cheap scratch built chassis jig

[btaylor]

After my attempt last night to build a brass chassis,i remembered how hard it was to hold all the pieces.
So this AM i grabbed some scrap aluminum,bolts,wing nuts etc. and built this upside down jig for 1/32 scale.
the axle tubes go in first at 3" /3 1/4" 3 1/2 "or 3 3/4",then you lay the rails on top of them,snug down the holder (flat iron with two holes)
and start soldering! guide slot is there also. i have the advantage of a mill to make the grooves,but i believe it could be done with a side grinder or maybe even a dremel?.either way,here it is.

[Foamy]

While that's nice and good and all, aluminum is a great heatsink. It is difficult to impossible to get good strong solder joints. If you can clone that in Corian you will be a much happier camper. Look up local folks that do kitchen remodels to see if they have scrap pieces large enough for the jig,

[btaylor]

I should state that this is a copy of one i made and used many years ago,I use a pencil torch for all my soldering,so heat loss is not an issue.if it becomes a problem for anyone wanting to duplicate this jig,a simple set of parma type clamps on either side of your joint will slow the heat transfer and isolate the heated area.As far as strong joints go,the color of your finished solder will tell you if you have a good joint, My brass will give way before the solder joint fails.
You have made a good point on the corian,as it is probably easier to machine at home. i have never used it before.

[bill from nh]

A few questions, if I may ask. Other than you having done this years ago, why are you chassis building upside down? What's the advantages? What sort of a torch will you be using to construct chassis on this jig? :text-thankyouyellow:

[btaylor]

No real advantage,but when you lay the axle tubes in the grooves,then put the main rails on top of them and solder,you are at least starting the build in an upside down fashion.
Its more or less an easy quick way to build a bunch of similar chassis for a series.
As far as my torch,i use a pencil torch (butane) The flame can be adjusted to a very fine point allowing you to concentrate your solder area.





chassis just built on this jig for our roadster series.