Who would be interested in getting 11mm mirror stems?

[Riccardo]

Fine mechanic!!!
My deep compliments!
For me 2 set.
Riccardo

[sandcastdoctor]

Very impressive fixture!! Put me down for a pair!

[markb]

The bending is done.


Next is the brazing.  I've done some experimenting with doing it myself.  No so good.  I was hoping to be able to keep the cost down some by doing it but the quality just isn't there.  I hope to get the parts to the welder (not my aluminum welder) by Monday.

[Steve Swan]

Hi Mark, i can't imagine anyone here who plans to purchase your stems will be overly concerned about the price.  I'd think all of us will be happy to hold them in our hot little hands, no matter what the final figure is.

[markb]

I got the brazed stems back from the welder.  After sanding the ends I had about 30% that did not have enough fill to make a flat surface.  They will have to be reworked. 


In the meantime I’m going to get a few chromed to make sure they turn out OK.  If they look good and when the rework is done I will have the balance chromed.  Depending on how all that goes it looks like I’m probably looking at a finished price of approximately $100 per stem.

[Steve Swan]

Mark, great progress !

[Wayne]

Looks like they are going to turn out great Mark! Reasonably priced as well. Another fine part to put in my "holding" bins. 

[markb]

I finally have a finished product!  Before you get too excited though, I only had 10 samples done.  I’m glad I did.  In my opinion only 7 out of the 10 were acceptable plus I don’t like the way the nuts turned out.  I think they need more polishing.  Anyway, I’m sending a pair of them to Steve Swan for inspection and evaluation.  If he’s OK with them then I will send the balance out for chrome and eliminate the flaws that were on the test batch.

[kp]

Brill Mark

[Wayne]

Mark. They look great in the pictures as I'm sure they will when one gets to hold them in his little paws.  Nice work!!!

[Steve Swan]

I called Mark after receiving the pair of reproduced stems and nuts from him.  Much time and effort on Mark's part went into controlling multiple factors to bring these parts to their high level of quality.  They are, in sum total of one word, EXCELLENT.

[kp]

Yabba Dabba Mark - Good outcome sounds like KP

[Wayne]

Fantastic! I can't wait to see them! Kudos to you Mark for your fine efforts!

[markb]

After getting the Swan Seal of Approval, I sent the balance of the stems out for chrome plating.  Unfortunately the plater says a couple more weeks.    Oh well, it's getting close now.  When I get them back I contact everyone.

[Steve Swan]

And, of course, I want to say, THANK YOU, Mark !