Greg ,
I think a scallop paintjob would really look killer on that scoot.
Maybe have the scallops themselves "turned", then have the paint as the background with a black pinstripe to set it off ?
Kinda like a the HD Screaming Eagle Fatboy, which had raw metal under clear (actually pretty cool idea)
PT....thats exactly what I was thinking of doing. I've seen a few scallop designs I really like.....now its just a matter of getting them to look the correct way on my tank.
I really like the tank and seat pan. Infact the whole thing really looks good.. Do you have any tips for someone wanting to do the same kind of alloy forming? I'd love to build a tank and aluminum would be my first choice but I don't have a TIG and no access to anyone who does. I do alot of metal forming (sculpting) but it has all been out of cold rolled steel and copper/brass. Would aluminum be eaiser or less forgiving? Do you just use mallets and hammers or do you have english wheels and those power hammers? What do you use to weld these tanks and such that you build. I'm guessing TIG but I've heard there are ways of doing it w/ oxy/act... any other tips?
Sorry for all the Q's but you'vr really inspired me to take the jump and try making some side covers (little to no welding maybe?) and or a tank ( as soon as I find a TIG or other method of welding aluminium)
Keep up the kick A$$ work!
Definately have to use a good TIG welder. My first tank....I tried to use my MIG with alloy wire......HORRIBLE!! Very difficult to get the bead to start, then once you got a bead....about an inch into it......it would burn thru. I wasnt sure if I could TIG weld....so went and used a friends to try it out......LOVED IT!! Something about having the right tools for the job....makes it so much easier. I went out and bought me a nice Hobart Tigmate.....pretty expensive...ouch.....but worth it. Actually.....I find welding with the TIG easier than welding with the MIG.
As for working with aluminum......I love it. Most of the time I dont even anneal it.....as it tends to bend too much. Very easy to work with.....and if you dont like a certain bend......just bend it back. Thats the nice thing about working with metal....you can always go back to your starting point. The only draw back it that your forearms sometimes feel like Popeyes forearms. Working with aluminum is like working with super stiff posterboard that stays in place after you fold or bend it....I guess thats the best way to put it. Thats why I make all my templates out of posterboard.....cause if the posterboard can bend to a certain shape......so too will the aluminum.
Also.....tools I use are all hammers and dollies.....no english wheels or planishing hammers. Alot of times I just use something laying around that has the shape I need.....then hammer or bend the alloy around it. Having a very large vise helps also. I have one from my grandfather........took 2 guys to lift it onto my work bench to mount it.
Hopefully this helps......most important....just get a few hammers....slap hammers.....and dollies....then beat the crap out of some aluminum for awhile and see what it does. After awhile you will see how it reacts and understand how to layout designs and get certain radius's(sp??)
Later,
Greg
