2010 at the Hammond Barn

[Stuart Fedak]

Originally Posted by RHClarke

It is hard to believe that there have been no postings from the barn since early February. So, it is time for an update. Three additions made their way to the barn in the recent past.

The other two additions will now allow us to cut and bend sheet metal for body work. A metal shearing machine and a metal brake now adorn the barn floor. Bob and Grant welded up some rolling metal frames for the new machines and they are now easily transportable.

On one of my all too few visits, Bob and I tested his spot welder. We put together replacement lips for my HUP's large sliding hatch. Our first attempt produced varied but useful results. New tips are being ordered so that we can get a little closer to the bends.

The barn was a very quiet place this past weekend as everyone was busy with other priorities. Just as well, the big melt is on and the grounds are very wet. Hopefully things will dry out this coming week.

Nice to see the 16 Ga shear and metal brake . Looks like I have more reason to come to visit. Those are two items I always dreamed of getting, but no space to put them at home. While I was at University of Manitoba, I worked at Dominion Bridge during the summer. That was a big structural steel plant in Winnipeg. They had huge shears and brake press, and I was able to go in on the weekends to make all sorts of things. Their scrap piles were better than most steel service centres. Dominion Bridge was one of the manufacturers of the Bren Carriers in WWII. That was where I learned arc and MIG welding, as well as operation of huge radial drills and other machines.

I will have to bring out some Iltis repair panels and use them to make up other parts that I need for restoration. Nice thing about the Iltis is many of the body panel parts are square, so can be made up.

Last year I made up some muffler heat shields. I had the 16 Ga steel cut locally and used the metal brake at Algonquin College to put in the bends. I used the old muffler heat shields as a template and drilled the holes. (I guess I should post images)

One item I have to make up for the Iltis is some gas tank straps. Easy job using 18 Ga mild steel to make the strips. Then cut out some sections and spot weld using MIG welder.

Keep me in mind for some MIG welding. I need the practice.....

Cheers!

Stuart