Building a ripper claw for KX41 mini-excavator.

[Sodo]

If I were to build a ripper tooth I'd....

Arc if you ever build anything, you can ask me to return some advice....but that will never happen, right? :laughing::laughing::laughing: I meant you actually building something. Or needing hardfacing.:confused3:

 

[Shield Arc]

When you weld / fab for a living, it is not as exciting. As it is to the weekend warrior.

 

[Sodo]

When its as fun making the item as it is using it ---- that's a good thing. I expect this claw to be a pretty important accessory - I've wanted it for a long time. Now I need a "hand" to be able to gather up LOTS of sticks.

 

[Arc weld]

There's a difference between fabricating something and welding a bunch of pieces together. Yeah it may work but I take pride in my work so will take the time to do it right instead of doing it the fastest, cheapest or easiest way. It's the difference between being a welder and being a craftsman.

 

[Shield Arc]

It's the difference between being a welder and being a craftsman.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[Sodo]

It's the difference between being a welder and being a craftsman.

There's ALSO a difference between a talker and a do-er. This forum, being "build-it-yourself", you have to move past the talking stage or nothing gets posted. The forum is far more interesting when members actually POST stuff they've built. I love seeing pics of projects. People making stuff inspires me to make stuff. I like projects.

Posts like yours do nothing for the forum, ESPECIALLY considering you don't seem to know the creative process, or actually build anything. "Build-it-yourself" starts with a need and ends with a tool, and in the middle are lots of details like materials, methods, time, skills, money, equipment, finish quality, satisfaction, and the task that required the tool. If any of those is a stopper, there is no "tool" and all you have is your "need".

It's a FINE claw - I'm a pickin' & a grinnin'. And I ordered a 6-pack of "Lobster Red" from HomeDepot. So I guess everythings gonna be orange for awhile.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Growing up I learned a lot from my dad. He had an amazing ability to fix or make stuff with the limited materials and tools at hand. It might not win a beauty contest but it got the job done and quick. And there is a beauty in stripped down functionality.

I also learned from a favorite uncle who was a true craftsman in metal and wood. His stuff always looked wonderful. He took the time to search out the exact right materials and often made the tools he needed to do the job best.

So I do not see this as either-or. When I am making things I always have in mind the valid choices that are there.

I know the three of you like to poke sticks in each others eye. But just to say, I have learned important things from all three. It is why I read TBN, always something new to learn.

 

[Sodo]

I agree Pat, for most people, the TASK the tool was needed for, is #1. And thats where they get satisfaction, filling a need. But those folks are out there doing it, not posting. Here we ONLY get a subject once a guy has time to post (and took pics along the way with intent).

I like all projects. I come to the forum to read about any result - whether it works or not ,,,,, or needs modification. And if it didn't work, how they're gonna make it work. There are no failures in Build-it-yourself, except to NOT start. OK yeah there are a few failures but so what? That's how we all learn. And at least some fella got practice using his fab tools.

Probably lots of folks would like to post their project ....... then they see some fella talking down about a FINE project and decide NOT to post their project. Or they don't even start their project. And we all lose. There's some great stuff out there that doesn't look like store-bought but works great. I like seeing the nice stuff for SURE, but I want to see it ALL. Pat your stuff inspires me to build it better than store-bought, but that depends on schedule.

I should probably post more when I see others' inspiring projects. It makes a big difference in the forum to cheer creators on. It takes several kudos to drown one grump. I have no problem with folks who post "what needed to be said" to guide those who are trying to learn. But when its six/one halfdozen/other...... or posts by fellas who can drill a clearance hole with deadnuts accuracy but can't actually make a project happen himself.

 

[k0ua]

I agree Pat, for most people, the TASK the tool was needed for, is #1. And thats where they get satisfaction, filling a need. But those folks are out there doing it, not posting. Here we ONLY get a subject once a guy has time to post (and took pics along the way with intent).

I like all projects. I come to the forum to read about any result - whether it works or not ,,,,, or needs modification. And if it didn't work, how they're gonna make it work. There are no failures in Build-it-yourself, except to NOT start. OK yeah there are a few failures but so what? That's how we all learn. And at least some fella got practice using his fab tools.

Probably lots of folks would like to post their project ....... then they see some fella talking down about a FINE project and decide NOT to post their project. Or they don't even start their project. And we all lose. There's some great stuff out there that doesn't look like store-bought but works great. I like seeing the nice stuff for SURE, but I want to see it ALL. Pat your stuff inspires me to build it better than store-bought, but that depends on schedule.

I should probably post more when I see others' inspiring projects. It makes a big difference in the forum to cheer creators on. It takes several kudos to drown one grump. I have no problem with folks who post "what needed to be said" to guide those who are trying to learn. But when its six/one halfdozen/other...... or posts by fellas who can drill a clearance hole with deadnuts accuracy but can't actually make a project happen himself.

Well said. Not a single one of my projects I have posted here have looked worth a darn, and if I did them over, I would probably make some improvements in them. But so what?
All of the projects I have built since I have joined this forum are useful and I use them all the time. Just a couple of days ago I use my " bucket shovel" to help a very elderly neighbor dig out his driveway entrance he wanted to pour concrete in. What took me a few minutes he advised would have taken him two days. He is well over 80.

I have never "gotten a round tuit" to painting the stupid thing, but it is still useful, and that older gentleman was very appreciative of the work it can do. It was maid out of scraps except for a piece of chain and a turnbuckle. I think I had less than $10 in it. Same with my attachment for my grapple I made a couple of weeks ago. Sure it could use some improvement's but I have already gotten my moneys worth out of it.
Of course I am down just a couple of bucks for some bolts and nuts. The rest is old scrap, and less than a dozen welding rods.

 

[Sfrankland]

Excellent job on the ripper. My first ripper was made from 1/2" plate with two pieces of 1/4" plated welded on either side. The welded on the front edge acted like hard face. Now that I have the excavator a ripper is on my todo list. Well right after I finish the hydraulic tilt bucket.