Billet Aluminum Parts

[posthuman]

side stand, center stand?

[SanDiegoMike]

How about some cool shaped brake/clutch levers to go along with the MC and cover?

[Cyrock]

Originally posted by Jeff
Complete aluminum sidecovers were another project I plan to tackle....... with replaceable pins so you can replace just the pin if it breaks. I'm also looking into replacement pins to replace broken ones on stock covers.

I'm in for a set of sidecovers!

[planedick]

Side stand pads...

How about some cool pads to put under your sidestand to keep it from sinking in soft asphalt or dirt. I know there are "Critter" pads available, but something with XS11 on it would be nice... maybe in relief even...

[mason79]

what's billet aluminum?

[John]

Billet just means that the part was machined from one piece of metal, not being cast or forged.

[mason79]

Originally posted by John
Billet just means that the part was machined from one piece of metal, not being cast or forged.

so forged is best right? whats the diff?

[xswilly]

hey jeff
what kind of cam software are you using
I currently use mastercam

[xswilly]

forged is made by dumping molten metal into a mold
to make a rough form, then the picky areas of the part are machined
not a whole lot of metal is removed, as the part is close to finish when it comes out of the mold, generally the finish is bumpy and not very smooth

billet takes a block of metal and cuts away all the metal to form a part, leaving a much smoother finish

[LoserShoes]

forged is made by dumping molten metal into a mold

That would be casting. Forging is slamming a metal blank into a die with a great big hammer, usually attached to a great big machine.

The differences in strength has to do with the flow of the grain in the metal. In billet it is all the same the direction from when the metal was rolled, and the machining operations just cuts it up and makes them discontinuous.

Castings have a continous flow, but grain and crystal growth is difficult to control

Forging is best, and most expensive because you get intricantly shaped parts with a continous grain pattern that has been machine worked to create a REALLY tough part.

Steve

[xswilly]

your right losershoes
my mistake

[TopCatGr58]

Forged Vs. Extruded?

Hey Steve,

Where were you a month or so ago when I asked a question about the difference between bulk aluminum stock that I wanted to compare for machining??

I have been purchasing large cylinders of COLD FORGED 5.25" diameter and about 18" long pieces of aluminum from my supplier. Then I slice it with my metal band saw into the 1.2" thick sections that I then machine into the SOFA's!

While searching thru their "Drop Zone" supplies, I found many 5.25" diameter 1.35" thick pieces that were made from EXTRUDED aluminum, but still labeled as T-6061 raw stock!?

I wrote the supplier asking them to tell me the difference in machinability of the COLD FORGED stock vs. the Extruded stock!? NEVER did get an answer !

The Extruded blanks are a bit cheaper than the FORGED stock, and so I went ahead and purchased 6 for a test. It seemed to machine okay. The large flat surface that is the exterior oil filter contact surface may have seemed a slight bit rougher feeling instead of a glassy smooth finish, but overall appeared to be a satisfactory finish. The rubber filter gasket should have no problem making a seal against it!

I did notice that when I was drilling the oil supply holes thru the remaining thickness, that the bit seemed to drill thru it easier to a certain depth, then seemed like it hit denser material!?

Do you think there will be any problems using this material for the SOFA's vs. the Cold Forged stock? The part doesn't move once it's installed.
T.C.

[mro]

Alternative???

Hi TC,
Have you considered
http://www.tstar.com/materialsearch/default.aspx

mro

[xschop]

billet wishes

I would like a billet rear M/C reservoir of all. MMMM shiney....

[TopCatGr58]

Re: Alternative???

Originally posted by mro
Hi TC,
Have you considered
http://www.tstar.com/materialsearch/default.aspx

mro

Hey Mike,

Are you saying I should try to make them out of plastic??
The site didn't have any listing for ALUMINUM!?
T.C.