Thoughts, musings, and frustrations in the pursuit of perfection. In short, complicating simplicity.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Ideas in Progress... Etching

So we came across this thread in chop cult awhile ago which made brass etching look easy.

There are some kinks to be worked out, but not bad at all for two test pieces. Apparently we need a different laserjet printer(Brothers use a type of toner that don't melt well), and using PnP or something similar will make for less porosity in the resist. As far as projects go though, this was relatively painless and just needs a bit more practice.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Never say Never

Sorry it's been way too long updating my blog, things have been more than a little busy around the shop.  One of the main things that has been occupying my time has been finishing up, sell, shipping etc, the "Last Streetfighter".



So while I was building the last Streetfighter, I told myself that it would be the last one I build for awhile, at least a year or so.  I have built this same bike about 5 or 6 times in a row, and need to build something different, to get the creative juices flowing again.  I am not saying that I don’t like building the Streetfighter, or the last bikes were below par, I just need a change.  And on top of that I have the next two bikes lined up, staring at me while I have been working on the last Streetfighter.  One is a Triumph using an aftermarket frame, and the other is a ’50 pre-unit.  I have some interesting ideas about both of them, and really want to get started on them.



And then this followed me home the other day.  ’73 Triumph 750cc 5 speed. 



It was one of those deals that was too good to pass up.  I really didn’t want to buy it, but my smarter half won out.  The plan was to build an entry level streetfighter; something a bit more economically friendly.  I have had great response from the last couple of bikes, but I also know that the economy has not been to kind to everyone; this bike would have the same quality of fabrication, and parts I use on all of my bikes, the only difference is that it won’t be subjected to the uber-OCD finishing that usually happens.  Without the said uber-OCD finishing, it would take less time, and I could get a jump on some of the other projects I have lined up.  So I had started the standard hard tail fab and had the motor mostly pulled apart; when I got a call from a guy who loves the streetfighter, and has claimed this one for himself.  He is a great guy, and is doing a few upgrades on it.  So this is now "The Last Streetfighter"........ again............ maybe.........for awhile.