Next, we get started making the spring fork tubes (or, in this case, ¾” rods). Since the material we are using is only ¾” in diameter and the o.d. of the bronze bushings for the rocker studs is ¾”, we will need to add some beef to the end of these rods. Below is a 1-1/4” solid slug jigged-up so that it can be TIG welded square to the rod end. I chose to drill the slug after final welding it to the rod so that any weld draw that we might get would not affect the square-ness of the hole to the rod. Next, the slugs are drilled and end-mill spot faced to a 7/8” diameter to form a seat for the shoulder bolt (rocker stud) head. In order to ensure that the spring fork rods get cut to the exact same length relative to the holes we drilled, a ¾” rod is put through to line them up for marking. MORE>

Man alive - I'm ready for some cuttin', hackin', welding and general mayhem with Big Daddy. Oh yeah, and a little ink too... Hey - you can visit Big Daddy and his crew online at: http://www.bitterend choppers.com ...tell 'em Warren sent ya.