Off-road fab online community
Posted by www.playtechfabrication.com in Community on 10 26th, 2010If you have any interest whatsoever in off-road vehicle fabrication, you should be on the Off-Road Fabrication Network (offroadfabnet.com). This forum of over 13,000 users is a cyber-meeting place where enthusiasts discuss the intricacies of the fabrication specialty, from materials to welding to conducting swap-deals. Registering is free, and necessary if you want to post your own questions and comments. However, guests can access any thread on the forum.Another benefit of registering is that it gives you access to the articles written specially for Off-Road Fabrication Network users. I could tell you what some of them were about, but that would ruin the surprise! The articles are the only section off-limits to guestsyou can freely browse the tutorials (which cover everything from tube-splicing to building plate and tube shackles) and product reviews. So what are you waiting for? Get involved and join the Network today!
read comments (0)A walk through the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame
Posted by www.playtechfabrication.com in Hall of Fame, Racers on 10 21st, 2010Ed Pearlman, founder of the National Off-Road Racing Association (NORRA), founded the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1976. Sixteen members were inducted in 1976, and another group in 1980, but there was no physical “hall” yet. In 1995, racer Rod Hall (who would later become an inductee himself) acquired the rights to NORRA and partnered with the National Automobile Museum to find a home for the hall. It was made official later that year, and can still be visited today.As mentioned above, Rod Hall was a later inductee (2005). Over the course of his career, he he’s competed in every Baja 1000 race in a four-wheeled vehiclethe only racer to do so. He also holds the record for most consecutive wins (35) in off-road racing history. Read the rest of this entry »
Checking in at the Fab School
Posted by www.playtechfabrication.com in Schools on 10 16th, 2010Fabrication is a tough business. After more than 30 years of experience, Troy Johnson knows this. That’s why he founded The Fab School in 2005 to cater to enthusiasts who want to take their passion to the next level and gain valuable, marketable skills.The Fab School is a nationally-accredited school with a desire to see people learn and progress into fabrication careers. Starting with an introductory course that covers basic aspects like tube bending, pattern design, MIG and TIG welding, and more, students have the opportunity to follow their interests as far as they choose. The “Advanced CNC Operator Course” gives operators familiarity with computer numerical controls, offering the student experience in mill and lathe operation and maintenance. Read the rest of this entry »
Weekend off-road expo showcases a community’s strength
Posted by www.playtechfabrication.com in Shows & Expos on 10 12th, 2010This year’s Off-Road Expo at the Pomona Fairplex in California was the first to be sponsored by Lucas Oil. As fans found out this weekend (October 9 and 10), though, the addition didn’t lead to any lack in quality for the long-running show. Indeed, the 11th year of the Expo was one of the best yet.Saturday did open on a somber note as participants mourned the deaths at August’s California 200 race. A memorial statue was shown for the first time, and participants wrote their personal prayers and thoughts on a wall set up for the purpose. This display truly showed the strength of the off-road community, made up not only of Californians but of all those who traveled to the event from around the country (and probably the world). Read the rest of this entry »