In the realm of custom motorcycle fabrication, precision machinery is a cornerstone of creativity and innovation. Aaron Boss, a distinguished bike builder from Roland Sands Design, recently showcased this synergy in his latest project—a land speed car crafted from a Harley-Davidson Road Glidester. Central to this intricate build was the Lagun FTV-2F Vertical Knee Mill, a tool that proved indispensable in turning Boss’s visionary concepts into reality.
Boss’s project was an ambitious amalgamation of rat rods, 1950s land speed belly tankers, and top-tier racing machinery. Every component of the Road Glidester was meticulously designed to incorporate a Pro-Charger supercharged Harley-Davidson Milwaukee Eight 117-cubic inch motor. This integration was aimed to make a bold statement at the Born Free show.
The Lagun FTV-2F Vertical Knee Mill played a crucial role in the build. Boss detailed the extensive use of the FTV-2F during our conversation, noting its application in crafting precise parts for the car. “Starting from the front end, I fabricated and machined everything on the mill—from the front axle for the kingpins, the radiator mounts, to the spindles,” Boss explained. His modifications included crafting the radius arms and machining the rear trailing arms from scratch, showcasing the mill’s versatility and precision.
Beyond the physical build, the durability and reliability of the FTV-2F were highlighted. After 16 years of use at Roland Sands Design, the mill has maintained its precision and accuracy, a testament to its robust design. “It hasn’t lost any of its accuracy… It stayed true over the years,” said Boss, praising the mill’s consistent performance.
The FTV-2F’s design features, such as its induction hardened and ground ways, ensure long-lasting precision, surpassing the capabilities of older models like those from Bridgeport. Additionally, the FTV-2F’s advanced mechanical design includes a motorized head with a high-velocity cooling system, maintaining optimal temperature and performance during extensive use.
Boss utilized the FTV-2F not only for milling but for various other tasks, demonstrating its utility beyond traditional applications. “I used it for everything—the front axle, kingpin inclination angles, and even as a standard drill press for various modifications,” he shared, highlighting the machine’s adaptability.
Through projects like the Road Glidester, Lagun Engineering’s FTV-2F Vertical Knee Mill demonstrates its crucial role in the creative processes of top fabricators like Aaron Boss. This project underlines the machine’s capacity to aid in transforming innovative ideas into functional art, solidifying its status as an essential tool in the custom motorcycle industry.
