The front portion of the extensions have been machined and show here in relation to the main frame. Next will be the triangular cutout followed by the various mounting holes. August 27, 2017.
The hole for the cylinder T-joint has been bored using the rotary table and the triangular opening has been finished. A few of the mounting holes have also been drilled. September 2, 2017.
The front frame extensions have been completed with the drilling and counter boring of the cylinder mounting holes. The holes for mounting to the main frame have also been drilled along with the holes for the front beam. Next will be the attachment to the main frame. September 3, 2017.
The front frame extension bolts to the main frame with 5 bolts on top and four on the bottom. The pilot deck is on the same plane with the top of the main frame. September 4, 2017.
The pilot beam is made from a 3/4" x 1-1/4" x 11" chunk steel in this front view. All of the holes have been drilled and the corners chamfered. September 17, 2017.
A top view of the pilot beam with the next step being the tapping of all of the holes. September 17, 2017.
All of the holes in the pilot beam have been tapped and the beam is mounted on the front frame extensions. September 22, 2017.
These are the front deck plate brackets that will attach to the outside of the front frame extension to support the deck plates on either side. September 24, 2017.
The pilot deck pieces have been rough cut and assembled with a few screws. This assembly will be silver soldered and then machined to the final dimensions. October 22, 1017.
The pilot deck has been completed and holes tapped for mounting to the front frame. The next step will be mounting the bistle post bushing centered above the pilot. November 26, 2017.
The bistle post sleeve has been mounted on the pilot deck with the bistle post inserted in the sleeve. December 2, 2017.