The steps look amazing! It's amazing how much work can go into one part. I have broken off small taps and drills and it is not fun. I understand about being fearful of breaking off a tap. Although somewhat larger than a small tap, I recently broke a 1/8 carbide end mill off and was able to "drill" it out with an expensive OmegaDrill tap drill. It worked great. Unlike the last time I drilled to drill out a broken tap where I ended up trying various other drills and endmills that only resulted in making them dull.

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Thank's Richard, didn't know they existed:D:D:D http://omegadrill.com/

Cheer's, Neil.

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

I'm a big fan of Back To The Future, so I appreciate the humor, but I don't think this truck will hit 88mph. :D

If you are thinking what I am thinking, quite!

Thank you Vanisle. I admire your work too, so your comment means something to me. I've never heard of Omegadrills before. Very cool. I've yet to break a tap, thankfully. I don't know that there is an Omegadrill small enough for the sizes I have been using. How small do these 7 piece sets go? Might actually be handy for some of the work I do at my day job.

Thanks for sharing the link! Definitely worth a look.

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Okay, here's a hint on the mystery parts.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...ypartshint.jpg

Just sizing it up. :D

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

TANK SUPPORTS!?

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

I guessed tank fuel supports .. in my head.

Re the Omega Drill, I was amazed at how well the Omega Drill worked. I first flattened the top of the broken endmill with an expensive endmill purpose made for it and then used the Omega Drill. It didn't drill through the endmill like butter but it went through without too much difficulty. I bought it from MSC for about $20 and it is well worth it. I thought about buying the set but in the end did not. I believe the smallest size is 5/64. This may not be small enough for some broken off taps (because the ones that break tend to be smaller than that) but at least you could drill them out, fill with JB Weld and re-dril/tap which is better than leaving a broken tap in your part.

Gotta love a DRO for nice even spacing. You have a DRO PROS or am I remembering wrong? I had one on my Grizzly G0704 but sold it with the mill. Actually it was a new replacement because I had a problem with the readout. I have an Anilam Wizard 1000 now and love it (bought it for something like 55% off at Enco last year).

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Yup, that's what they are....supposed to be! These things are going to be a little harder to machine for a newbie, like myself!

That's good information, Vanisle. Yes, I do have the DRO PROS on my mill. It's the 3M model. It's extremely handy! I couldn't imagine machining without it now that I have it. It's a great unit and a huge time saver. It has some features I wouldn't mind trying out, but so far have not. It's able to calculate hole patterns and do arcs, both on the x/y axis, and on the z. It basically tells you were to put your end mill in steps, so you get a radius. I thought that was pretty neat, for a manual mill application!

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Great update Nathan! The boxes look awesome! Will they open??:D:D:p

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Now I would have to say excellnt craftsmenship on this build...the attention to detail is just plain sick...I am a very detailed oriented builder and collector and the way you have gone with the detail is just plainly off the hook and I love it looks awesome.

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Thank you Brian. Opening tool boxes would be sweet, but I don't think I will be attempting that yet! Then I would need straps and binders to put inside? :D

Thanks Dairyland Trucker. Good to see another rare WI guy here. Where abouts are you located in the state?

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

SE corner just east of Lake Geneva

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Espeefan those steps are over the top!!! I think your doing it right. The build is the best part of the hobby, your never done adding things. Great job, maybe you can give me some pointers....

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Nathan, it's been a long time! Great to see your still trying to complete this truck sometime this decade! You still into those crazy helocopters? Later, Greg


BTW, speak about all the old timers' coming out of the wood work..........JAKEBRAKE!!! nice to ya too Lee.

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Wow, that's way south of where I am at, but it's always nice to see another member, from WI, on the forum. There aren't to many of us.

Lee, thank you for the kind comment. I know your work, and I don't think I really need to give you any pointers! Your trailers through the years have been incredible. At one time you and I had been in contact, as I was looking forward to your progress with your 1/16 scale lowboy trailers you were designing. I think you had done up a few 1/14 scale trailers, but I wanted a 1/16 scale trailer for my Wedico. I don't know if you ever pursued making them.

Greg, long time no see! Good to see you back. Yes, I'm still struggling to finish this dang truck! I sold my helicopter to put the funds and time into the Wedico and my mill. I miss my helicopter a little, but I can always buy another someday. Right now I'd rather have a Peterbilt.

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Okay guys, a small update for those who have been following along!

As I mentioned in some earlier posts, I was totally dissatisfied with stock fuel tank mounting methods that Wedico uses. I also didn't like the aftermarket solutions any better! So I've been working on making something up to better suit my needs and wants. It's been a trial, but I am making some headway!

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...esandsteps.jpg

Here are some Peterbilt tank saddles, which I tried to loosely base my design after. I took some rough measurements of a real tank saddle, and a few photos. I realized, while researching, that there are at least 3 different types of Peterbilt tank saddles, so I kind of combined the features I liked, and doing the best I could, with the limits of my skills, and my mill, I came up with this.

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...anksaddle1.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...anksaddle3.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...anksaddle4.jpg

http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...anksaddle5.jpg

The saddle hasn't been cut free from the bar stock yet, but you can see what it will look like. I have to machine the other side yet, and then I'll separate the two saddles, but it gives you a good idea of where things are headed. This first saddle was more less a test piece. I have to see if I can duplicate it at least 4 more times! Thanks for looking!

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Nathan I'm speechless!!!:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: those are awesome Great attention to detail.

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

CRAP!! Now you know Nathan we are going have them in Tamiya scale now!!:eek::eek::D:D:D Fire up your mill:D:D:p :p

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

I would totally buy some of those! :) that's looking really good so far! It amazes me what you guys can make with your machines! Can't wait to see the finished result of those tank holders! Keep up the good work

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Nice job Nathan, another homerun!
Cheer's, Neil.

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Nate , I knew you could ;) they look great :) . now watch these guys :eek: :eek::eek::eek: :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Unbelievable!!

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

The hours you must have spent crafting that, can't put a price on it. Great work!

Re: Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build
 

Holy crap!! Sick skills....it's very clear that you put some major time and effort in there and the result? Art.