Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Cam plate grinds

[HoleshotHolset]

...new can of worms.

How about plasma cutting a plate? How does that affect the molecular structure? I know that heat travel is minimal with this cutting process... .



Matt

 

[SmokinRam]

Plasma Cutting a Plate

Hey Matt,



A plasma cutter doesn't give a smooth enough cut edge for a plate. Even most laser cutters don't cut smooth enough for a cam plate. However I have seen some amazing water jet cutters that could do cam plates. One local to us here can cut 20" thick steel with only a . 010" deviation all the way through the part.



Pretty Impressive, Huh???



By far, from what I have seen, the old milling machine or actually a wire EDM machine is best for cam plates. The advantage of the wire EDM is you can use a wire with a . 006" diameter and get real tight corners with it, versus a milling machine.



Andy

 

[vssman]

MTY,



What plate are you looking to make a copy of? I'm waiting for a #4 to show up and just got a . DXF of a #5. I'll probably have mine made out of either A2 or D2 steel and heat treated after EDM. I figured I'd use 2 dowel pins and a 10-32 screw to hold it to the mounting plate. PM me with what your trying to do.



Paul

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I'm not trying to make a camplate - I was just trying to figure out how plasma cutting altered the DNA of the steel.



Maybe we need to start a new thread about how EDM stuff works - I know I'd be interested in learning.



Water jetting is AWESOME! Lots of bike parts are using that method..... not to mention rock quarry cutting (VERY loose tolerances... . )... . pretty cool stuff.



For all intents and purposes - Every fueling combination and governor/pump setup change..... should require a new camplate grind. Experimentation is the key.....



The most efficient plates are made by trial and error with some calculated guesses... . while the pump is on the stand. For the rest of the world - a grind here and there usually makes us happy with the results.



Matt

 

[drees1]

EDM leaves a thin re-cast layer on the cut edge. Still need heat treat. Also, if the original plate is surface hardened, most likely, then the exposed cut will be softer in the center.



Same problem with plasma cutting, and add too rough a finish as another problem. Both EDM and plasma are melting processes.



Water Jet is an abrasive process and should not alter the molecular structure. But if the original plate is surface hardened and not through hardened, same problem.



An oil alalysis will not show such small wear over a long period of time, but if the grind or profile needs to be precise, your performance will change if the plate wears due to being too soft.



One problem with governors that are run at a particular speed for a length of time is the parts develop wear grooves and create slop or stiction over time. True especially where the engine idles on the governor. Many parts in the pump are surface hardened to a high hardness to ensure less wear over long periods of time.



Doug Rees

 

[SEmerson]

I would love to have a pic of a #4 if anyone can pm me. Thanks

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Great info Doug!

 

[Woodenhead]

The way I figure it is buying a plate from TST is pretty good value for the $$$ & hp gain especially with the exchange deal. Someone spent plenty of time time and $$ to figure out profiles for various plates etc which I personally am thankful for. Aside from custom grinding or making yer own #0 plate (hmmmmm ) why not give credit where credit is due and just buy the plate?



Mike