[TowerTalk] Rerod base for LM470 progress

[Roger (K8RI) on TT]

I had planned on cutting the 1/2 X 3 X  19 base mounting plates from the 
#10 rerod. Unfortunately it was a bit much for my small plasma torch.  
It'll cut 3/4" at 10" per minute, but the weld, plate and rerod proved a 
bit thick and blowback from a big puddle took care of the torch tip.  So 
I filled the kiy with spare parts plus a set for extended cutting.

In the mean time I set up 3 plates in the mill and turned out 3 nicely 
matching plates.  The power quill feed is really nice and the accuracy 
of the table makes it easy to line up the holes.  OTOH lining up the 
material/plates with a dial indicator takes a bit of care. This was the 
first time I'd lined yo a project in years. It still took an hour, but 
would hane taken much longer on a drill press. I'm still going to try 
and cut off the old plates, but it's not nearly so important now.

Tomorrow I'll weld the plates to the #10 rerod add the reinforcement and 
wire up the rest of the cage.

I need to get one of the large wet/dry shop vacsthat can swallow the 
long curls/shavings from a sharp drill bit.  There sure are a lot of 
shavings from 7 3/4" holes in 3 of those plates.

73

Roger (K8RI)