project #1 from Aaxiss Wheelchair seat pan

[aaxiss]

Ok first off I did this project to save myself $145.00 for an 18 x 18 " piece of aluminum, (That's what the local shop wanted for a new item). I needed an 18 x 18" seat pan for an old power wheelchair I'm trying to get usable again and found a 20 x 18" pan on Craigslist for $20

This is what I started with. Showing some of the Scribing of the new hole locations before any cutting is to be done, just lines transferred over and main cut line.


Since I'm at my apt I am stuck using low tech for now, the next two shots show the cut in progress using a $12 HF jig saw with a decent bi-metal blade.



next two shots show the cut off piece laid over the main panel to verify my marks for drilling.



Using the Harbor Freight 2 in 1 Disc/belt sander to redius the corners.



Using my spring loaded center punch to mark the drilling points for the index holes on the seat pan, and readying my drill.



I needed 1/4" holes so I opted for the large HF step drill bit as it would bore the hole and de-burr at the same time.

to be Continued

[aaxiss]

ok back to the drilling. as i Said I am using the HF step drill bit because it makes a nice clean hole and de-burrs the hole at the same time



After drilling the holes I still had to clean up the back side of the hole and for that I used a single edge countersink bit



And last of all I cleaned up the edges with a file so there will be no sharp bits next to my legs, and the finished product



May not seem like a big deal, but I saved $125 over the Mfg cost of $145 by buying something I could modify and reuse for my needs. Hope this small project shows that It doesn't always have to be new to be right

[DaveO]

... that It doesn't always have to be new to be right

Good on ya! I always get satisfaction out of making something useful from something that had been abandoned or written off.

In WWII my great uncle was deferred from service- he had a vision disability that kept him out of the service but that didn't prevent him from being a fire fighter- go figure. So in between fires he repaired household appliances as a side business, and managed to save a tidy sum.

Haven't seen you around for a while, Don, I hope this means you're back in fighting-form!

[aaxiss]

Well I think I can maybe go a 3 rounder LOL. Still Limited on my sitting time. Have to get out of my wheelchair every hour for 30 min . So I try to make those hours at a time up count. The wheelchair I am working on now will have a tilt in space system on it. Got at a local garage sale fo $40 hahaha, Retail is 2900 but that would be with the mount kit for my chair. I have to make all my mounting hardware no biggie. $50 in various aluminum blocks. now I just need to get at the Mill For some quality time

Gonna try and Finish my water cooler this month also

Have a good day Dave