on/off Rat build (with apologies to Doc's dirt rat LOL)

[FastDoc]

I'm very interested in the Vapor.

If (when?) I D/S the YZ I'd like to install a Vapor.

[gloud]

Got an afternoon in the shop today (after getting my Dt175 ready to go back on the road)
Got the electrical do-dads mounted, and after figuring out that the Lifan had a clutch safety interlock and defeating it for the test, Started it. Sounds good and Next after this is figure out the rest of the wiring. (headlight blinkers etc)
The joy of not having the full bike to steal connectors off of. my generic CB ignition switch worked fine, and the left control plugged in fine.
Here are todays pics.

Starter relay and I think blinker unit

Coil

Mess O' wireing

CDI mounted to the inner rear fender.

[MICRider]

Dang, this is gonna be sweet when it's done! Can't wait to see the end product and get your impressions of it

Edit: Note to self, get cracking on the Lifan CT Stew!

[gloud]

Thanks I am happy with how it is coming out, Once I get the new larger headlight mounted, and some more of the wiring done I will be able to do the real work, Cleaning and rebuilding the running gear and paint then reassemble.

I am waiting on the Vapor instrument cluster, and I intend to make a custom Aluminum Dash with the indicator lights and mount the Ignition key in it too.

I will have to modify my clutch perch to take a switch for the start interlock.
I would hate to have it take off on me if I (or more likely someone else) started it in gear. I want to keep the stock hand controls. So that will be a little challenge. (I cheat as I have a small milling machine. LOL)

[FastDoc]

Glad you've got it running!

[Weldangrind]

Please show us the milling machine! Congrats on getting it running.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Glad you've got it running!

X2!

Spud

[gloud]

Here is a quick vid I shot while working on the wiring this am. Started on the second crank, Working on the idle still. I figured out the Blinkers (they work!) and headlight this am. The headlight is 12v AC should work with my 12V headlight I purchased for it. Not sure how to embed.

[Weldangrind]

Awesome! Does it seem to hang when you rev it up? If so, you might have a vacuum leak. Maybe a clamp is loose.

[gloud]

I am still messing around with the low speed screw, And the air filter isn't oiled yet either. (actually I am likely going to go with the one you posted in another thread)

Next time I have it running I am going to go through and check for vac leaks. it does settle down some after I rev it. I was having a problem with it stalling after 20-30 secs on idle. I also need to swap in a NGK plug (which is on my messy bench. LOL)

I had it running just to figure out the headlight wiring and grabbed my Iphone out as an afterthought.

I will get Pics of the Mill this weekend, nothing special, a HF mini-mill, but I Have done a bunch of mods on it so it is useful on steel too. (when I first got it you could only cut a few thou at a wack) I did a belt drive conversion, power cross feed, and taller column along with beefing it up so less chatter. I am limited in room, so I went with the MM. (I have as much in the HF mill as I would have with a full size bridgeport If I got a deal on it, But I have NO room. )

[Weldangrind]

Looking forward to it! I have a 50's BP as wallpaper on my Blackberry. I'd give one much love.

[gloud]

Here ya go Weld, No progress other than acquiring the connectors and waiting for the Vapor which should be here in the next day or so.[/img]

Modifications are Belt drive ( the stock gears are Ear splintingly noisy.) Now you can just hear the motor run. Taller column (so I can fir bigger items to be milled) The drive unit on the left of the bed, (just a nice to have when you are milling long Items, it comes out much nicer) Not shown and still not hooked up is a Digital Readout unit (Jadro) I boult from a kit. I also pulled the stock spring for the headstock and have a lead weight as a counter balance.

It is a Harbor Freight mini mill (available from other vendors as well. )

Once I get a full size mill I will keep it for the small work I do a lot of the time.

[Weldangrind]

Thanks for the pic; that's the unit I visualized. The same mill is available at Princess Auto in Canada. Do you find excessive lash?

I can appreciate the need to install a taller column; how did you accomplish that? Did you use a column from a drill press?

Did you find a mill-specific belt drive for the motor? Did you retain the same ratio?

I have a circa 1950 Atlas lathe, and I'd like to complement it with a small mill like yours. Maybe I'll grab one at HF if they go on sale.

[gloud]

http://www.littlemachineshop.com/Products/products.php
For mini mill Porn.. you can make your own belt drive or just buy it like I did. the column is made for the mill and available at the above website.

The longer column mod is a longer z axis rack, and I had to remove the spring that provides the head tension. thus the Counterwieght. (Been awhile since I had done that mod. LOL I got another few inches out movement out of the head that way.

There is back lash on 2 of the 3 Axis, But it is adjustable. the Vertical (Z) is negated for the most part by the counter weight, and you just have to be aware of it. I did work on the ways some, but they where ok. The backlash is the big reason I am going to DRO then if anything moves you know.

I have a 50's Logan 10" Lathe myself.

I did the internal mods to my 1919a4 with this mill. (definitely glad I had done the mods..) And that was milling hardened gun steel. Worked fine within it limits. works great for aluminum, and If I ever come up with the coin for a decent boring bar set up and hones I can do my own cylinder boring on smaller engines.

For the space limited like you and I these are very usable tools when the Limitations and problems with them are addressed. Beats the heck out of a moto-tool and files.

[Weldangrind]

Thanks for the link. That reminds me to check Grizzly for stuff like that as well. http://www.grizzly.com/

If you can work with hardened steel, I presume you'll have no trouble with mild steel, whether cold or hot rolled.

Like you, I'd like to get into boring one day. I'd also like to learn flycutting, along with lots of other stuff. I've only just aquired my lathe, and all I've done so far is buy a quick change tool post for it.

I've hijacked your thread more than I should have. Looking forward to more bike updates.