OzVMX Forum
Marketplace => Dealers => Topic started by: maicomc490t on June 23, 2010, 12:28:28 pm
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OK - This is free plug time but hopefully some may find it useful to know, especially people in Sydney.
At EXTREME expense to the management (me, lol) I have set up a vapour blaster that is the bees knees when it comes to removing years of old oxide and crappy paint from non ferrous metals and leaves behind a really nice fine, lustrous finish that id far superior to bead blasting. The machine will blast ferrous items too but it is water based so the steel or iron will go off almost straight after it is taken out of the cabinet (I have done some jobs on tanks and side panels but don't recommend it)
For those of you out there that aren't familiar with what vapour blasting is, put it is simply glass beads suspended in a water stream (along with additives as required) directed in a high volume, moderate pressure at the work being cleaned. It doesn't damage the surface like dry blasting (whether bead or angular), nor does it pose as much as a threat to oil galleries and other pockets where conventional dry blast media can impact and build up but I stress that holes and galleries should still be plugged or taped over. The finish is much cleaner and greasy finger marks can be easily cleaned off without leaving any residue unlike dry finishes. Due to the milder abrasive action dimensional stability is maintained too where dry bead can enlarge bearing bores etc.
Vapour blasting is also far more effective than soda blasting which, while good, usually leaves some oxide behind.
The blaster has a capacity of 105cms x 105cms x 80cms so can handle most jobs with ease.
I work on a one week turn around as a rule and doubt you will be disappointed as being a restorer myself I understand what bike restorers are after (except getting everything for free, lol) and will blast pretty much anything so long as it has been well degreased and crud free.
I am happy to have parts dropped off at my place after hours if required and am also more than happy to have items sent by either Aussie Post or courier as I am in the process of organising couriers to help country and interstate customers. My number is 0416074750 or email [email protected]
If anyone wants to check on the quality of my work ask Firko as I did the head and barrel for his Cheney Yammy just prior to CD7
Cheers
Dave Mac :)
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HI Dave,
One thing I forgot to ask you a few weeks ago… does it remove anodising from aluminium parts during the process? Are we back to bare metal when it is finished?
Thanks
VMX42
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G'day VMX42
In all honesty I don't know what effect it will have on anodising as I have not blasted anything that was anodised. All the work I have done to date has been on castings and forgings but I will blast an old gold Maico rim in the next few days and report back. Generally if I was blasting something which had anodising that required protection it would be well masked up or do you want it removed?
My guess is that if the blasting stream is directed at the finish for long enough it will definitely remove the anodising as anodising is in reality only a very thin hard skin (stabilised aluminium). Usually I control the stream to keep removal of any material other than the paint and oxide to an absolute minimum which I regard as critical but I know that if I held the gun on one point I am sure I could take off additional metal but don't do that lol!
Feel free to follow up with any questions as this is a relatively new process in the restoration world, having been developed primarily for the aircraft industry.
Cheers
Dave Mac :)
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HI Dave,
The reason I ask is that I am modifying a alloy swing arm. During the initial modifications I have removed a significant amount of the surface anodising.
Now I could pay to have it chemically stripped, but then I would have to clean up the residue before having the welding done [tig guys don't like anodised alloy for welding]. But if I had it vapour blasted, that removed the anodising then I wouldn't have to clean up any residue. Just saving me time really… one process, not two
I would be happy to drop the swingarm over to you, or you could do a test on your old Maico rims. Whichever suits you.
Thanks for the follow up. If you can let me know, I can get the swingarms to you ASAP.
Thanks
Jeff
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Hi Jeff,
I'm doing a big run of parts today (friday) and will do the rim as well. I am sure it will do the trick so get ready to send the arm and I will get it done for you asap.
Cheers mate
Dave Mac :)
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Hi Dave,
If it works I have 3 swingarms that need to be done.
Let me know the results of your scientific testing proceedure. :D
Jeff
Perhaps it would be a good idea to just do half the rim and put a pic up so the punters can see what vapour blasting can do…
warm nuts
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Hi Jeff.
Following a harrowing day of very scientific vapour blasting experiments I am happy to report that the blaster does indeed remove the anodising (on an Akront rim at least) and leaves a very smooth finish which I reckon could easily be re-anodised as is or be used as a cleaning / preparation base for polishing.
I don't know how to post a pic I took so drop me a PM with you best email address and I will send it to you and then if you know what to do you can throw it on here.
Loctite your nuts ;)
Dave Mac
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G'day Dave, I'm very interested in sending some work your way, where in Syd and can you give a guesstimate on costing?
I'll send you an email to forward some piccies please.
While things on here seem to becoming a nutsathon I'll join in.
" EMPTY NUTS "
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While things on here seem to becoming a nutsathon I'll join in.
" EMPTY NUTS "
;D
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Dave have you ever tried doing plastics?
Just wondering :)
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Just need to give dave a huge wrap with this vapour blasting!!
I sent off a few small parts to be done, and got them back not long after. I was away at the time and when my dad opened the mail he thought i had purchased NOS ones for a second!
They are spanklingly clean, look amazing.
Ill let the pictures do the talking.
and dave sorry i havn't got back to you by email, Im super impressed and will email asap!
Shock housing as it came with the basket case bike.
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/steveophotos/yz125x/rearshock3.jpg)
After shock was pulled down, a quick degrease..
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/steveophotos/yz125x/shocktop.jpg)
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/steveophotos/yz125x/shockhousing1.jpg)
And once i got them back from being capour blasted.. man they are nice..!!!!
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/steveophotos/yz125x/shockclean1.jpg)
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/steveophotos/yz125x/shockclean.jpg)
And a few i didnt get before photos of.
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/steveophotos/yz125x/breakclean.jpg)
Cant reccomend highly enough!
Thanks again dave.
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Hi Steve
Thanks for the rap mate and very happy you're happy! There is a bit of fiddling to do to get that finish but in the end pretty simple and not time consuming at all. Send the engine etc on when you are ready.
To the other guys that asked questions, sorry I missed them but I mainly rely on my std emails and phone. Both should be on my signature line so anyone wanting info feel free to call or email. I have no idea on how to post pics, and have even less of an idea how that new forum works - it seems all over the place to me, simple soul that I am ;)
Once again Steve, glad you liked the work.
Cheers
Dave Mac
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Thanks guysm have added to my Favs
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A few more pics when i can find my camera, but these were in the same condition as the case in the foreground.
the pictures speak for themself really! Im amazed everytime i get a part back.
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/steveophotos/Mobile%20Uploads/06012011311-1.jpg)
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/steveophotos/Mobile%20Uploads/06012011313.jpg)
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Anyone seen or heard from Dave Mac Lately. I've been trying to get in touch with him.
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I've been trying to contact Dave for weeks and weeks. He finally got back to me the week before last, we set aside last Thursday for me to pick up my Ducati engine but when I called to make sure he was going to be there...no answer de phone and no returning my messages. >:(
I know and like Dave but I'm getting a tad annoyed with his inability to return calls and emails. After nearly two years of waiting, I just want my engine back. :-\
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I've been trying to contact Dave for weeks and weeks. He finally got back to me the week before last, we set aside last Thursday for me to pick up my Ducati engine but when I called to make sure he was going to be there...no answer de phone and no returning my messages. >:(
I know and like Dave but I'm getting a tad annoyed with his inability to return calls and emails. After nearly two years of waiting, I just want my engine back. :-\
daves a busy man , .ring the fire station you.ll get him there and tell them your house is on fire ,he may turn up ,
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I've been trying to contact Dave for weeks and weeks. He finally got back to me the week before last, we set aside last Thursday for me to pick up my Ducati engine but when I called to make sure he was going to be there...no answer de phone and no returning my messages. >:(
I know and like Dave but I'm getting a tad annoyed with his inability to return calls and emails. After nearly two years of waiting, I just want my engine back. :-\
Aww gee. The poor guy's been putting out fires, getting cats outa trees, his house has probably been flooded out and now he's copping a pastin' off of a dejected customer on a forum.
Good 'ol Boy comradship ain't what it used to be.... :'(
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He was last logged on here on January the 6th so he must be around still.
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Anyone know if Dave could do a complete engine? With all oriffices plugged.
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JUST SPOKE TO DAVE MAC ON THE PHONE .HES BEEN DEPLOYED IN THE LOCKYER VALLER WITH THE SEACH AND RECUE TEAM SINCE LAST WEEK .AND IS ON HIS WAY BACK TO SYDNEY ,HE SAID FIRKO SHOULD RING THE HOUSE AND TALK TO SOPHIE (I THINK I GOT THE NAME RIGHT) ANYHOW APPARENTLY SOMETHING MORE INPORTANT CAME UP LAST WEEK ;)
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Thanks Paul - question answered ;)
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G'day SlideRulz.
To answer your question the answer is a tentative yes.
The pressures used to do most blasting are much less than a pressure cleaner such as a Karcher and while dry blasting has been known to penetrate engines it is usually due to poor preparation. Wet blasting isn't as agressive.
To fully seal an engine does take some work but that is offset by not having to spend time rebuilding one. It also comes down to the operator and his grasp of exactly what is required and I have done a couple of complete engines without issue. For my money I prefer to do my engines in bits but it can be done - best to talk over the phone on that one.
Hope that helps.
Dave Mac :)
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Tony,
PM sent.........
Dave Mac :)
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Thanks Dave - reply sent also ;D
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Thanks for filling everyone in Paul - Cheers mate that was appreciated!
Thanks also to the others who also offered positive comment which was not unnoticed.
Now to business :(
Firko said >>>>>>>>
"I've been trying to contact Dave for weeks and weeks. He finally got back to me the week before last, we set aside last Thursday for me to pick up my Ducati engine but when I called to make sure he was going to be there...no answer de phone and no returning my messages.
I know and like Dave but I'm getting a tad annoyed with his inability to return calls and emails. After nearly two years of waiting, I just want my engine back. "
And so my reply is >>>>>>>>.
Mark,
I don't know why you chose to raise a Ducati 250 Mk3 engine rebuild on a thread relating to my little vapour-blasting business which has, thankfully, made me lots of happy customers with zero complaints about time frames, including yourself when I did the Yammy stuff for you while you waited, but you know me well enough to know I will answer either way!
Yeah, that rebuild has been on the simmer for quite a while although I would dispute the two year claim quite vigorously and if I recall I threw it back to you to source parts at the cheapest possible prices eg ebay etc as you said you were strapped for cash and if anyone who knows anything about Ducati's you rarely build them on a St Vinnie DP budget which you are no doubt aware! Their parts are expensive and they are a VERY labour intensive engine to rebuild correctly (shame whoever 'built' your engine before I stripped it down didn't know that - it's pretty shabby as I said to you when we talked about the Thursday pick up).
I know that we arranged for you to come over last Thursday which was all well and good but for one thing.
On Wednesday morning I was recalled to duty to be part of a FRNSW USAR task force to go to the Lockyer Valley where all those poor people lost lives and homes in that order and that to me takes priority so sorry I wasn't available for Thursday as required. Vodafone wasn't working in Gatton where we were based, and I was far too busy with the deployment but Sophie said you didn't ring, nor were any messages left on the answering machine at home, nor did I have any record on my mobile of missed calls or messages when we were re tasked in Brisbane on Sunday where phone contact was restored. I did try and send you a "failed to send" message on the Friday to the effect - "Firko - I'm in Qld with our USAR task force in the Lockyer Valley but should be back early next week" so you weren't forgotten and I will happily keep the message on my phone as proof lest I also be called a liar! A search of my yahoo account also did not have any trace of your contact after last Thursday and given the sort of work we do we don't have direct contact with computers unless it is a screaming necessity as they are used for more important task force work!!!
A mate rang me at the airport in Brissy yesterday and said you were shitty and having a snipe at me in my absence and for that I am sorry but you have known for years I am a rescue trained firey so surely you could have had the smarts to put two and two together. I messaged Paul after that as I know he is often on here to pass on the message which he kindly did.
If you saw the things we saw in our work I doubt your engine would rate as an issue to you and at the time save for trying to get that sms to you it didn't rate with me either, knowing it could be dealt with on my return. In the area of Brisbane we worked we saw people whose whole lives have been brought to a shuddering halt with homes inundated with foetid sewerage polluted water which means their homes are unliveable.
What did strike me though was the indomitable Aussie spirit and the selfless help from hundreds of volunteers who gave up there time to help others in their time of greatest need. Aussie flags were hung out of windows and strung on fences, stalls set up by home owners serving free food and drinks were manned out the front of their homes along with wash facilities, use of toilets etc and for me there was an unbelievable restoration of pride in what most Australians are capable of over-riding other peoples selfish outlook that seems to dominate modern life, or the total drop kicks that sponge off the social security as if it their right!
The people of south west qld had their lives changed forever and we met plenty of old folk who had also lived through the 74 floods - lots of images I will never forget!
A very sobering experience.
Please give freely to any fund raisers as these people really need a helping hand!
Dave Mac :(
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that should settle it here here dave job well done in both states ;D
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Good to hear that you're back in one piece and ready for action ;)
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Cheers Spanish and Monte !!!
Happy to have done my (very) little bit and ready for action indeed !!!
Dave Mac ;D
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Dave....I'm not going to give others the joy of seeing me go apeshit online over your above eroneous post. I'll be ringing you regarding you dropping off my engine. Oh and by the way you've had it since May 09, sorry, not quite two years.....my mistake. ::)
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Thanks Mark
Nothing erroneous about it - my home phone works so call me to arrange a pick up. It's all stripped down but not the happiest Duke engine I have ever looked at.
Now can we get back to the thread which was about getting vapour blasting done so guys engines look fresh as a daisy !!!
Dave Mac ::)
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I've already left a message on your phone Dave......and if you want I'll map out every fu*king error in your post right here on the forum I most certainly will.
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A few more pics when i can find my camera, but these were in the same condition as the case in the foreground.
the pictures speak for themself really! Im amazed everytime i get a part back.
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/steveophotos/Mobile%20Uploads/06012011311-1.jpg)
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/steveophotos/Mobile%20Uploads/06012011313.jpg)
Hi Steve,
Only too happy to keep making old castings 'new' again.
Thank you for letting everyone know you are pleased with the quality of my work. For my part it may be timely to let people know that I can straighten most fins prior to blasting if they they are not too far gone (and not cracked of course). Ditto machining, thread repair etc if need be (toolmaker by trade).
Keep it all coming - I love seeing old crappy stuff come out at the other end of the process !
Dave Mac :)
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no idea what that other talk was about, but certainly doesnt seem have anything to do with vapour blasting!
heres some more things i got back from dave, and as everything i have gotten back the work is fantastic! He went to alot of trouble for me on the engine cases, there was some pretty bad corrosion that he cleaned up really well, same as on the engine covers.
Also on one of the heads that he did had some bent fins. Dave not only straightened these for me, but offered to show me how to do it! Unfortunately i was in a hurry and didnt have time.
Im not pissing in his pocket, i just like to share when i find someone who does good work.
heres some more pics.
some of the last lot i had done -
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/steveophotos/Mobile%20Uploads/16092010.jpg)
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/steveophotos/Mobile%20Uploads/16092010005.jpg)
And as i got them back -
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/steveophotos/Mobile%20Uploads/22022011442.jpg)
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/steveophotos/Mobile%20Uploads/22022011441.jpg)
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/steveophotos/Mobile%20Uploads/22022011449.jpg)
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/steveophotos/Mobile%20Uploads/22022011448.jpg)
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/steveophotos/Mobile%20Uploads/22022011444.jpg)
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Hey guys
I have only jumped back on this thread because I get inquiries from heaps of people spotting the thread on the net and they keep asking me if I am still doing the vapour blasting wet blasting aqua blasting hydro blasting etc
The answer is a resounding YES. A broad spread of finishes available depending on what you are trying to achieve, including prep for re-anodising. Not just the one set and forget finish that I'm seeing around that looks cack !!!
Also happy to straighten bent fins before blasting if required, and all oil galleries plugged as necessary plus threads protected from ingress of bead. I treat your parts like they are mine, and I'm a fussy ex toolmaker.
Trust you're all well
Dave Mac
0416074750
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How much per hour
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Nice work Dave