At age 82, my riding days are probably over, but I've been busy cutting out classic motorcycle replicas on my home-made CNC plasma table. I tried to include enough detail for them to be recognizable. These were done solely for my own enjoyment, and I have no intention of trying to sell them. The figures are slightly over 19" long, and are cut from 1/8" thick (11 gauge) mild steel. I have also included a picture of my little CNC set-up which I threw together with leftover parts from my former business. It sits outside my basement door, with the air compressor, plasma cutter, and laptop computer just inside the door. I keep a fire pit cover over it when not in use.
Impressed!! I’ve a small collection of model bikes for the ones that have meant something to me but it’s short of a few. This is a way of topping up! Price???
That is VERY impressive - you clearly have a lot of talent and innovative drive. It looks like you'd also have a very wide and willing new customer base - not least here - should you decide to start selling those really well done products. Make my first one a '69 home model Bonnie, and the second a '94 Mk 1 Speed! Please. p.s. better add a Manx for my California friend ..............................
They are really cool. Is it me or do they almost look like a cartoon imposed into the image. Another unique look for sure.
Not sure if you've stopped riding? but as long as you feel able and can enjoy carry on. My Father-in-law is 91 and still throwing a leg over and just last week bought a brand new Royal Enfield Meteor 350. He only does short distances now but still gets to some of his favorite tea and bacon sandwich stops.
Superb ! Realy like the model bikes! and the plasma cutter is impressive While I do not know your personal situation, I'll like to comment on something I witnessed this past weekend: As I and a couple of friends arrived at a restaurant, a couple of mean looking guys arrived on their BMWs R9T, one of them removed his helmet to reveal a white head and beard, got off the bike, and struggled to walk uphill to the entrance using a cane to assist himself, quite a motivation for me to keep on riding even if I start go have some difficulty moving around
Thank you all for the kind words. I used to have a business (Torchmate) which manufactured CNC plasma systems, so making my small home set-up was simple. I sold Torchmate 11 years ago, and hung up my business hat then. I do enjoy making these little guys, but there's no substitute for the real thing. I'm considering getting a 350cc AJS or Matchless single if I can find a restoration in good running order. I have owned the 500cc versions of both in past years. I would be happy to provide advice and suggestions to any forum members considering putting together a system similar to mine. Please feel free to ask. Anyone with an interest in how Torchmate came about can find it here: https://www.practicalmachinist.com/...-welding-and-fab/beginnings-torchmate-387482/
Very nice work @Tmate. The detail is well good enough to identify the models. Love them all, I hope you find a good ride to keep your interest in getting out on the road
No. 1 looks like a BSA Sloper but the silencer (muffler) and tank badge don't quite gel with that. No 4 looks like a Spitfire, US model ........ so to speak.
