Backhoe Ripper tooth design - need your advice

[CDN Farm Boy]

Is there a reason the layout doesn't use the existing edges of the flatstock? Seems like a waste to cutout a square piece a 1/4" in from the edge rather than just having to cut 2 sides

 

[bluehog]

Is there a reason the layout doesn't use the existing edges of the flatstock? Seems like a waste to cutout a square piece a 1/4" in from the edge rather than just having to cut 2 sides

There are a couple of reasons - the waterject machine you use the outside edges of the stock to secure the workpiece in place so the material does not move around. But the main reason is that raw stock edges are not generally straight/square so you cut out your parts so you end up with pieces that need no further machining on its profile. There is some taper on the thickness... but it is minimal unless the material is very thick >1". A waterjet uses extreme high water pressure suspending a garnet (special sand) to create a fine diameter cutting stream. By maintaining the outer straight surfaces it is easier to place the remaining stock back onto the machine for future use. I will try to get a few pics and post them so you can see how the stock is held in place. Although some stock is wasted, it makes the overall process a predictable and safer when locating and removing the remaining stock. When all area of the material are used the leftover frame is sawed and sent to recycle.

 

[bluehog]

Just a quick update... the work is in progress and all parts have been completed on the waterjet, a big thanks to my bud Jimmy G. who completed my parts in a timely manner. I have almost completed the required machining, doing the second side cutting edge on the blade today. So all parts should be delivered to the welder tomorrow I hope. My bud Ron S. has provided some awesome welding so far. I had planned on finishing the bushing bores at a couple different stages... but after each weld step it has shown me that the structural steel is subject to flex/warping so I will wait until all welding is complete to finish the inline pin bores. My only regret so far is I wish I would have left more stock in the bores as I only left 0.060" but everything is still in good shape I just have to monitor the existing locations to maintain full cleanup when final welding is done. Planning on completion mid next week! I'll try to post some pics by the weekend.

 

[bluehog]

The pics of the waterjet didn't come out very good... tough to get focus in that area. Last two pics show the pin support frame ready for welding. I placed threaded rod with nuts to support the spread during the weld process. The assembly still warped a bit but still useable as the pin bores are undersize and will be sized after all welding is complete.

 

[IslandTractor]

Man, I wish I had access to one of them waterjet thingies. Slick!

 

[bluehog]

Here are a few shots machining the blade. I did this after work on the Matsuura 800 vertical mill that I was operating at the time.

 

[bluehog]

Next challenge was to bend the back scoop plate to the shape of the blade. Since I used 1/2" instead of the 3/8" I originally planned on (which saved me from buying another 24" x 24" plate) I put several slots with a 1/4" ball endmill to give a weak point to allow the bend. I used a hydraulic press at each channel and formed the shape the best I could... still took 15,000lbs to bend it! Assembled the blade to the base with a couple bolts to make it easier on my welding bud... will remove bolts after complete. I had to put a name on it as the guys in the shop were giving me a hard time about that... so it got dubbed "STUMP SLAYER". Well its ready for final welding!

 

[IslandTractor]

Looks great.

We will need some slaying photos soon.

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

Man, I wish I had access to one of them waterjet thingies. Slick!

And the rest of the equipment too!

Holy crap Blue, nice fab work! Almost be a shame to get it dirty or scratch it

 

[bluehog]

Looks great.

We will need some slaying photos soon.

If all goes well I'll be testing it out last week of October... pics will be posted early November. Got about 2 dozen stumps to eliminate so we'll see how I do.:thumbsup: