S.K. Grimes has decades of experience working with photography enthusiasts to create unique and personal equipment. We make rings, plates, adapters, mountings, boards, brackets, and dozen of other items as well as entire systems for imaging and graphical presentation.
Our Capabilities and Expertise
We primarily work with 6061 aluminum, but brass and steel are often used when aluminum won’t meet our clients needs. We have mindful machining practices that includes metal recycling and equipment safety. Customer equipment is commonly coming in and out of the shop and we always make it a top priority to protect it during and upon return shipping.
“The Photographer’s Machinist” has been part of the S.K. Grimes name since the beginning, but with the creative influences of Adam Dau we have expanded beyond that. We have made custom parts for bicycles, car decoration, cat scratching posts, spray paint decals, deck supports and railing systems, photo copy stands, watch parts, and key chain accessories. Individuals items made-to-order cost more than mass produced products, but our vertical integration makes sure your vision is within financial reach.
With over 20 years in the books, SK.Grimes has acquired a treasure trove of tools which we use to bring your ideas to reality. While it would take way too long to list them all, here are a couple of our workhorses and favorites.
3 axis Southwestern Industries Mill
We have a number of 2 axis and 3 axis knee and bed mills. The image is of our 3 axis knee mill. It is CNC controlled, but easily works in manual mode. It has an in-depth DRO mode that allows us to teach, program, and make calculations right at the machine.
Southwestern Industries Lathe
Our light production Lathes are perfect for one off and small production jobs. These machines excel with built-in programmablity much like the mills. When it comes to custom threaded rings, these machines are our bread-winners.
Glassbeader
Our Glass Beader is an important part of getting the right finish on our pieces. Aluminum that is machine cut and anodized is very reflective, which isn’t helpful in photography. The glass beader textures the surface just enough to give the surface a flat/pearl finish.
Epilog FiberMark Laser
Our FiberMark Laser by Epilog is one of the newest additions to our shop. While original purchased to engrave logos, serial numbers and technical information, we’ve also found it indispensable for cutting cutting thin gauge metals, composite, and fiber-based materials.
Examples of our Work
