I'm David Campbell, and Campbell Precision is my workshop in Croydon, Victoria. I design, machine and build parts for motorsport and industry.
I've always been hands-on. I grew up pulling things apart, fixing them, and working on bikes and cars with Dad in the shed. At 17 I started an electrical apprenticeship, and I've spent the 22 years since in industrial automation and robotics, on projects for some of the world's leading aerospace, automotive and defence companies.
The machining grew out of my own projects. I taught myself CAD, CAM and CNC, bought my first machine, a Mitsui Seiki HU63A, and built the workshop around it. It now has a Mazak turning centre and wire and sinker EDM, and makes everything from roll cages to billet engine parts for drag, off-road and drift cars. I also design and build my own engines, gearboxes and CNC machines, and I'm building a mid-engine car from a clean sheet.
How I work
I start with the problem, not just the drawing: what does the part need to do, and what's the best way to make it do that? Often it's the simplest way.
And I'll be honest with you. If something in a design won't work well, I'll tell you. If it's good, I'll say so.
As precise as possible, and as precise as necessary.