Small Component Machining

Good afternoon, I have stumbled across this forum in my hour of need. I hope you don't mind me popping in to ask for some assistance.

Im not a model Engineer, but I do manufacture things.

I manufacture one off bespoke electric guitars. My guitars are more than a little different and usually incorporate an amount of detailed mechanical devices, clockwork and gizmo's. As of late, I generally manufacture and assemble most of my components by hand apart from a few pieces I get Laser Etched or Waterjet Cut.

I don't own a lathe or milling machine. If I did I wouldn't be here posting this. Im desperately trying to find a good machinist or machining company who can manufacture some small components for a piece im working on at the moment. Although I live in an industrial town (Scunthorpe, Nth Lincs - the home of Steel), I cannot locate a machine shop who are willing to help me with my current (and future) needs, as they are small quantities.

Basically, I wanted to ask on this forum if there are any machinists on here who would be willing to take on some small jobs now and then. Paid of course, I don't expect anything on the cheap or for free, as I am a perfectionist and expect to pay for high levels of skill.

For anyone that understands electric guitars, I am currently building on as a tribute to "Eleanor" the famous Ford Mustang GT500 from the movie "gone in 60 seconds". I need to manufacture six machine head buttons and shafts (the tuners) in the form of pistons and conrods. Thee conrods being longer than the other three. Also, I need some volume and tone knobs manufacturing to look like wheels and a couple of strap buttons to resemble something else "automotive".

Forgive me please for asking these questions, but Im in a pickle now and need to locate the services of a fine machinist who is willing to take this sort of work on.

Thank you in advance.

Pete

Cyrus P Bickerstaffs Mad Guitar Workshop. (find it on facebook)

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Neil did you ever get that list of willing machinists together?

Sounds like a job for a 3D printer and lost wax casting, try Abby Casting.

J

Guitars are another of my passions. I'd be interested in helping with this project but I am unable to send a PM to Peter, he isn't listed in the PM "To:" drop down list.

Relatively new to machining I might be able to do the less complex items.

Regards,
Ed.

Ed,

There is a telephoone no on Cyrus P Bickerstaffs face book page and lots of photos of his work.

Bob D

Ed,

Try the "message member" at the bottom of his post

... That seems to populate OK

MichaelG.

Ok, thank you Robert and Michael.

Ed.

PM sent.

Edited By Ed Duffner on 04/05/2015 09:19:55

Thank you so much for all the PMs and messages through the facebook page. Its comforting to know there are people willing to help. I will endeavour to contact everyone who has been in touch as soon as possible. I need to put together some drawings of what I need so I can send them on.

Thanks again.

Looking at the wheels you may be able to use a fine CNC machine but I still think 3D printing and casting or having them printed directly in metal will be a cheaper bet than somebody spending many hours with a rotary table.

Have a search on shapeways for "wheels" and you will see the sort of thing that can be done, may even find a suitable wheel there. example

This is the car in question

Rather than the wheels themselves, maybe miniature wheelnuts, with the cobra etched into the top

Hi Guys, Im still on the lookout for someone who can help with some custom tuning peg extensions. I have all the drawings, please email me on [email protected] if you can help.

Thanks again