Today I spent most of the day lathing the shafts for the new joysticks. Unfortunately, Out of all the work that was done, I only ended up with one (near finished) stick. While working, i snapped 3 potential sticks in half by being out too far and trying to take bigger bites than I should have. Of course today is also the first time I've ever used the lathe in my life too, so I guess it's not so bad, it was a learning experience. ha
I broke the first one while I was trying to lathe down the 10mm section and I took too big of a bite on the bit... the shaft caught on the lathe tool and rolled up on it, snapping the aluminum. The second was broken in much the same manner as the first, and now I have learned from that mistake.
The third was a near complete stick and I broke that one while trying to cut the slot for the e-clip. The lathing tool caught on the higher shoulders of the cut and it too rolled up and snapped. The E-clip slot has me a bit perplexed... I called it quits on trying to cut that section until I can think of a better way to do it.
The last and only surviving stick is pretty much completely finished. I beveled the top where it joins with the ball top too. Though I need to sand it down a little on the bottom so it will slide into the Super's mounting. I think there is a burr or something keeping it from going into the actual joystick mech. but the shaft slides onto all the other pieces....
I still need to polish this stick as well, but I'll wait until after all the cuts are made. It would be super crappy if the thing looks amazing and then i also broke it while working on the E-clip.
Another idea I have is threading the end and putting a nut on the bottom. perhaps with a keeper pin to keep it from unscrewing... but the e-clip would look so much nicer.
Our ancient lathe at work. The thing is a beast and takes up a whole wall.
Lathing the 10mm section
Before and after.
All that's missing is the e-clip slot and polishing.
Checking the beveled area w/ the Balltop
Not really sure when I'll be able to get back to work on it. Hopefully Monday. I can't wait to get these finished!