Search found 306 matches

by Orrin
Sun Jan 13, 2019 1:07 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Holes with interrupted cuts / offset holes, how to cut?
Replies: 17
Views: 9232

Re: Holes with interrupted cuts / offset holes, how to cut?

I visited a shop this last week that featured a rack with a complete set of annular milling cutters in sixteenths. At first, I wondered why; but, the more I thought about it, it seemed like a brilliant idea. An annular cutter might have been the perfect solution to this problem.
by Orrin
Mon Jan 15, 2018 8:59 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: I want to make new lathe feed dials
Replies: 11
Views: 5444

Re: I want to make new lathe feed dials

Take a length of band saw blade and count 100 teeth. Now, cut a disk of plywood either using a sander or mounting it on your lathe to cut it true. Wrap the saw blade around to test the circumference. Then, very carefully reduce the circumference a little at a time until the blade is a perfect fit. G...
by Orrin
Sat Nov 03, 2012 4:46 pm
Forum: Live Steam
Topic: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!
Replies: 259
Views: 267354

Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Dick, thank you for keeping us up-to-date on "Monte's" locomotive. Monte was a very colorful fellow, a legend in his own time. I had the pleasure of visiting his House of Poverty museum and attending the auction after his death. The loco survived because of the security he accorded it, unl...
by Orrin
Thu Aug 23, 2012 10:03 pm
Forum: Live Steam
Topic: A question about vertical boiler construction
Replies: 37
Views: 14877

Re: A question about vertical boiler construction

If in doubt, cut a sample before you machine bushings, and silver a blurb on a test piece. That will tell all. It is what I do when I use waste and salvage pieces of unknown metal. You're ahead of me on this one. How do you test for brass versus bronze? I can guess, but would like to know your meth...
by Orrin
Sun Aug 12, 2012 8:31 pm
Forum: Live Steam
Topic: A question about vertical boiler construction
Replies: 37
Views: 14877

Re: A question about vertical boiler construction

I didn't see what pressure he plans to operate at, or what fuel he intends to use. If he's going to burn butane and run it at 50 PSI or less, I don't see it as being a hazard. But, it is interesting that he doesn't show any calculations of a safe working pressure. I'll give the fellow credit for re...
by Orrin
Sun Aug 12, 2012 12:35 pm
Forum: Live Steam
Topic: A question about vertical boiler construction
Replies: 37
Views: 14877

A question about vertical boiler construction

The following is a picture-intensive boiler construction project. The pictures and text are a cut above average and I got some good ideas from it. I'm wondering about the choice of solder, however. Would anyone care to comment? http://www.rcdon.com/html/vertical_boiler_project.html This page tells o...
by Orrin
Sun Nov 20, 2011 9:40 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: help new machinist - cannot get a good finish
Replies: 10
Views: 5421

Re: help new machinist - cannot get a good finish

After you get your workpiece properly supported, here are some tips that will help you get a good finish. 1) If using HSS, make sure your cutting edge has the proper geometry; and, make sure the cutting edge is sharp. 2) Brush a little cutting oil onto the workpiece now and then. It makes a huge dif...
by Orrin
Sun Nov 06, 2011 10:16 pm
Forum: Live Steam
Topic: marine engine video
Replies: 4
Views: 3310

Re: marine engine video

Expertly done! I like it!
Best regards,
Orrin
by Orrin
Fri Sep 02, 2011 10:16 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Polishing Aluminum
Replies: 12
Views: 5669

Re: Polishing Aluminum

I realize my technique is not always possible or practical; but, when it will work in your situation I recommend it. I use a HSS fly-cutter on aluminum whenever possible. The edge is as keen as possible. I always brush on kerosene, never allowing the cutting edge become dry. I never touch the alumin...
by Orrin
Sun Jul 31, 2011 8:24 pm
Forum: The Junk Drawer
Topic: On the subject of litigation
Replies: 15
Views: 7190

Re: On the subject of litigation

Gotta love the way our U.S. legal system operates. Not who's at fault, but who can pay. Once-upon-a-time I was sued because I was the only one in a multi-vehicle pile-up who carried auto insurance. The party suing me agreed that someone else caused the accident; but, they were trying to pin contrib...
by Orrin
Sat Jul 16, 2011 10:32 pm
Forum: Live Steam
Topic: Advice on 5/16 -27 pipe tap & die
Replies: 14
Views: 9961

Re: Advice on 5/16 -27 pipe tap & die

American Model Engineering Supply in Florida can fix you up with what you need; and, they are fast. I recently ordered a pipe tap and die from them early in the week and it was in my mailbox on Friday. (I live in Washington State) http://americanmodeleng.com/ They carry a complete line of miniature ...
by Orrin
Mon Jun 20, 2011 9:52 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Dealing with Mill Scale
Replies: 10
Views: 5991

Re: Dealing with Mill Scale

Ordinary vinegar with table salt dissolved in it will remove the scale. An excess of salt (with some undissolved in the bottom of the container) is what the recipe calls for. I have an abrasive blasting cabinet, so I usually don't have to resort to the slower chemical method; but, I have tried it an...