Topic: Make clip ons, welding from scratch?

[Jan187]

Hello,

I am looking for a (cheap) set of clipons for my '81 CB650C bike, she's gonna be my next project when i finish my current bike project. Now the cb is my daily drive.
So, I was thinking to weld a set myself, is that recommendable? or has anyone attempted it in the past? I see new ones for 50+ (euros) but if i take some scratch metal and weld some it will be almost for free.

my other plans on the bike are CR750 full fairing and an oil cooler, top engine repair (=oil leak fix) and carb geskets, lower front: buy a 650Z fork and swap it (motor junkyard is 300m (1/4mile) from my work) and put 11" shocks rear and finish off with a 4in1 heat wrapped un dampened pipe. I like the stock wheels so i'll keep them, it will look different but i like the image i have for it.

thanks and hope to hear reply's

Regards, Jan

[Kong]

Just what is it that you intend to weld to what?

[Jan187]

I want to make a set of clipons, im not welding them to anything.
Just a sort of clamp with a piece of 22mm bar.
Im looking to make something like

but I wont chrome plate them.

[Kong]

Well, what do you have for a clamp and what are you going to use for a bar?  That is what I meant.  How do you plan to hold it for welding, have you made jigs before?  What kind of welder do you have? are you experienced with it? Have you explored alternatives, priced the various versions available?

[Jan187]

for the 22mm bar i would be using old bars where i use the straight sections from. or if i find some at the scratch heap.
The (35mm) clamps around the forks will be machined from a pipe, i can look at a metal dump and so.
And I can make the tiny bolt holding pieces from a massive bar witch I bore out in the middle.
I have a Lathe, I have possibilities to Tig weld it or MIG MAG at work by my welder collegues.

I could make a setup to hold them and make 2 the same sides, i never made a jig before but i have no doubt this will be a problem.

Just wondering if this will work if I try making them myself.

[bradweingartner]

My 2 cents. And I mean nothing negative by this.

If you had to ask, the answer is probably no.

What I mean is that clearly the production clip-on you would like to emulate has been welded. If you are asking, it's probably because you aren't confident in your welding and/or equipment to produce a quality weld. If that's the case, then I'd leave it to a professional for your safety.

Clip-ons are really not that expensive relative to their importance in keeping your face out of the gauges while hitting a pothole at highway speeds.  

That said, I personally wouldn't hesitate to build a set of clipons myself. However I have a Lathe and TIG welder and I know how to use both of them to produce a quality product.

[bradweingartner]

Just wondering if this will work if I try making them myself.

Why wouldn't it? Just 4 pieces of metal welded together. If you have any doubts, start out fabricating something less crucial. 

[Jan187]

well bradweingartner, your reply came just after mine, i was still typing  
It seems you have the same options as I have, I own a lathe and know someone i trust to weld the stuff together.

So, if you said you would make them, I'm confident I will succeed also for the same reasons you have.
unless someone else advices  me not to?

Regards, Jan

[Kong]

Looks like your capable, now the only question is if its worth your time and trouble.  Only you can say.  Personally I'd just buy a set, but I don't have a TIG or Lathe nor such a wealth of a dump. 

Make 'em!  What the hell, you got the tools.  Make the clamp cool beyond belief and make the welds a tribute to man's understanding of metallurgy and process - Pride of Ownership!  Go for it.   

[Jan187]

thanks guys, 
 
I'll let y'all know how it turned out,
I might post the wasted hours and costs with it.

Regards, Jan

[754]

 Jan, bore the big tube to 35mm. do not slit.
 Drill and tap the 2 smaller ones, do not cut in half.

  Weld all together, then slit or saw the 3 welded together tubes/ bushings.

 good luck..

 If the 2 smaller busings are tapped on one end, make them bullet shaped on end, will look nicer.

[bradweingartner]

well bradweingartner, your reply came just after mine, i was still typing  
It seems you have the same options as I have, I own a lathe and know someone i trust to weld the stuff together.

So, if you said you would make them, I'm confident I will succeed also for the same reasons you have.
unless someone else advices  me not to?

Regards, Jan

Make it so! And then post pictures!