Break time

Just a note to let people know I'm headed away from the shop on a skateboard/snowboard trip for a little while.  I didn't want anyone to worry that I was pinned under massive amounts of metal and couldn't get to my computer.  Take it sleazy.

Handlebar kit?

I've been playing with this idea for a while now.  I don't want to produce a super plain kit because there are places that offer them already... and I don't like stepping on toes.  What I want to do is to work with customers to create a kit of their bar design so they can fire up their mig/tig/torches and make a set of bars for themselves.  The un-welded bar/component pics are for reference only, they're actually a set of bars in the process of being made for for Shaun of SkinnyMoto.    

some bends

Ok, first things first.  I have always used regular old DOM steel tubing for the bars I make.  I could always count on 3/4" od sliding perfectly into 1" .120 wall, 1" into 1 1/4" .120, and so on.  The bars pictured are the first 304 stainless pieces I've made... or tried to.  The 1" .120 wall 304 stainless tubing I picked up to work with the 1 1/4" doesn't telescope cleanly.  This is also true for the mounting bungs I have made for me.  Don't get me wrong, this shit happens all the time in the imperfect world of metalworking, but it's screwing with the one perfect little DOM world I'm used to.  

Customers usually send pics or scratch a little something on a napkin to show me what they're looking for.  Eric sent me a detailed cad image of what he wanted.  I think I'm getting pretty close to the original design, just have to tweak 'em a little.     

shitty pics

Once again the Brace Jam was a splendid time, I don't think it could've been better.  I got to join an incredible group of people in supporting our friend Justin, I got to see and skate with friends I haven't hung out with in a while, and I get to claim that I can still do a few skateboard maneuvers on vert... for one more year.   

done and... done

Didn't have time to wait for a set of solo spring mounts to come in, so I made a set to finish off the fab work on Scott's frame.  I hope he's as happy with the finished product as I am.

more, part 2

Had to do run around a bit today and take care of some errands that kept me out of my shop for longer than I'd expected.  How come it's the little day to day shit that seems to take forever?  Well, I was able to get the neck gusset and seat hinge area finished.  All I have left is the solo spring mounts/cross tube and the book will be closed on this job.

more

Snapped a couple pics of today's progress on Scott's frame.  Seat post support and crossmember... check.  Tank mount bungs... check.  Clean up of old neck gusset and prep... check.  Mock-up of tank and seat... check.  New neck gusset coming at you tomorrow.  Oh, I hate squirrels. 

Brace Jam

You can't find a better reason to go skateboarding or get on your bike.  Justin Brace was diagnosed with ALS one summer after thinking he concussed himself crashing his 20".  Since the diagnosis, his EB family, along with many others, organize(s) the Brace Jam to help raise money for Justin and ALS research.  Shit, even if you don't skate or ride a bike you should show up and show your support.

Brace Jam will be held at Rye Airfield in Rye, NH on Sunday Feb 22nd 7pm-10pm, $15 admission fee.  All proceeds go to Justin.

Justin, I still laugh at how much you look like that "Most Vertical Primate" movie poster, you hairy bastard. 

Scott's frame progress

Got all the tubing bent up and fitted for Scott's hardtail job, just a few fabrication details to work out before it's done.  He's got a 2 gal mustang he's dropping off tonight so I can work on the mounts.  

axle plate fixture... and such

The frame jig/fixture I use is functional, but not really adjustable for different frame or hardtail fabrication jobs.  I usually find myself spending a decent chunk of time making fixtures for each particular job.  Someday I'll get some fully adjustable pieces designed and machined so setup is easier.

Hartailing Scott's xs650

Just started the process chopping off the stock rear end and fabricating a support to keep the lower rails and center post/backbone in line when I choppity, chop, chop.  Rear section starts getting bent up tomorrow, as soon as I make a fixture to bolt the axle plates to. 

Marco's auction tank...

... for Ivvato.  A friend of ours has found himself in a bit of a pinch, so a group of stand up guys got an auction together on a private forum to help raise some money.  This tank was my offering.  I was glad to be a part of a such worthy cause. 

Some bars for Nickle

These are going to Nickle Axe for the brain work he put in on the t-shirt idea.  Tacked up, ready for finish welds.  Thanks again Nickle. 

Skinny ass sporty tank

My friend Aaron needed a tank for a build he's got going on, and he wasn't worried about fuel capacity.  This should do it.  I hope he doesn't hate the cap.  Oh well, if the cap doesn't fly this tank may be up for sale soon.  Waiting on fuel bungs, so no outlet on this one yet.  

Thanks people

I want to say thanks to everyone that finds my everyday goings on interesting enough to check out my blog.  I recently installed a counter because I really had no idea how many people check things out here, and I have to say that I'm kind of speechless.  I'll keep on posting fab work and useless tidbits.  The next year looks to be challenging... yet exiting.  Thanks again people.

"Boyfriend" t-shirt design sample

Here's a sample screen of a t-shirt design done up by Nickle Axe.  I always loved the Thrasher shirt this idea came from.  The original artist's file was a lot cleaner than the shirt printed, I need to create a film directly from his ai file.  Shirts should be done in two weeks.

Now taking tank orders

Although I'm pretty busy right now, there's no other way to grow a small business than to work harder.  Anyone that has a tank or some other fabrication project they're looking to get started, give me a shout.  I'm all ears.

Warehouse bowl... goodbye

This bowl was located in Eastern Boarder's old warehouse location.  A ton of good times went on here, she will be missed.  Here's one of my favorite photos taken there, Colin locking it in. 

Good luck Marco

Mark's bars

Just finished these per the customer's specs, I can only take credit for the bending and welding. 

TCP tank done

"The Toecutter- he knows who I am.  I am the Nightrider!  I am the chosen one.  The mighty hand of vengeance, sent down to strike the unroadworthy!  I'm hotter than rollin' dice.  Step right up, germ, and watch the kid lay down the rubber road, ride to freedom!"  TCP, because of clearance issues you may have I'm going to send you the fuel outlet un-welded and let you locate it just in case.  See you soon buddy.