Extending a slot in...
 

MegaSack DRAW - 6pm Christmas Eve - LIVE on our YouTube Channel

Extending a slot in Titanium plate

13 Posts
12 Users
0 Reactions
69 Views
Posts: 3380
Full Member
Topic starter
 

I've a Ti frame SS that I love, but need to shorten the chainstay to get an optimum SS ratio by extending the slot in the horizontal dropouts by approx 5mm. There is plenty of material there, the dropouts are approx 5mm thick. What is my best method for doing it - a hand file and take my time, or something else?
Ta.
p.s. I don't want arguments about whether it's a good idea - just the best / easiest way to do it.


 
Posted : 06/09/2022 8:56 pm
Posts: 43569
Full Member
 

Yep - a hand file file do it.


 
Posted : 06/09/2022 9:00 pm
Posts: 4686
Full Member
 

Titanium galls so use talcum powder on the file and use a file card, or wire brush, regularly.


 
Posted : 06/09/2022 9:22 pm
Posts: 3380
Full Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks for the tips.


 
Posted : 06/09/2022 9:46 pm
Posts: 5164
Free Member
 

As per the file, just make sure it's a new one, or not been used on other materials prior, always find a round file good for this stuff and not too rough, titanium takes time unfortunately, used to get to work on it as an apprentice, lots of time with files, sandpaper and abrasive stones.


 
Posted : 06/09/2022 9:53 pm
Posts: 3380
Full Member
Topic starter
 

Any guidance on what grade / coarseness of file to use?


 
Posted : 06/09/2022 10:47 pm
Posts: 9167
Full Member
 

Bastard


 
Posted : 06/09/2022 11:23 pm
Posts: 12030
Full Member
 

Bastard

Perfect. 🤣


 
Posted : 07/09/2022 12:02 am
Posts: 17266
Full Member
 

Can I ask why you can’t add a link and move the wheel backwards? And horizontal dropouts should accommodate this.


 
Posted : 07/09/2022 8:51 am
Posts: 3844
Free Member
 

I once drilled through a 1.5cm titanium cube, What an enjoyable 1.5 hours that was!🤗


 
Posted : 07/09/2022 8:57 am
 JAG
Posts: 2413
Full Member
 

Bear in mind that Titanium alloys 'work harden' very easily.

That means the material on the surface becomes harder as you file it.

So work slow and steady and if the rate of metal removal slows down - it's work hardened. Which means that you're quite likely going to destroy that nice sharp file while getting the job done.


 
Posted : 07/09/2022 9:56 am
Posts: 11507
Full Member
 

I can't help than think that you are going to end up with a slot that gets wider or wanders off to the side by hand filing...


 
Posted : 07/09/2022 5:25 pm
Posts: 97
Free Member
 

I’d be looking for the nearest engineering workshop.
It’s a pretty straightforward job for them and I’m fairly sure you’ll be happier with the end result.


 
Posted : 07/09/2022 6:22 pm
Posts: 786
Full Member
 

half link in the chain would be easier.


 
Posted : 07/09/2022 8:36 pm