TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Nov 13, 2005 5:11 pm

Hi
I didn't have a timing scale for a while, not that easy to find so when I got one I copied it. So far so good with the cardboard prototype, just need to make a real one out of sheet metal or plastic.
Hope this works, this is the first time I've posted photos. If not they're in the gallery under Parts/Accessories Other.
I'll make a better layout and scan it if anyone is interested.
LeeE

Sun Nov 13, 2005 5:47 pm

If it's accurate, not bad!

This came up some time ago and somebody (I forget who) was talking about producing them. A search should turn it up.

Keep us posted if you start producing them, the supply seemed to suddenly dry up.

Sun Nov 13, 2005 5:48 pm

Your pics don't work. Before you post your reply hit preview and you will see if they will work or not.

The timing scales aren't really rare. If you need a small part like that you might want to put something like,"Wanted timing scale for type 4 bus" in your sig line. A lot of people have small parts like that but they aren't worth putting up ads for.

Sun Nov 13, 2005 6:59 pm

Here ya go: :D

Looks pretty good as a mock up if you intend to eventually fabricate it in tin or something. You can probably get your hands on a spare plastic one if you look around though.

Mon Nov 14, 2005 5:24 am

Hi
Thanks for showing the photos for me; I'm not sure what I did wrong.

It should be accurate, I checked all the measurements against a real scale.
I had read the earlier post about reproducing the scales (when I didn't have one) and wondered about making my own.
Thanks
LeeE

Mon Nov 14, 2005 6:46 am

Can you scan the drawing you made there?
I was the one talking about reproducing it.
I used to be employed as a thing called a manufacturing jewler.
I want to try to lay it out in bronze/brass, cut it out and then see if I can find an engraver that can engrave the numbers on the curve like that.
then fill the numbers with something black.

Mon Nov 14, 2005 7:22 am

Hi
I will re-do the layout for a cleaner copy, with notes and dimensions, and then scan it.
LeeE

Mon Nov 14, 2005 7:28 am

mightyart wrote:
I want to try to lay it out in bronze/brass, cut it out and then see if I can find an engraver that can engrave the numbers on the curve like that.
then fill the numbers with something black.

That would be so purty. . . We really need some scales, I'd gladly market them on my tour :D
Colin

Mon Nov 14, 2005 10:28 am

I have a metal artist friend that can copy any shape in stainless ect. He uses laser or something of the like, really detailed. Mighty art you may look into that tecnique for the scale numbers.
Gosh I don,t need one for my '1600 but would buy one just for the cause. Good luck !

Mon Nov 14, 2005 10:50 am

mightyart wrote: Can you scan the drawing you made there?
I was the one talking about reproducing it.
I used to be employed as a thing called a manufacturing jewler.
I want to try to lay it out in bronze/brass, cut it out and then see if I can find an engraver that can engrave the numbers on the curve like that.
then fill the numbers with something black.

Egads MightyArt doing "designer" Bus parts! Ok, I'm going to do blue colored distributors like Shark did!!!

Tue Nov 15, 2005 6:39 pm

Hi
Photo test...Hey Presto, it worked!
I redid the layout and it looks OK. I am not a draftsman, but I think this is very close to the original measurements.
The bends may need to be finessed a little for a proper fit, and the 10cm arc might could be slightly larger, but only about 1mm.
I forgot to round the ends of the tabs, but I think you get the idea.

I tested a cardboard prototype and it worked well, good enough to set timing, and I checked it against a real plastic scale. I may yet make one out of sheet metal if I can figure out how to cut it without warping. Maybe I could use tin snips, pound it flat and then bend it to shape.

If anyone else uses this to make one please let me know how it worked.
This layout is also in the gallery under Parts/Accessories Other.

Thanks
LeeE

Tue Nov 15, 2005 6:43 pm

That's a nice drawing. I miss drafting with pencil and paper. Can't get the hang of Autocad for the life of me.

Tue Nov 15, 2005 6:57 pm

You guys talking about this timing scale? I bought one for $5.95 not long ago. Think it's from West Coast Metrics. They not carrying them any longer?

Tue Nov 15, 2005 7:48 pm

Hi
Them's the ones.
Maybe I didn't search enough at the time, but I though they were difficult to find. I have one, but I wondered about reproducing it. Oh well, it was fun drawing it.
Thanks very much for the WCM tip.
LeeE

Tue Nov 15, 2005 9:33 pm

Come on... How cool would it be to have a custom metal one???

Thu Nov 17, 2005 8:31 am

LeeE wrote:
I wondered about reproducing it. Oh well, it was fun drawing it.
Thanks very much for the WCM tip.

Reproduce it. Metal would be so much better than the plastic ones I have seen warp and melt as they self-destruct against the fan. I'll help market it for you when I tour the country painting people's petrified and tatty scales and pulleys. Nice drawing.
Colin

Thu Nov 17, 2005 9:00 am

Your drawing won't go to waste, here's how you cut it out without bending.

Fri Nov 30, 2007 4:28 pm

I finally used my drawing.
A metal timing scale came in a box along with some other parts. All the marks were worn off, so I printed the drawing, cut out the arc, glued it on and coated it with polyurethane. It should work, if not I can always print another.

I could clean up the lettering, make the lines heavier and and print it in reverse for a white on black scale.

Fri Nov 30, 2007 4:34 pm

Busted Bus has CNC cut aluminum Type 4 timing scales for sale. I've seen the scales and they are very nice. the marks are laser etched and will not rub off.
www.bustedbus.com ask for Chris....

Fri Nov 30, 2007 4:55 pm

I have been playing around with making some of these myself... missed the conception of this thread... nice stuff...