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Old 02-02-2014, 04:18 PM
baker3 baker3 is offline
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Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Missouri, Fort Wood
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Default Re: Total newbie dozer process

Just a few updates:So I tried to build servo operated rams but had no welder but found a pretty easy and cheap way to do it that is just as strong as a weld. I spent countless hours working with epoxy and JB weld just to have it fail every time! So all you need is:1/4" masonry bit(I found 10 pieces for $6 shipped on Ebay), Acid Core Solder, Soldering Flux and brake line, scrap pices of steel rod. I used 3/16 brake line, solder wont stick to stainless steel. I first cut the brake line down to the length I need. Then I grind down the steel rod to fit into one end of the brake line and drill a hole for mounting. Solder the 2 pieces together and yes it is STRONG! Then with a smaller piece of steel rod as shown, I grind it down like a dome shape. This is the piece that the Bit will travel on. Solder that in place then snip and grind down. The trick to that is getting the steel rod ground just right so its not too tight and not too loose. Then mount. Here are a couple pics. I didn't expect this to work so well but it did. I will take more pics and provide more details if needed.

Here is the piece the bit will travel through. You can see the small piece of metal ground down inside the brake line and soldered on the outside.

Here is the finished product mounted. The only part I did have to use JB weld was the attach the bit to the servo horn. The solder wont stick to the aluminum servo horn.

Hope this helps and if anyone has questions please feel free to ask. Total build for the screw operated rams: 10 masonary bits for $6 shipped, 4 micro servos $14, 3/16" brake line $5-$8 depending on length. Solder, flux and soldering iron about $15. The rest of the metal rods were scrap I had from household stuff. Pretty cheap and very reliable and strong for someone with no access to a welder.
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