The Home Machinist!

I actually knew what the replies would be before posting mine. I just wanted to see more explanation as to WHY there might be a problem. Something that was somewhat lacking from the initial set of replies. I might also point out that the large amount of tubing used in the example photo helps to temp...

Most "Bourdon Tube" gauges won't care if steam gets into them. But it never hurts to add the trap as described.

Harold: To most modelers, it's not what it's made of - It's what it looks like that is most important. Sure, to some purists, the choice of materials matters also. But consider, the HO, N, S, O, and G scale modelers - and any other gauge for that matter. If they had to use steel there would be no mo...

cb&q: I always thought the purpose of modeling trains (in any scale) was to make the model look as close to the real thing as possible, as in "prototypical". That is why I run on rail instead of barstock. Now we all compromise a little bit when the needs of function override the needs ...

Robert:

You are right. It was Golden Gate. I don't know why I said Sacremento.
Is there such a group? And yes, most of us have had issues with Bob
and his glowing personality, which is why I don't mention him or his company
on my website.

Thanks

Bill

Actually, Bob Pedersen did not design the 90 ton Mikado he sells kits for. That started out as a group build project by the Sacremento Live Steamers. Bob has taken over supplying the castings as well as waterject cut frames and laser cuts parts. Over the years he has made quite a few improvements an...

Chris:

The one I worry about is when only one side stops pumping. The reservoir
still shows oil use, but the bad side isn't getting any.

Bill

Bill S.

Very clever. So, why can't I just replace my brass ball
with a buna-N or Viton ball instead?

Thanks - Bill

Jay

I built my lubricator.

Bill

Fred V: The odd motion is caused by the piston hitting the load (the oil already at the 120 PSI). Once it hits the load it doesn't want to travel any more so the lever goes slack - nothing to force it against the cam - until the cylinder leaks down. There are 48 teeth on the ratchet gear, and each s...

Bill S. I have had to lap my ball check valves (multiple times). So it makes sense to me that duplicate check valves would significantly reduce or even eliminate the leakage issue. Additionally, the second set of valves would cover you when dirt or crap gets shoved through one set or the other. Oh y...

Friends:

It has taken me a long time. And with the help of some of you guys, I have
a Mechanical Lubricator that I am actually happy with. Here is a video clip.
Read the description that goes with it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQlsFHBYaI4

Bill

... Thanks to all of you for your suggestions. Once again it looks like
all of us learned something. Everybody wins this time. -- Bill