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Need ideas for laser cut parts

Old 09-17-2006, 10:50 PM
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Default Need ideas for laser cut parts

I have a laser at my disposal for cutting sheetmetal (http://www.amada.com/products/lasers/fo3015nt.asp ). I'm sure I could be taking better advantage of this to make stuff for the miata but I haven't come up with much. I also have access to skilled welders, powdercoating, forming, and more (can't bend tubing, unfortunately).

If you have a good idea, and can possibly design it...and I like it enough to make one for myself I'll make one for you too.

An example would be the butterfly brace...if i had drawings/solid models I could make these but I don't have the time/energy/motivation to do the r&d
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Old 09-17-2006, 11:06 PM
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small stuff wise you could do tow hooks, thats all i can think of at the moment
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Old 09-17-2006, 11:38 PM
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Gauge panel for under the radio. The one's on the market right now are too damned expensive.

How thick can you cut? I bet you could see a lot of 2.5" exhaust flanges for the Greddy TD04.

The butterfly brace doesn't need to be laser cut, most of the work is done using a large metal break.
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Old 09-18-2006, 01:15 AM
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I can cut up to 1/2"

I'm not really looking to do it to make money but if someone has a good idea along those lines I would do it.

If there is demand for the exhaust flanges I could make a few...I do have a TD04 sitting on the work bench I could measure if drawings aren't already available.

While the butterfly brace probably doesn't have to be laser cut, FM's most certainly is. Having it bent up wouldn't be a problem either but actually generating drawings and creating something that would fit is the issue. I can use the laser all I want so whether or not the item actually needs to be laser cut is not an issue.
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Old 09-18-2006, 01:20 AM
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mirror plugs to plug the holes that the mirror leaves when you pull em out.
visor plugs as well
under fender support braces
seat brackets for aftermarket seats
metal inner door straps
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Old 09-18-2006, 01:38 AM
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Very good ideas. Also a plate for the side mirrors maybe for upgraded mirrors? Custom Badges? What are the limits to this machine. If you could do so badges i would be really interested in buying a bunch.

Originally Posted by turbored
mirror plugs to plug the holes that the mirror leaves when you pull em out.
visor plugs as well
under fender support braces
seat brackets for aftermarket seats
metal inner door straps
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Old 09-18-2006, 08:50 AM
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Exhaust exit surround - I need one for my new exit to replace my hvac flashing mock-up. Of course there's probably a total of one person wanting this.
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Old 09-18-2006, 09:04 AM
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a rx7 tranny adaptor would be cool
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Old 09-18-2006, 09:19 AM
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I say put the laser on the moon and hold the world hostage.

you could make gauge bezels.. like this:
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Old 09-18-2006, 09:39 AM
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How bout a radiator cooling plate/block-off plate.
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Old 09-18-2006, 09:43 AM
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Originally Posted by turbored
seat brackets for aftermarket seats

winner chicken dinner
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Old 09-18-2006, 09:58 AM
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Originally Posted by magnamx-5
a rx7 tranny adaptor would be cool
I think that WOULD be a money maker.
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Old 09-18-2006, 11:17 AM
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adapter plate to place a variable TPS on the 1.6 throttle body. I waterjetted mine from 1/8" aluminum plate.
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Old 09-18-2006, 12:06 PM
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Originally Posted by TurboTim
adapter plate to place a variable TPS on the 1.6 throttle body. I waterjetted mine from 1/8" aluminum plate.
yes


1.6tps plate
tow hook
gauge panel for the radio

I'll pay now.
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Old 09-18-2006, 12:17 PM
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An adapter to relocate the stock caliper for use with 1.8l rotors. Or another one to use an after market wilwood caliper. There was a big thread on miata.net about cheap big brake kits. Someone had built an adapter plate to use a wilwood caliper with a stock rotor from the 2001+ sport brakes.

There are some avalible on the market, but they are stupid expensive.

Jay
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Old 09-18-2006, 01:22 PM
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Originally Posted by jayc72
An adapter to relocate the stock caliper for use with 1.8l rotors.

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Old 09-18-2006, 01:59 PM
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Originally Posted by TurboTim
adapter plate to place a variable TPS on the 1.6 throttle body. I waterjetted mine from 1/8" aluminum plate.
do you have a drawing that you could share?
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Old 09-18-2006, 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by magnamx-5
a rx7 tranny adaptor would be cool
sounds like it could be cool to offer.

Cutting this or many of the other ideas is a trivial matter, the problem is that I have no way of designing most of them. If somebody can provide me a drawing and what material to use, etc I will probably make it happen. Whoever comes up with the idea can have the part (free) to test it out.
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Old 09-18-2006, 02:21 PM
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Originally Posted by turbored
mirror plugs to plug the holes that the mirror leaves when you pull em out.
visor plugs as well
under fender support braces
seat brackets for aftermarket seats
metal inner door straps

to side mirror plates. That way i could finally fender mount some motorcycle mirrors with integrated turn signals
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Old 09-18-2006, 02:58 PM
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Originally Posted by jetrep
do you have a drawing that you could share?
Sure. It is with my old work stuff so I will have to dig around for it. I should also have the G-code if you need it, but it doesn't seem like you do.
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