Any smaller DIY mechanical thumb plans available?

[DonRina]

Just wondering if there are any diy mechanical thumb plans available for my 354 chinick tractor with a lw8 backhoe? I’ve found some kits on Ann but they are a weld together type so I thought I might as well just fab one up myself if possible, scrap metal being available locally.

 

[MTGreen]

Decent wire feed welders are cheap nowadays, and any bolt together solution is going to start rounding out holes sooner or later. Not to mention that any holes you drill in your dipperstick are going to weaken it. I would strongly suggest a welded solution either learning yourself or cutting the parts and having someone else weld it up.

 

[DonRina]

I have a mig welder, good for 1/4” and my neighbor has a 240 v stick welder so I can weld one up…but if I’m welding up a kit why not just fab one up from local stock, hence my query. Saves shipping cost and might be a better unit.

 

[Bansil]

Do you have an easy way to cut metal shapes out?

 

[DonRina]

Well, I don’t have a plasma cutter but might have access to oxy/acc cutting torch. Locally, maybe a cnc file and water jet. More expensive though.

 

[JPRambo]

I cut and welded this from scrap metal peices.
My BX23S has an attachment point for a thumb. Cut all of the parts with a grinder and 4 1/2" cut off wheels.

 

[Bansil]

Nice simple design that works!

 

[DonRina]

I cut and welded this from scrap metal peices.
My BX23S has an attachment point for a thumb. Cut all of the parts with a grinder and 4 1/2" cut off wheels.

I like it! I’ll see if I can emulate it for my lw8, chinick unit.

 

[rScotty]

An standard oxyacetylene torch will do that job.