Turning Over A New Leaf

I've been pretty much unable to post somewhat the past month. I don't know why or what laziness came over me, wait, it wasn't laziness. Ok now I remember. Ever since I got a hold of a copy of Solidworks (three weeks ago) I've been burning the midnight oil cranking out designs for certain tools I'll be needing around the shop. Namely a tube bender, a frame jig, and a tube notcher. The lathe would have to come later, as it will entail coughing up P35,000 just to get one. But the tools I opted to have machined with a local shop would cost me around $2,500 or more just to order, not to mention the long wait for it to get here. Saving up some dough to finance my investment. I can't wait to start bending and fusing some metal.

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As I have received news a few months back that there were interested parties in purchasing Mandelbrot - it looks like this is her last week with me. Saturday to be precise. I'm not counting my eggs, but the day is set - and already there's a steed waiting in line for my care. This bike and I have been through a lot, and I'm not comparing myself to those mile hungry tourers who've already circled the archipelago thrice in a row, but in my everyday use, I've grown and matured in riding her, and she has been blessed to take me to and fro my daily route safely while enjoying myself catch the wind with my knees.

But this new beast has 19" apes with 3" risers all make up for a sweet 22" arm stretch to the heavens. Black as sulfur, straight open pipes.. other than that I don't know yet. I'll be getting the first pics of her tomorrow or later maybe. Got her for a very low price too courtesy of Jay who found a buyer and also found a prospect replacement for me.

Can't wait to dress her up and ride her for the very first time. Saturday, Saturday, quite a long time away.

Doodling..

It Went As Fast As It Came

I threw in more than 90% of what I got in my bonus into investing in my personal shop tools. A 2000W metal slicer, a drill press, some hand drills and air tools, bits and pieces of small but important measuring paraphernalias and a Fronius TransPocket 1500 TIG welder. This sucker is just as big as an AVR but packs a mean punch. Practicing on strips of steel angle bars, I often either burn through the metal or barely scratch the surface. It filler just rolls into a ball. It seemed really frustrating but I'm already here and I can only move forward. It took a while before I could lay out some decent beads. Persistence pays off. Now on to more practice.

Oh, and not to mention the big ass argon tank sitting in my garage corner. It really was a pain letting go of the money that I was supposed to splurge to treat the kids an out of the city experience but if I let this one pass now I'd have to wait till next year end again before I can start.

My first project consisted of my very own welding table. Made out of 40' angle bars, sans the table top - I'm P1,100 short. At least with this I already have the basic setup necessary to get going - even with a slow start. Next on the list are some square tubes for the final jig setup - and the bender. Then we rock and roll :)

Impending Farewell

After almost two years of blissful memories with Mandelbrot it is time to let her go. I've already talked with my employer about this, and he approved. So long as its the same selling value, and cheaper only if I plan to finish the proposed four year stay with the company.

So I'll be starting from scratch again. Gonna make myself some custom apes, white walls, large front wheel - same as rear, and new pipes, new paint job perhaps.. darnit.. once you start its hard to stop. I just hope these two babies are still up till I get to sell mine.