Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Building Your Own Motorcycle - Custom Chopper Kits Make it Cheap and Easy
Do you want to build a custom chopper that is unique but don't have the time or money available? Then have you ever thought about getting yourself one of the many custom bike kits which are now available. Certainly if this is the first time you are going to be building a custom bike then this will help you to get started and understand everything that goes into building one.
When deciding which custom bike kit to buy you need to look at more than just how much it costs. Although you won't spend so much on custom bike kits as you would on a bike that is ready made the cheaper one's are unlikely to give you a good quality bike. So it is far better if one actually spends time comparing the various ones available. Certainly it is worth spending a little more to save you a lot of heartache in the future.
After you have completed your research and chosen the custom bike kit for you, then you are on the first rung of the ladder to creating something that is unique. Through using such kits one can learn everything that goes into constructing a custom bike and over the years you can then add to it as you wish. The one thing that will bring you satisfaction in the end is knowing that as you cruise around on it you are the one that has lovingly created it from the ground upwards.
But the great thing about custom bike kits is that they don't take any of the fun or enjoyment out of being able to build a motorcycle for yourself. Instead what they do is provide you with all the pieces that are needed to put it together. Certainly when you are doing any DIY project at home and find you have run out of something and need to go to the hardware store to get it, you generally decide to give up. However, with a custom bike kit this is something that need concern you.
Plus just because you use a custom bike kit it does not mean that you won't be add to include custom chrome or Harley aftermarket parts onto yours. In fact you have the opportunity to include these on yours if you so wish. You can if you want rather than use certain parts such as the seat or mirrors provided with the kit replace them with others that you prefer. Also you don't need to stick with the standard paint job that is suggested for your bike, but instead get something that really says who you are. This way what started as a standard custom bike will turn into something truly special.
Before when people wished to build their own custom bikes they needed to use various tools in order to create some custom parts. However, because custom bike kits have become increasingly popular so company's like Harley produce aftermarket parts such as wheels, seats, exhaust systems that can be used with them. Also no longer do you have to spend lots of money buying equipment such as blow torches or saws in order to create a one off piece of machinery.
The other benefit to be gained from purchasing custom bike kits rather than trying to build one from scratch is the cost. No longer do you have to spend time driving around looking for that part you need or buying parts which are wrong. With these kits everything is there already for you and you can then just decide if you want to replace some of these parts with something else when you feel like it.
How to Use Oxy Fuel - Oxygen Acetylene - Cutting Torch Equipment Safely
An oxygen acetylene torch flame is around 6000 degrees F. Considering Steel melts at around 2800F that is pretty freakin hot!
You can make a lot of things happen with an oxygen acetylene torch kit. You can braze air conditioning line sets, solder copper water pipe, silver braze stainless steel, weld 4130 chromoly tubing, and even heat and bend metal thicker than 1 inch. But oxy-fuel torches can be extremely dangerous if not used properly. OSHA even requires employers to ensure workers that use oxyfuel equipment to be properly trained and qualified for oxy-fuel welding, cutting, heating, and brazing. (see 29 CFR 1910.252)
From my 30 plus years in the welding field, I am constantly surprised by the lack of training in the safe operation of oxyfuel equipment.. Even seasoned welders are often deficient in use of oxygen acetylene torches unless they have received hands-on training where demonstration of proficiency was required
Safe operation of oxygen acetylene equipment requires training, willingness to follow basic safety guidelines, and understanding some basic safety principles:
o Oxygen cylinders are pressurized to over 2500 psi and can become a projectile if knocked over. Always , always, always keep the cap screwed on when the cylinder is not secured.
o Acetylene cylinders are filled with acetylene gas compressed into a porous substance saturated with liquid acetone. They should remain upright to prevent liquid acetone from damaging the regulators and restricting gas flow. If you have to lay them down to haul them, let them stand upright for a while before using.
o Never transport or store cylinders in an enclosed space (i,e, trunk of car, or truck tool box) Welding supply stores often display pictures of cars demolished by the explosion of oxygen and acetylene cylinders hauled in the trunk of a car. They even make you sign a waiver if you want to haul cylinders yourself.
o Never use damaged equipment.
o Always open oxygen cylinders very slowly. Opening them quickly is very dangerous and can cause the regulator to explode. Yes I said explode. (if you don't believe me, just Google "regulator burnout")
o Use check valves or combination check valve/flashback arrestors to prevent reverse flow of gases and to prevent mixing of gases.
o Never use oil on any part of the equipment. Oil in the presence of pure oxygen can ignite easily
o Always bleed down the gases and back out the regulator screws when finished using the torch
There are several different manufacturers of oxyfuel equipment: Victor, Smith, and Harris are 3 of the main brands and each designs their equipment differently with certain features in mind. So the operation of each manufacturer's torches is different. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
The first thing to do when preparing to operate a oxyfuel torch is to inspect the equipment. Make sure the cylinders are fastened securely to prevent them from falling over.. Next, inspect the hoses to make sure they are not cracked or dry rotted. Feel the brass connectors to make sure they are all tight and ensure the cylinders valves are closed with the regulators reading zero.
If the regulators are not reading zero, one of two things is wrong: The gauge or gauges have been damaged or the previous user failed to bleed the pressure from the line. To release the pressure , open the appropriate valve on the torch and turn the regulator screw clockwise until the needle moves to zero. If the needle does not go to zero, the gauge is damaged and must not be used.
If the gauges are determined to be operating properly the next thing to do is make sure the regulator screws are backed out where you cannot feel spring pressure on them.
Here is a simple ABC, 123 checklist to use for setup and shutdown of oxy-fuel equipment.
o Wear proper Personal protective equipment i.e. shade 3 to 5 ANSI eyewear, gloves etc.
o Inspect the equipment for : Overall condition of hoses, zeroed gauges, check valves, torch, chains on bottles
o If gauges are not reading zero, purge lines to let gauges zero out
o If gauges are damaged replace them
o Open oxygen cylinder valves very slowly. (This is the most important step on this page)
o Select proper tip according to manufacturers guidelines
o Use manufacturers tip chart to determine pressure settings
o Set gauges
o Purge lines individually
o open acetylene torch valve to ¼ turn and Light torch
o Increase acetylene flame high enough to where soot disappears.
o Add oxygen to flame until blue cones define creating a neutral flame.
o Perform work
o Extinguish flame by turning off gas valves on torch (manufacturers differ on whether to turn off acetylene or oxygen first.)
o Turn off cylinders
o Purge lines
o Once gauges are zeroed, back out regulator screws
o Return torch to storage place
o Secure oxy-fuel equipment for next user
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Lamplight 1508 1/2" Torch Wick
- Made By Lamplight Farms Part Number: 1508
Available at Amazon Check Price Now!
Lamplight 1508 1/2" Torch Wick
 |
Brand: LAMPLIGHT Model : 1507 Availibility : Usually ships in 1-2 business days 
|
Lamplight 1508 1/2" Torch Wick Overviews
Long life fiberglass torch wicks. For use in bamboo torches. Approximately 9" long. 2 pack.
Lamplight 1508 1/2" Torch Wick RelateItems
- Outdoor Torch Replacement Wicks - 3PK
- RSVP Terry's Tamper
- Eating Out: All You Can Eat
- Make the Yuletide Gay
- Harvesting the Heart: A Novel
*** Product Information and Prices Stored:Mar 07, 2010 21:00:08
Available at Amazon Check Price Now!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Chocolate Creme Brulee
So we were making creme brulee and then decided to make a banana foster topping to put on it and then melt some brown sugar on top witha torch
Fangio Martin Richard Pair of Wood Torch Candle Holders 8278
Available at Amazon Check Price Now!
Fangio Martin Richard Pair of Wood Torch Candle Holders 8278
 |
Brand: Fangio Availibility : N/A
|
Fangio Martin Richard Pair of Wood Torch Candle Holders 8278 Overviews
Fangio This pair of hand cast candle holders features smooth wood inlays. The pair is 16" and 20" in height. Features: -16" and 20" in height -Includes 2 3" wax candles -Hand cast with smooth wood inlays About Fangio Lighting Fangio Lighting has been producing lighting for the furniture, contract, and hospitality industry for the past twenty years. They manufacture their lamps and lampshades to meet the highest standards of quality and durability for commercial applications. All of Fangio's products are U.L. approved and tested in their facility. All their lamps are assembled in the U.S.A., in their factory under their own quality control standards and specifications. 8278
*** Product Information and Prices Stored:Mar 06, 2010 07:40:23
Available at Amazon Check Price Now!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)