The Home Machinist!

Morning all, back when i was working on the ten-wheeler, I was still using telescoping gauges to measure the bore, using the same mic to measure the machined axle. I know that is far from ideal, but we are talking about home machining on this board with limited tool sets. the axle stock was 1144, it...

Bill Shields wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2023 4:55 pm Never had a driver come loose or fall off, even without keys.

the only time i had a wheel loosen up was when i did not leave enough clearance for product i used. it was the first wheel sets i glued together. chucked it up and took .004 off the bore and its been happy ever since.

Chris: You need to check with the particular Loctite you plan to use. The data sheet will tell you the clearance. If you don't have that info, post the Loctite you plan to use and I'll look it up for you. Sorry, I should have more clear :) my question is for a proper pressed fit I know of a "r...

Since we are on the subject, what would be the proper fit for a .625 axle to wheel mate? (Iron wheel with 1144 axle) as a hobbyist, I try to hit the mark, and after all the machining i have done for the hobby over the last 20 years, I do hit the mark more than i miss now. but it's not as easy for so...

I personally be piping locomotives with brass "pipe' for the last 22 years. Mcmaster carr has just about ever size and wall thickness we need, I can thread or solder it. it is easy enough to bend with heat and i have yet to have any failures that was not directly connected to me applying the ha...

here you go John, Following Steggy's info, I just ordered one also https://www.ebay.com/itm/261694436243?epid=10031280253&hash=item3cee343393:g:NHIAAOSwpLNX7Z8a&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8JcFEPIFPAjfP07qtPi2pfb6AVLFICcMj9D7tDciUDi03eSKTMn1FH%2FfUcfnrMEhU3RClU1xkP%2FVzCiiHnvMRAOOSt9gGSeO58FpqLv1Y0...

i would have zero issues with moving forward

the flues were dry,, we used a pump that hold pressure for a while, as we look over all welds and look down the flues,, when the flue let go, it let off a very distinct sound,,, the flue nest was done.. unfortunately, this was an old LE boiler with no way to remove the dome to inspect the flue next....

I know personally of one boiler that passed a static hydro of 150% and had a steel flue failed two steam ups later at ~50 psi. the fire went out and the boiler was leaking water and steam out the fire box..

run the your local auto parts house and they should have something like this for removing old gaskets, it will not remove metal, I used it on alum castings when i was resealing the 4bt Cummins for my jeep project. the reason i say local, so you can put your hands on it, the kit i bought was no diffe...

If you're that nervous about putting pressurized air in a boiler that has already passed a hydro test (minus a leaky throttle), you should choose another hobby. I'd hate to tell you how much more dangerous steam and superheated water can be, yeah, no matter how low the pressure. Using air to look a...

that seat does look pretty dirty on that valve. i would double check to make sure the valve is closing all the way, then i would remove the top block to do a full inspection and cleaning. if the value and valve seat need lapping, this would be the time to do it. as for the dome gasket, i never use a...