Custom sliding strut assy....

[kfxguy]

I water to start a thread on this strut mount I'm building. I guess to kinda track my progress and see how it works. I've been longing for some sort of way to make quick but accurate and repeatable strut adjustments. I have not been able to find anything I could buy to do what I want so my only other choice is to make it myself. I may or may Be successful but I'm gonna give it my best shot. If you guys Have ideas to throw in...I'm all for it.

I started making a preliminary one last night just to get an idea and feel for it. Drawing it out on paper (which I did also) just doesn't do it for me. I like to see a hard copy. Here's my first attempt....





This was rough cut with a little slot cutter. I don't like it.

[kfxguy]

So after a little more thought about it and some research, I decided I'm going to cut a dovetail type slot. I was about to order a cutter last night and I ended up finding one in my milling bit box. Wow. Didn't even know I had one. My father in law gave me a box of stuff a while back and I guess I never noticed it. I've never cut a dovetail before so I watched a few youtube videos and now I'm a pro. (Some people think it's that easy lol) j/j. I'll start practicing tonight. I have a good idea of what needs to be done, but it's gonna take a few tries.

[revoltrunner]

looks good , your off to a great start.

[srislash]

So what was it about Werner's assembly that threw you off Travis? I ask because I think I want this for my 42" single AC Mono build.

[kfxguy]

So what was it about Werner's assembly that threw you off Travis? I ask because I think I want this for my 42" single AC Mono build.

The one i posted was just too big. Too big to be cut down even. And it was $261 plus shipping...whew...eff that! It will possibly fit yours but the pad on the rear of mine is just too small.

[Fella1340]

Take your time cutting the dovetail, I can appreciate the time and effort involved. It's no small task even with experience cutting them. Goodluck, I don't think you'll have to much trouble though. Have you got your digital readouts installed yet? That would make things go much quicker with a lot less frustration.
I look forward to seeing the finished product. You'll probably have it done by the time I have posted this!

[kfxguy]

Take your time cutting the dovetail, I can appreciate the time and effort involved. It's no small task even with experience cutting them. Goodluck, I don't think you'll have to much trouble though. Have you got your digital readouts installed yet? That would make things go much quicker with a lot less frustration.
I look forward to seeing the finished product. You'll probably have it done by the time I have posted this!

I'm almost finished. ...just kidding lol. No, have not installed the dro yet. I'm going to do some much need cleanup and adjusting tomorrow on the mill. Have some mods to do to make it more accurate. One it's all cleaned up, the dro's are going on it. Should Be Done This Weekend. I still gotta find time to go to the lake so I can break that 100mph barrier too this weekend!

[Fella1340]

100 mph? Which boat are you running to hit that mark? I've been away for awhile and it seems I have missed much. Taking on the dovetail job is a great excuse to get things dialed in. I think having the DRO installed will help keep your sanity level in check and slow the ageing process down some:) You should post a few picks as you progress things. Have fun!

[Peter A]

Like the initiative. Even that first effort would clean up with some elbow grease and finesse. One question, how are you going to keep the slide tight? The pic you posted the other day showed a plate with screws that appeared to tighten the slide to the mount. This is just the sort of thing I would do myself. In fact I'm almost thinking about getting out of this office and fixing my millng machine which is currently out of action. Due to my own dumbass action of course! Watching to see how it turns out.

[kfxguy]

100 mph? Which boat are you running to hit that mark? I've been away for awhile and it seems I have missed much. Taking on the dovetail job is a great excuse to get things dialed in. I think having the DRO installed will help keep your sanity level in check and slow the ageing process down some:) You should post a few picks as you progress things. Have fun!

Check my signature out...my rivercat is at 94.6mph. You need to check out this thread. ..when you have time read it...I think it's a good read. http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/...-quot-rivercat

[kfxguy]

Like the initiative. Even that first effort would clean up with some elbow grease and finesse. One question, how are you going to keep the slide tight? The pic you posted the other day showed a plate with screws that appeared to tighten the slide to the mount. This is just the sort of thing I would do myself. In fact I'm almost thinking about getting out of this office and fixing my millng machine which is currently out of action. Due to my own dumbass action of course! Watching to see how it turns out.

Your probably right but the walls are a little too thin to use it. I have some better ideas anyway. I was watch this machinist on YouTube and got a good idea of what I need to do. Instead of drilling through the mount, I'm going to thread it and screw it from the inside of the hull for a cleaner look. It's going to have a jack screw at the top to move it up and down....then a couple service screws to lock it down.

[Fella1340]

I will read the rivercat thread with great interest. Seems a lots happened while I've been away, congrats on 94.6mph!

[Peter A]

Like the initiative. Even that first effort would clean up with some elbow grease and finesse. One question, how are you going to keep the slide tight? The pic you posted the other day showed a plate with screws that appeared to tighten the slide to the mount. This is just the sort of thing I would do myself. In fact I'm almost thinking about getting out of this office and fixing my millng machine which is currently out of action. Due to my own dumbass action of course! Watching to see how it turns out.

Woohoo fixed my mill. Thanks for the motivation

[olwarbirds]

Travis, looks like another item I'm going to be needing a few of. Sure would make my Genesis easier to keep tuned while testing props....keep up the good work bro... DJ

[kfxguy]

I'm in the middle of installing the dro's on my mill. Was hoping to get a start on the mount tonight be the mill is getting some much needed attention and a cleaning lol.