project #1 from Aaxiss Wheelchair seat pan

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.
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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.

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

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

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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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 :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by aaxiss

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

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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!

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