<![CDATA[Atomic Zombie™ Extreme Machines Builder's Forum - Blogs]]> http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php Atomic Zombie Extreme Machines - Plans for recumbent bikes, trikes and electric scooters en Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:08:22 GMT vBulletin 60 http://forum.atomiczombie.com/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Atomic Zombie™ Extreme Machines Builder's Forum - Blogs]]> http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php Tradewinds2 http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=86 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:39:28 GMT To build this tandem for 2 adults what used bikes do I need to start finding? The plans don't say but I'm thinking a kids bike with 20" wheels for the front and what frame size for the rear? I presume they are mountain bikes? Also need two identical cranks with same gear rings. Better to buy these new? A list of required materials and bikes with more description would have been useful in the plans. ]]> Huggy2 http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=86 <![CDATA[Bicycle Freewheel Basics - Removal & Replacement]]> http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=85 Sat, 20 Feb 2010 18:06:38 GMT Practically every bike, trike or quad you will make will require some kind of freewheel in the transmission system. A freewheel is basically a... Practically every bike, trike or quad you will make will require some kind of freewheel in the transmission system. A freewheel is basically a sprocket attached to a ratchet, allowing the transmission to drive the wheel in only one direction - much like a socket wrench. Without a freewheel on a bicycle, you would have to pedal at all times, never able to coast. This type of drive system is called a "fixed drive" or "fixie", and is often used for strength training on an upright bicycle, where the rider works against the forward momentum in an attempt to slow or stop the vehicle. A similar fixed drive system would be found on a unicycle.

Since every trike, bike, and quad on this website requires a freewheel, let's explore the inner workings of the device and learn how to salvage them from old bicycle wheels in order to make repairs or adapt them to trike axles.

Figure 1 - Some tools you will need

Removal or repair of a freewheel requires only a few basic tools as shown in Figure 1. You will need two wrenches to remove the axle nuts, and the home made Shimano style freehub removal tool, which we will discuss soon. A center punch will also be needed if you plan to take the freehub apart to re-grease the bearings or repair the ratchet system. Cone wrenches and professional freehub removal tools are also available at many bike shops, but i can tell you from experience that the simple home brew freehub remover is much better than the professional tool and will last forever. I have broken 2 store bought freehub tools, but have never had any problems with the home made remover.

Figure 2 - Cartridge freewheel (left) and Shimano type (right)

Before going any further, make note that there are two distinct types of multi-speed freewheels and hubs; the cartridge type as shown in the left of Figure 2 and the classic Shimano type shown on the right of Figure 2. Only the Shimano type of freehub can be used for trike or quad axle mounting as it can be removed as a complete working unit by unthreading it from the hub as will be shown soon. The cartridge style freewheel cannot be removed from the hub (only the chain rings), as the ratchet system is built into the hub as an integral unit.

A Shimano freewheel is easily identifiable as it will have a recessed bearing race with two or more small holes in the ring that allow it to by removed. The cartridge steel freewheel will not have a visible bearing race, but instead a spline with several inner teeth. Cartridge style freewheels are usually found on more expensive wheels and aluminum hubs, whereas the Shimano style is usually used on lower quality department store bicycles, often having a steel hub.

More of this free plan: www.atomiczombie.com ]]> KoolKat http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=85 Safety issues - are we too paranoid? http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=84 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:00:24 GMT A recent issue posted on the AZ Builders forum:

"I'm surprised in the Feb 2010 newsletter it shows a DeWalt grinder being used with a slitting wheel to cut a piece of sheet metal. It appears the grinder has no guard. Is this method considered safe? If that wheel shatters there could be serious injuries. Grinders are rather dangerous and removing guards seems wrong."



Some responses:

"Yes, removing the guard will make the tool more dangerous. It is a risk I am willing to take because with the guard on, I would not be able to do even 1/10 of the things I do with my grinder. On the flip side, it forces me to always be aware of the dangers and use better safety gear such as a full shield over glasses.

Each summer, I wear out more than 50 zip discs and at least 10 large grinder discs, so my grinder sees a lot of action.

Even though a good face shield will stop an exploding zip disc (never seen one, though), I am always aware of the dangers and do not place my face over "the line of fire".

Choosing to remove the guard is a personal choice, and I will never use a grinder with a guard. If you choose to do the same, spend your $$ and get a good pair of goggles as well as a full face shield.

Brad"

_______________________________________________

"Guards.....come on really we are backyard hackers."
_______________________________________________

"Although safety is an important factor to keep in the front of one's mind at all times, each of us is responsible to guard our own safety, too.

Too many devices designed to keep us "safe" may also cause us to be even more complacent, thereby actually increasing the hazards.

So, as with all things you buy, read the instructions, heed the warnings, but ultimately how you use that tool is up to you. Be aware that any modifications to those tools may increase safety hazards."



That small, black housing underneath the handle is the guard designed to protect the user from flying debris, especially the zip disc rotating at a high rate of speed.

As with everything in life, safety is important. Read the manufacturer's instructions first and heed the warnings. If you're not experienced with that particular tool, take your time and get used to it.

Note that any modifications to tools will likely void the warranty and may increase safety hazards. So, ultimately, how you use tools is entirely up to you.

Regardless, proper work clothes and footwear, long thick gloves and full face shield are a must to protect you from flying debris.

To keep or remove the grinder guard - that's up to you. It's a matter of choice. But, regardless, respect the tools, and always be aware of potential health and safety issues. You don't need to be overly paranoid; just be careful and use common sense.

]]> KoolKat http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=84 Fume Extractor http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=83 Sun, 14 Feb 2010 20:09:22 GMT Purchased AZ plans and setup garage shop with new bench tools chop saw and MIG welder. First attempt I made an 18 X 30 X 36 high welding table. Not... Purchased AZ plans and setup garage shop with new bench tools chop saw and MIG welder. First attempt I made an 18 X 30 X 36 high welding table. Not aircraft quality welds but it's holding together.
Noticed some throat and chest unpleasantness from the fumes. Was mostly wearing a fume mask I purchased at the welding store. Started with flux core wire and it really bothered me. Switched to Argon/CO2 wire and gas. Seemed better but still had some pain and slight throat soreness. Had doors open with good ventilation after first attempt.
Has anyone built a fume extractor? Thinking about a Shop Vac with the exhaust directed out thru garage wall. A commercial extractor unit is beyond my budget.
Wanted to build bikes and play around but don't wish to develop lung issues.
Appreciate hearing from others.
Thanks,
John ]]> Huggy2 http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=83 Illinois bike builder says thanks http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=82 Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:45:11 GMT This email from bike builder, John, in Illinois:

"THANK YOU
THANK YOU
THANK YOU

Found your site last year and started hacking. I've been a bike rider for most my life now I'm building and riding my own creations.

I've been showing at local bicycle shows and won two trophies last summer thanks to your inspiration.

I just finished #6 and am showing it next Saturday. I also created a web site for my bikes www.moonzgarage.com. Thanks to you.

I've sent a couple of pics to the Atomic Zombie builders gallery. I can't wait for the updated version on your website so i can send in the newest project.

THANKS AGAIN."

Thanks for your email, John. Nice work! Cool web site, too. Congrats on the trophies. :) ]]> KoolKat http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=82 more pics and info on my project http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=81 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:51:31 GMT here are some more pics and info on my project 1st pic shows the mod to stenghen of the front gaurd. the gaurd its self is made from corigated... here are some more pics and info on my project
1st pic shows the mod to stenghen of the front gaurd.
the gaurd its self is made from corigated plastic found at rona.in lots of colours.
this then has air line hose with a small peice cut out to fit snug over the top and glued in several places .
next is how i am storing the trike it also gives a good shot from under neith i tryed to make the pully so it could slide a bit keeping the chain more in line and the other pullys just keep everthing fom moving about to much.
your thoughts and ideas on how i could improve are welcomed.
i am allready thinking about haveing an aluminum frame made next year and then swaping all the other parts over.(i would do it myself but i dont have the equipment to weld ally and its not cheep to buy)
thats all for now i hope this inspires some new and great ideas.
brian
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]]> canadabri http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=81 some more pics of my project http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=80 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:28:02 GMT here are some more pics of my project first the diff parts basicley i used tube that fits in my bearings and cut of the ends of the solid shafts... here are some more pics of my project
first the diff parts
basicley i used tube that fits in my bearings
and cut of the ends of the solid shafts i bought
this saves weight and gives a flex to them
.at this point i should mention that i intend on getting some thicker tube and making the ends
a little smaller so the tube has more strengh at the weld.
second is the mounting points for my side gaurds made from thin galvanized plate with 90 bend to stiffen it.again i have modified this all ready at the front were your arms can touch
it was not strong enough so i made some alluminium angle for this i will add a photo next time of this mod.
and finally the seat this is just some left over plastic very much like nylon just shaped at the ends and bolted first at the bottom clamped then mounted further up using coach bolts so there were no nasty screws to have to hold and make the seat uncomfortable
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]]> canadabri http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=80 NEW AZ web site and December newsletter http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=79 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:14:31 GMT We just launched our new Atomic Zombie web site with fully integrated store: * multiple download discounts * fewer clicks * faster... We just launched our new Atomic Zombie web site with fully integrated store:

* multiple download discounts
* fewer clicks
* faster checkout
* free tutorials
* free projects
* more stuff

Let us know what you think! Gallery is being uploaded a bit at a time so as not to swamp the server.

http://www.atomiczombie.com

The December newsletter is also online there, too. We know you'll figure out where to find it (hint - it begins with "news"). ]]> KoolKat http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=79 delta wolf first project http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=78 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:07:22 GMT hi all i seem to of done every right to add to my blog. so here some more info on why i decided to build this trike. first i live just 2 miles from... hi all i seem to of done every right to add to my blog.
so here some more info on why i decided to build this trike.
first i live just 2 miles from were i work (intensional)
so i cycle every day which has been fine so far i dont mind the wind rain and cold.
plus it take no longer than 15 mins .
i was going to buy a new bike when thought about how it was going to be when it snows .
this is when i came across one of those old 3 wheeler trikes and that was it at least if it gets slippery i will just slide along instead of off.(bad experience in the past hayabusa /cold dark night/100mph/roundabouts come up pretty quick /hand full of break next thing i know were both traveling along the road bike along side each other )
any way i digress so i found the delta wolf but i wanted both wheels to drive .
i looked on here and the was a company in taiwan that sold diffs great problem solved.
so there we have a month of tinkering in my garage and a little bit of pulling out hair.
and my first trike is born and im chuffed with the finished article.
at this point i should mension that i thought i was fairly fit but this design must work different muscles because my legs are not happy .
any way ive rambled on long enough.
i look forward to any comments
thanks brian ]]> canadabri http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=78 first timer http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=77 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:38:52 GMT hi all this is my first time at this sort of thing. i bought the planes for the delta wolf project. and its finally on the road. im going to try... hi all this is my first time at this sort of thing.
i bought the planes for the delta wolf project.
and its finally on the road.
im going to try and add some pics
please take a look and give me some feedback
i especially looking for anything i can improve on.
i just have a few small fixs to make a battery tray and wiring.
adjustments on the wheel guard fixings at the front and i really want to improve the
chain tensioning parts.
which brings me to a big request
were can i get a 6inch pulley from like the one used i have looked on here but the place listed no longer has them :batman:
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]]> canadabri http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=77 November newsletter online http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=76 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:48:20 GMT This month's features include:

* Zombies protest chopper
* Garage News
* DIY camera mount
* DIY handle bars
* Builders Gallery
* DeltaWolf Trike Build - Part 2
* Ride Report - Warrior Racing Trike
* Graucho's DIY stencil painting
* We remember

Enjoy everybody.

http://www.atomiczombie.com/newsletter/nov-2009.pdf ]]> KoolKat http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=76 Builders Gallery updated http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=75 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:17:13 GMT Check out the new choppers, trikes, and crazy bikes. Get ready to drool and be amazed at the incredible talented builders out there in the world.... Check out the new choppers, trikes, and crazy bikes. Get ready to drool and be amazed at the incredible talented builders out there in the world. Kudos! :punk:


http://www.atomiczombie.com/gallery.htm ]]> KoolKat http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=75 NEW - Choppers Rule CD - 12 projects http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=74 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:06:01 GMT Coming soon in a few days!

Cool 12 do-it-yourself chopper projects - that's one project for every month!

Stay tuned for ordering information and get ready to let your imagination loose.

]]> KoolKat http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=74 <![CDATA[Vote on Terminator Chopper project - Atomic Zombie™ Extreme Machines Builder's Forum]]> http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=73 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:45:24 GMT The votes are still coming in, but the outcome is pretty clear: What should Brad do about Terminator Chopper? This poll will close on... The votes are still coming in, but the outcome is pretty clear:

What should Brad do about Terminator Chopper?

This poll will close on 11-01-2009 at 10:31 AM

Cheat and git 'er done - use the round tubing on the bottom
19 votes 20.88%

No cheating - do it without round tubing even it means waiting for six months
72 votes 79.12% ]]> KoolKat http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=73 The politics of crime and violence http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=72 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:11:48 GMT To the editor: Well over a year ago, the newspaper published a letter I wrote about the escalating crime in this city, particularly in Westfort. I... To the editor:

Well over a year ago, the newspaper published a letter I wrote about the escalating crime in this city, particularly in Westfort. I called upon the chief of police to disclose crime statistics through the media on a regular basis.

Years ago, the police released weekly and/or monthly crime stats published in The Chronicle-Journal and The Post (now The Source). No one can explain to me why this suddenly stopped. No one, except for one city councillor, contacted me concerning my letter and suggestions to improve public safety and policing, including the beat style of policing in neighbourhoods and business districts throughout the city.

When I think of the chief of police’s name, the one that quickly comes to mind is Chris Adams (the police spokesman). I, like many others, really have to think hard to recall the chief’s name. Finally, many in this community have been speaking publicly for weeks and standing up for our police officers who put themselves at risk on the front lines every day.

The chief typically gets press coverage when appointed to a board or attending a conference. Yet, Mr. Herman rarely addresses the public directly about our safety concerns and the high incidence of violence and crime. His recent remarks to the media that increasing crime and violence in this city are based on individual perceptions is deplorable.

Avoid certain areas, especially at night, he said. Good luck convincing everyone who lives and works in those areas to pack up and move away so the scumbags can completely take over. I’m sure that businesses trying to make an honest living in those areas he tells us to avoid aren’t impressed with such idiotic solutions.

A very small percentage of crime and violent incidents are actually reported in the media.

Why are you trying to hide the truth, Mr. Herman? We all have the right to know about what’s really going on in our neighbourhoods, yet you and the police services board continue to make excuses for keeping us in the dark.

You all must think that the public is collectively stupid and unaware of what’s really going on in our neighbourhoods. We talk to officers off the record. We talk to our neighbours. We talk to business owners. We talk to emergency services staff.

We know a lot more than you think we do, so stop treating us like we’re imbeciles. Our elected city councillors and mayor seem to have collective laryngitis. To my knowledge, as of this date none have publicly addressed our concerns and demands for solutions.

In my opinion, it’s time for Mr. Herman to resign. We need strong leadership in this community, people who are committed to increasing public safety and allocating police resources when and where they are needed. Leaders with the necessary fortitude and vision to empower this community.

I have a solution for Mr. Herman and the police services board – do the honourable thing and resign. You are all a big part of the problems plaguing this community.

Kathy McGowan,
Thunder Bay ]]> KoolKat http://forum.atomiczombie.com/blog.php?b=72