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gduran · Joined: 03 Mar 2004 Posts: 36 Location: Argentina

Which are the correct tools for machining my own fittings? Is there a small lathe to do that, or special accesories for a common drill?
What type of accesories I need to machine the fittings by myself?
Steve could answer : why you need to do that, just get it from kitebuilder.com and that is it!!
This question perhaps is the simple to answer but first of all keep in mind that you are living in a developed country where you find everything done when you need. This stuff is different in a country like Argentina where you need to do by yourself to have it done. this is the only way to have your fittings at a cheaper price.
Cheers
Gerry

Dorsal · Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2004 5:48 pm Post subject:

Lessee - Could I rephrase this request like this:
Dear Mr. Skilled and Experienced Machinist - Will you please tell me everything you know in 50 words or less, so that I can do everything you do, tomorrow? And don't make me work or study or learn anything, because I'm from the land of "Poor Me" and you should feel sorry for me and give me everything I ask for" DOES THAT ABOUT COVER IT???? Evil or Very Mad

Look - I work in and around a machine shop for a large aerospace company, and I know from experience there are dozens of ways to make any machined part. The only tools a skilled craftsman "needs" are the rough material and a sharp pocket knife or chisel! Having tools that are more sophisticated will make the production process easier - so buy a good sharp machinists file also. Beyond that, the choices (and limitations) of your tools is up to you.

Yeah, the rest of you can feel free to flame me for "talking harshly to the newbie" - But I figured if I didn't do it, the rest of you would be too "politically correct" to spit out the truth.
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wdrwilson · Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2004 6:52 pm Post subject:

I am sorry, gduran, that this forum has actually managed to produce this kind of response. I think that the response from dorsal could have been approached a little differently or left out all together. This is not the kind of response that I would expect on this forum.

Hopefully this won't discourage you from coming back and I hope that others will respond with some of the information that you requested.

Bill

gduran · Joined: 03 Mar 2004 Posts: 36 Location: Argentina

Maybe you are beyong what I asked, and maybe you are deducting and suposing things and actions that are not exactly what I posted.
First of all I never said nor imagine to learn how to machine everything in 5 phrases, I dont want to steal any knowledge. Just I am trying to do everything by myself in the most professional way I could.
I understand that perhaps your experience is so valuable that you dont want to share anything with noone but its just a matter of understanding that I am trying to do professional fittings with a drilling tools and also with the carve knife you suggested, if necessary.
My first kite was a 4 cell tetraedrical design, that I dont know why it cames through my head to buil it!
Then I realized that I need to correct the fitting I did (handcrafted with a lot of effort and imagination).
Perhaps my fault was trying to get any advice or counceling from people around the world that has the experience the knowledge and the friendship to help someone.
I dont want to bore you nor anyother. Just I am trying to receive some council about if there exists a small lathe for desktop designs, or any accesories to drill better on ABS, stainless still or nylon. Sometimes I worked with Teflon and it works fine . I just want to make up my mind about what are the correct accesories for drilling, carving, or whatever on different kind of materials.
The knowledge only come from experience and that is exactly what I am trying to do, but maybe a council will be a shortcut to it.
Sorry for my english perhaps is easier to explain your ideas in your native language. You dont need to post me a reply, may be there are other guys that understand better my first post.
Cheers! Gerry

gduran · Joined: 03 Mar 2004 Posts: 36 Location: Argentina

By the way, you dont need to be political correct just enough correct to understand what a "newbie" post.
And as a matter of fact we could discuss whatever you want, sometimes "newbies" could help you learn how to become a better person in this tough life.
Let say... Newbie waiting your next tough pushed!
Gerry

imagin · Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2004 8:28 pm Post subject:

Gerry, I like your attitude. I lived in the Amazon region of Brazil and travelled extensively throughout South America and I can sure understand where you are coming from. Certain things just do not exist there, and any question you have you should feel free to ask here. It's a great place and from my experience everyone has been graceful to Newbie's and their questions. I hope you will not be discouraged from asking questions and trying to learn from others here. Hope you get some information that will help you.
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Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.

Mountain Man · Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2004 8:52 pm Post subject:

Hi Gerry!

I am also a beginner ! only been doing kites for about 8 months or so ! same with Peggy ! and this forum as been super for all newbies! the first posting you received was not needed ! I would say that the poster as probably shot himself in the foot! I am sorry that it even happen! beleive me ....you will find a lot of help here for sure ! so stick around dont let that turn you down!

take care Wink

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Bernie
the Mountain Man
Paint the sky...
"Fly a Kite!"

gduran · Joined: 03 Mar 2004 Posts: 36 Location: Argentina

I was not discouraged at all. I believe dorsal was not in one of his best days. There are a lot of people that offered me his help. Thank you all.
By the way, which tools for what material?
(high Carbon steel for ABS, etc)
Gerry

kiteguy · Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2004 10:13 pm Post subject:

Stan · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 763 Location: San Diego

Depends on what you want to make.Vinyl, brass, and aluminum tubing can be joined with line, solder or epoxy in various ways to make joint fittings. Birch plywood is good for joining multiple spars.

I don't make too many kite fittings, but have gotten 20 years of service from a Taiwanese drill press and elderly Craftsman lathe. Many tasks can be carried out with homeade jigs and some creatvity to produce about anything. I use end mill cutters in the drill press and turn metal on my wood lathe with fair results. Sometimes a clever setup will produce acceptable accuracy for most work. The lowly Dremel tool has saved the day many times, and has even counterbored pockets for cartridge bearings on my kitebuggy.

Whenever I find a deal on a nice milling machine or engine lathe, I pass it up because it's overkill for my uses.

Some of the small hobby-sized Chinese lathes and milling machines are amazing for their price if you just want to make hobby parts.
My brother is a CNC machinist and makes gemologist's microsopes and reproductions of rare rifles for collectors, and he uses some Chinese machinery at home for less demanding jobs, like making parts for his Harleys.
Stan