loudness

after wanting to roll this thing off a dock and into the bay on multiple occasions I got past the frustration and got it running better than ever. here's the list of work done..... completely customized and rerouted wire harness, handmade throttle, fully rebuilt carbs, fully rebuilt wheels, new brake shoes front and rear, custom battery box, chopped pipes, shaved fork legs, bobbed rear end, custom lights (half done), new plugs, custom wires, new knobby tires, new neutral switch assembly and clutch pushrod seal and a stupid skateboard deck 'til a make a proper seat... I built a custom 18" rear because I really like the look of symmetrical wheel and tire size. It originally had a 18" front and 16" rear with a fatter tire so they end up with a similar circumference but it looks whack in my opinion.

Pitcha tine

Onya Cycles

This is one of two, soon to be three trike/bike frame models we build for Onya Cycles at Hirschfeld Fabrications. We don't create the sexy aluminum linkage or it's components, just the tubular steel frame. We are in the process of building 30 at the moment. These trikes are far superior to traditional trike designs due to the fact that Saul Griffith's super brain is behind the design. The linkage allows the trike to lean into turns and it does so beautifully. I was able to do a wheely on this thing the other day. This is one of the pedal only versions, I rode an electric beta version months ago and it rocked solidly.

Oma seems to be aging prematurely

The new forge is so hot right now

Joel had converted a 5 gallon air compressor tank to a forge with Rodian, cutting the top off, welding hinges and a pipe on the side to mount the burner. Jose helped by bringing the knowledge of the propane needle/venturi assembly and built that up with a hose and regulator. It then sat on the shelf, 99% finished for months, probably close to a year. An integral part of the Onya Cycles' "Front End Loader" frames that we are building have a 2" 4130 steel tube extending from the bottom bracket to the front wheel linkage. in order to do this, the tube must be heated to increase ductility and hot worked in a press to form an ovalized end on one side. This end is then mitered in the horizontal mill, creating a clean merge to the 1.5" bottom bracket shell. We did this with a fat rosebud tip on an oxy-acetylene torch on the beta frames. This time we have 27 tubes to squish and I wanted the forge to be working so as to evenly heat the tube quickly and with minimal gas. I sandblasted the paint off the tank, welded on some feet, cut and fit the Kaowool ceramic insulation blanket to fit the interior and put a refractory brick inside as a support for the tubes and it was done. We fired it up and it works perfectly. So sweet, a new tool to help in one operation will be a badass addition to be used in countless projects in the future.

Last day of the last year in the first decade

I was able to quit my old job and steer my career back on the track it should be on and started working at Hirschfeld Fabrication in November. I got hired on with Makani Power as well and I'm trying to divide my time between the two. I'm back to being dirty and in pain on a daily basis. Loves it. I will now post at the very least every week starting 1.1.11, one of many changes for the new year. I fucking love new years, so much to look forward to in 2011. See you then....

not enough time in the damn day

i need to do more postings and do them regularly. how do people do this blogging and social media-ing? it's ridiculous, i barely have enough time for the basic fundamental life sustaining practices. life has recently been turned to 11. and it's fucking loud. i started running and cross training for 2010-2011 cyclocross. did my first 5k last weekend and i'm on the bike as much as possible. i have too many big projects, house renovation, electric beetle, vanagon interior, motorcycle, penguin sailboat, holy shit. it's out of control. on top of all that i have a second job working for Joel at Hirschfeld fab. building bike frames and cabinets for BART stations and other crazy metal work. i bit off so much. i envy those who have time to spare.