If MacGuyver were to happen upon the stealthy headquarters of Maxum Machine in Richmond, VA, he would likely crap his pants. There's just too much precision stuff everywhere you look. Between all the contraptions and high-grade materials and the skills of metal ninjas Mike Benini and Bob Kitson, I wonder what machined part could be beyond their capabilities.
I've visited the shop probably 20 times since we started building our quirky fleet of retro-mod mutant machines, but I've never gotten the full tour. So on Tuesday I kidnapped Adam Ewing from his studio and headed across the river to a not-so-scenic stretch of Hull Street for a proper look-see.
Bob had just finished up my custom set of triple trees for Bob Ranew's XV920 build, and agreed to take us back through some of the steps for the benefit of the camera. Mike gave us the rundown on the mind-blowing CNC machine that they evidently purchased from the future. It was all amazing and Adam captured some stunning images behind the curtain. The gallery above doesn't serve as a how-to, but more as magnetic eye-candy. Hope you enjoy.
The Maxum Machine website details the shop's capabilities for small and large runs of parts, but for the purposes of this blog, here's the good stuff: Mike rides a BMW. Bob rides Harleys. They know their stuff AND they're in the family. When I bring them an idea, they listen to what I'm trying to do and figure out the safest, most practical way to do it. And, where another shop might panic at the first mention of "motorcycle", Bob and Mike are levelheaded and objective. If your idea is likely to land you in the infirmary, they'll suggest a better route. But if it's mechanically sound, you're off to the races. For all of us on two wheels, these guys are an amazing find. Check out their site for contact info. (Photos: Adam Ewing)
