OldMachinist
Platinum Member
Yes i'd say it's bent.
New Guy with a 2145 Project Needs Help
- Thread starter Jay_NJ
- Start date
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Here's how I finally worked out a way to get my measurements. I'm working off one of the deck handles. Amazing what you can do with some duct tape and odds and ends in the garage. Anyway, the logic appears to be sound. Took the better part of a couple of hours -- measuring & cutting through 11 gauge metal sheet with my jig saw to make up the first bracket -- first attempt that is. Too bad I didn't allow enough room for the anti-scalp roller pin. It's a good thing I have enough sheet to try again -- and again if need be. And I thought this would be fun...?
OldMachinist
Platinum Member
I think your on the right track. A hint for future steelmetal projects is to make a cardboard template first to make sure things are right and then use that to layout the steel.
Just a quick update. I cleared my calendar this week with every intention of fashioning a new bracket - for a second time. BTW, I find it absolutely amazing how much free time I don't have anymore. Regardless, here I am thinking about where I went wrong with my first attempt. I forgot to allow for a second hole in the bracket that secures the front anti-scalp roller - Darn! So, here I sit and the phone rings. It's the gal who owns the tractor. She's been cleaning out her garage and what does she find? The missing bracket - Jackpot! I run over there last night and there it was - a little bent, but otherwise in pristine condition. Talk about a God send! So when I get home I position the bracket where it was once attached - my curiosity killing me. The big question in my mind - were the measurements I made last weekend correct? Would my bracket have fit after burning my brain with fuzzy geometry? The answer is yes - I was less than 1/4 of an inch off! Not bad considering what I had to work with. It's nice to see that once and a while we get it right. And it's really nice to see that the universe cuts us a break when it knows we've passed the test. I'll post back with an operational report in a few days. My goal is to have the project finished off this coming weekend. Wish me luck.
All done -- everything running as it should -- cuts rather well too! The only unforeseeable issue was how the existing front bracket fit -- or didn't. It didn't seat all the way against the hanger -- about 1/4 of an inch off. I attribute this to the machine operating for quite some time with only one bracket causing it to wear excessively. As I attached the "missing" bracket using six grade 8 bolts and put a steel plate backing on the inside of the deck, it's certainly strong enough to carry the deck weight until the it wears into place. Moral of the story, when repairing a used machine, you really need to consider wear and tare as one of the variables... Thanks to all those that chimed in - appreciate the assistance.
Here's a photo of the happy owner.
Here's a photo of the happy owner.
