Small Component Machining

[Peter JenkinParticipant @peterjenkin37332]

[Peter JenkinParticipant @peterjenkin37332]

Good afternoon, I have stumbled across this forum in my hour of need. I hope you don't mind me popping in to ask for some assistance.

Im not a model Engineer, but I do manufacture things.

I manufacture one off bespoke electric guitars. My guitars are more than a little different and usually incorporate an amount of detailed mechanical devices, clockwork and gizmo's. As of late, I generally manufacture and assemble most of my components by hand apart from a few pieces I get Laser Etched or Waterjet Cut.

I don't own a lathe or milling machine. If I did I wouldn't be here posting this. Im desperately trying to find a good machinist or machining company who can manufacture some small components for a piece im working on at the moment. Although I live in an industrial town (Scunthorpe, Nth Lincs – the home of Steel), I cannot locate a machine shop who are willing to help me with my current (and future) needs, as they are small quantities.

Basically, I wanted to ask on this forum if there are any machinists on here who would be willing to take on some small jobs now and then. Paid of course, I don't expect anything on the cheap or for free, as I am a perfectionist and expect to pay for high levels of skill.

For anyone that understands electric guitars, I am currently building on as a tribute to "Eleanor" the famous Ford Mustang GT500 from the movie "gone in 60 seconds". I need to manufacture six machine head buttons and shafts (the tuners) in the form of pistons and conrods. Thee conrods being longer than the other three. Also, I need some volume and tone knobs manufacturing to look like wheels and a couple of strap buttons to resemble something else "automotive".

Forgive me please for asking these questions, but Im in a pickle now and need to locate the services of a fine machinist who is willing to take this sort of work on.

Thank you in advance.

Pete

Cyrus P Bickerstaffs Mad Guitar Workshop. (find it on facebook)

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

<bump>

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Neil did you ever get that list of willing machinists together?

Sounds like a job for a 3D printer and lost wax casting, try Abby Casting.

J

[Ed DuffnerParticipant @edduffner79357]

Guitars are another of my passions. I'd be interested in helping with this project but I am unable to send a PM to Peter, he isn't listed in the PM "To:" drop down list.

Relatively new to machining I might be able to do the less complex items.

Regards,
Ed.

[Robert DoddsParticipant @robertdodds43397]

Ed,

There is a telephoone no on Cyrus P Bickerstaffs face book page and lots of photos of his work.

Bob D

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Ed Duffner on 04/05/2015 08:43:31:

… I am unable to send a PM to Peter, he isn't listed in the PM "To:" drop down list.

Ed,

Try the "message member" at the bottom of his post

… That seems to populate OK

MichaelG.

[Ed DuffnerParticipant @edduffner79357]

Ok, thank you Robert and Michael.

Ed.

PM sent.

Edited By Ed Duffner on 04/05/2015 09:19:55

[Peter JenkinParticipant @peterjenkin37332]

Thank you so much for all the PMs and messages through the facebook page. Its comforting to know there are people willing to help. I will endeavour to contact everyone who has been in touch as soon as possible. I need to put together some drawings of what I need so I can send them on.

Thanks again.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Looking at the wheels you may be able to use a fine CNC machine but I still think 3D printing and casting or having them printed directly in metal will be a cheaper bet than somebody spending many hours with a rotary table.

Have a search on shapeways for "wheels" and you will see the sort of thing that can be done, may even find a suitable wheel there. example

This is the car in question

[Peter JenkinParticipant @peterjenkin37332]

Rather than the wheels themselves, maybe miniature wheelnuts, with the cobra etched into the top

[Peter JenkinParticipant @peterjenkin37332]

Hi Guys, Im still on the lookout for someone who can help with some custom tuning peg extensions. I have all the drawings, please email me on info@bickerstaffguitars.co.uk if you can help.

Thanks again

[Author]

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