Forming | Canadian Custom Fabricator

Derek poses with Kent White (the Tinman) of TM Technologies


On March 30 Derek travelled to California to attend a 3 day metal forming workshop with the famous Kent White (also known as the Tinman) of TM Technologies. The intention was to fill in some metal-forming knowledge that is integral to what Derek now does but also to gain experience in a classic field of "hands-on" shaping that is uncommon in this day of automated manufacturing.

TM Technologies is located in a densely wooded and private patch of land near the Yuba River about 1.5 hours north of Sacramento California. The fresh air and scenery was worth the trip alone but the workshop and personal hospitality just made for an amazing experience. And not to forget Renee is an amazing cook as well as handling details for the trip over the phone.

One of the pieces that Derek worked on


Kent is a great instructor, taking the time to make sure you understand what you were doing and why the metal moved the way it did. Kent is not only patient with his students but seems to bring out a desire and excitement in them to really show they are understanding the process. "In my opinion this is a rare situation in most training facilities these days," say's Derek.

In all there were 5 students in attendance at the workshop (car guys, artists) including Derek who felt that he was able to keep up to guys who already had some background in shaping metal, not too mention the only Canadian (eh!).  In addition to the students were the regulars at TM Technologies; Christina, Tom, Kristi and Laura who was extremely helpful in suggestion just what tools Derek should take back with him (just for a start).

The crew and other students at the metal-forming workshop


"This workshop was extremely valuable and it could only have been done with one of the best metal-forming masters in North America. The trip was more than worth it, my only regret would be that I did not do this 10 years ago". ~ Derek Pauletto.

For more information and to get an idea of just what kind of a contribution Kent has made to the industry, go to his website at: tinmantech.com .



K~

It's Happening | LSR Update

Time for an important update about the project Raquel LSR bike we are taking down to BUB this year. Derek has been pouring hours of his own time, labour and expenses into this amazing project and the bike is looking sharp. Images of the first major stages will be coming shortly but if you didn't get down to this years Motorcycle show you should know that the frame, wheels and intake system have been established.

Anyone who has had anything to do with motor sports knows that racing of any kind can be a very costly endevor. As much energy and time, blood sweat and tears we put into this project - we just can't pull it off without the generous support of our major sponsors. Over the next few weeks we will be profiling our sponsors who have chosen not only to support the build on the bike, but who are making great effort to help us put our best into making this a monumental event.

The first great partnership we want to introduce you to is:

AARON MACHINE SHOP LTD.

Aaron Machine has CNC'd the rims and hubs as well as the extremely technical intake parts. Along with a few other miscellaneous parts, Aaron Machine has also supplied the custom water-jet hardtail brackets and flanges.

Owner/Operator Mohammed has been very accommodating with parts and schedules and is happy to be a major sponsor of the project. Brendan Nickle has been integral in the water-jetting/machining aspect, allowing seamless workflow from Derek's ideas and computer solid modeling to the machining stages. Brendan's understanding of the manufacturing process and easy-going attitude has taken some of the stress out of major design issues. And one more important name when it comes to real finesse and manual machine work, Steve Lane has proven himself for years as someone who knows their trade intimately and can solve machining problems in a classical way.

To say the least we are extremely excited to have Aaron Machine on board with us and be a part of what we feel is an important event. Of course seeing this rolling work of art, racing at high-speeds across the burning salt will be exciting, but it's also about challenge. It's about a great idea that gets followed through, using all of our disciplines, talent, ideas and energy. To do something that 99 % of the population just wishes they could be doing.

Aaron Machine can be found at:

7008 5th St. SE Bay C

Calgary, Alberta

403-255-2425

Thank you AARON MACHINE!

K~

"... I'm so glad to have a relationship with a company that I work closely with for my own business as well as the fun stuff like experimenting with racing machines". ~ Derek Pauletto

Great Reception | Canadian Custom Bike Builder

This year's Calgary Motorcycle Show was likely one of the most successful shows we have had since we started in 2007. It was definitely Trillion Industries' biggest showing with a larger booth and at least twice the amount of traffic of previous years. Keeping up our presence at the shows and a continued original work has started to really pay-off for Trillion Industries.

Another draw to the Trillion Booth this year was the fact that we had customs covering four major fields in the industry. Derek's British Bobber (pure rolling artwork), The Bike Called "9" (American V-Twin conceptual), The CB - 650 (a Japanese sport bike living it's second life as a futuristic Euro Cafe-Racer) and lastly project "Raquel" (a full-out land speed race bike for Bonneville Salt).

But the most important part of the show is our fans, friends, and motorcycle industry family. . Derek and the boys thoroughly enjoyed getting the chance to see everyone who stopped by to see our work and support us in doing what we are truly passionate about. Without you this show would not have been the success it was. Special thanks to Wade Miller (Too Tall Custom Paint) for coming down from Landis, Sask and our bro Greg Williams for featuring Derek in this years CM Show spot in the Herald.

It's going to be an exciting year! Come back here or follow Derek on Twitter (@derekpauletto) for the latest. Cheers!

K~

CB 650 | Pipeburn

This morning the CB was featured on the classic motorcycle site "Pipeburn.com". Click the link to view it. http://www.pipeburn.com/home/2012/1/4/trillion-industries-79-honda-cb650.html

Quick Update !!! Mags and Shows!!

Well I hope everyone out there has had a great holiday, this has been a good year and as you might tell from the silence on the blog, we've been very busy.

A lot has happened since our trip to the Salt Flats at the end of August and right now Derek is gearing up for the 2012 Calgary Motorcycle Show. In November the CB 650 was featured in Motorcycle Classics so if you haven't seen it yet you better rush out and get a copy before they are gone. Again Greg Williams has put together a well written piece and providing interesting insight into Derek's artistic history. Derek will also be one of the Q & A features for the Herald's Driving Section for the 2012 CMS so be sure to look for that.

Make sure you get out to the show this year, the finishing touches are almost complete on the show bikes and it's shaping up to be an interesting weekend. And stay tuned to the blog as we will be updating frequently now and during the show.

K~

Great Start | Calgary Custom Builder

Our trip to the Salt was a success and everybody had a great time. It was a good idea to go down and experience the event first hand and most of the questions we had about the build, staging, and technicalities of the speed trials were answered. Derek even had the chance to chat for a few minutes with Denis Manning (Owner and Pres. of BUB Racing), and spend some time with fellow Canadian builder Roger Goldammer.

Although there is a long way to go, the team now has clear direction for next years attempt and will soon be posting information on how you can be a part of Trillion's AMA record attempt. Stay tuned.

A New Class | Calgary Custom Bike Builder

The project begins - the vintage Triumph and front triangle

This weekend Derek will be taking a small crew of motorcycle and fabrication specialists to the Bonneville Slat Flats for the annual BUB Motorcycle Speed Week. The idea behind the trip is to get a feel for the event and prepare the team for 2012 when Derek will be entering his own creation and actually open up a new class with a supercharged vintage Triumph. While in Nevada, Derek will be sending out updates (via twitter) about speed week and his thoughts on setting new records in the open 650 AMA classes during the 2012 speed trial season.

Make sure you check back here often and follow our twitter feed @derekpauletto for all the latest on this awesome project.