Part Development
 

okay so here is the deal, I just graduated from a mechanical engineering technology program and I am now on a work term before going back to school. One of my buddies, who is working at a small cnc shop, wants to design and make some stuff. we have access to a huge waterjet and a tiny (maybe 6in x6in) cnc mill. If anyone comes up with a bright idea and it gets some interest there is a good chance we could do a small run of relatively cheap parts.

short throw shifters?

these things never work out...

Well, spend some time on the forum reading and figuring out what people are doing. From there, you should get some product ideas.

What many people would really like would be an aftermarket 20B thick iron. :D

Yeah i will give threads like this some credit, they don't have a very high success rate. But what the hell i want to make something and if i can put it on my car, even better. I don't think i can make a short shifter on a mill or a waterjet. the mill isn't 4th axis equipped so i really have no way to make anything round. I can however make virtually anything 2 dimensional out of anything with that waterjet. it will cut 5inch thick marble no problem and it can even cut glass so it is a pretty cool tool. And as awesome as it would be I think a 20b iron is a bit out of my scope for a first project :p but i will definitely keep my eye out for stuff to make and if i find anything cool (that i think i can do) i guess i will just post an update here

here is what i am working with

Water Jet
max part size: 4m by 2m by 250mm (13ft by 6.5ft by 10in)
max material size: 10ft by 20ft
kerf size: 1.25mm (0.050in) smaller available by request
materials: anything from paper to age-hardened Inconel superalloy
accuracy: approximately 0.125mm (0.005in)

Mill
max part size: 400mm by 160mm by 380mm
max face mill: 50mm
max end mill: 16mm
materials: mild steel, aluminum, plastic, wood
accuracy: approximately 0.0005in

how about simple stuff like ring gear / crank stoppers and bearing presses sold at reasonable prices
closely followed with adapters suit adding 12a and 13b carb manifolds to late series engines
( also at reasonable prices )

just cause some of these are already avail does not mean that they are currently at reasonable pricing

ditto that, there's always tons of interest but when it comes down to it only a small number of items wind up getting sold in very limited amounts.

don't expect to get rich off it.

Thanks for the ideas, and yeah I have seen the way lots of these threads go. Not expecting to get rich, just want the experience more than anything.

Try to be different... Make a few basic parts and see what people think about them.

We have to see it to believe it.

My opinion is to just do a build and anything you would want or might need, make it for others too!

Ps the rear iron check plates on efFCee's are starting to rust/rot up north here. That would be a simple project.

I like the rear iron check plate idea. That's dead simple, good place to start :p I guess I will pull that off tomorrow or something and make a drawing.

drop the cars and go for the gusto.. apply to an F1 team!!! chyeahhh http://www.teamlotus.co.uk/jobs

Be sure to make extras for me! Pm expected! :nod:

How about the front differential mount that Gurew was supposed to make? Seems like a really simple mount. Make them from steel (to keep on the cheap) and offer them for a good deal less than Mazdatrix wants for theirs. Not to mention, I think his design was far more durable.

I personally own a 3 axis cnc that has a throw of 2 feet in the X and Y and 1 foot in the Z. You don't see me making car parts! I set it up for hobby parts and use it for wood and plastics instead.