Author Topic: What I do.  (Read 13762 times)

Offline Sandman

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What I do.
« on: April 11, 2009, 05:37:49 AM »
As my introduction explained, I'm into restoring old toy steam engines. I thought members might like to see what kind of end product I try to achieve.

This project was an old Bowman M122, circa around 1930. It was in a sorry state when I bought it and required a bit of TLC to restore.

It needed, oiler taps, filler plug thread and plug, whistle handle, burner and a full repaint. I managed to produce the taps, plugs etc using my trusty drill lathe, but the burner threw up a few problems. I solved that by lopping the bottom off a measuring cup, soldering on a bottom and making a filler plug and wick holder.

I was really pleased with the outcome, and chuffed that it made engine of the month in the toy steam forum competition. Pics below.

Before pics.





After pics.








Burner Pic.



Offline Darren

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Re: What I do.
« Reply #1 on: April 11, 2009, 05:48:34 AM »
That's some very tidy work you have produced there, very nice indeed.  :clap:
You will find it a distinct help… if you know and look as if you know what you are doing. (IRS training manual)

Offline sbwhart

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Re: What I do.
« Reply #2 on: April 11, 2009, 07:44:19 AM »
Nice Job Sandy  :clap: :clap:

Stew
A little bit of clearance never got in the road
 :wave:

Location:- Crewe Cheshire

Offline Stilldrillin

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Re: What I do.
« Reply #3 on: April 11, 2009, 08:37:48 AM »
By `ek Sandy......

That`s a bit of magic, that is...... :bow:

David D
David.

Still drilling holes... Sometimes, in the right place!

Still modifying bits of metal... Occasionally, making an improvement!

Offline Brass_Machine

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Re: What I do.
« Reply #4 on: April 11, 2009, 08:58:20 AM »
 :bugeye: Thats some fantastic work there Sandy. Drill lathe... I am curious to see the technique.

Eric
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Offline Bernd

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Re: What I do.
« Reply #5 on: April 11, 2009, 10:27:47 AM »
I'm with Eric. I'm also curious to see that technique. Video if possible. :poke:

That's a fantastic job you've done on that model. Definatly talent there.

Bernd
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Offline usn ret

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Re: What I do.
« Reply #6 on: April 11, 2009, 03:28:07 PM »
Definitely got talent and more than ample ambition and motivation!!!!! Nice work for a fellow that is tool limited. When you have lemons, make lemonaide, nice pint of lemonaide. :beer:  Welcome to the group, looking foreward to seeing additional feats of magic and other slight of hand demonstrations. 
Cliff
If it isn't broken your not looking hard enough!

Offline kellswaterri

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Re: What I do.
« Reply #7 on: April 11, 2009, 04:17:45 PM »
Very well done...interesting reproduction of the badge...I personally wonder just how far to go in refurbishing these and other models.
All the best for now,
                            John.

Offline Sandman

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Re: What I do.
« Reply #8 on: April 11, 2009, 06:10:26 PM »
Thanks for all the kind vibes guys. Much appreciated.

The Drill lathe I refer to, is simply a powerful mains powered electric drill gripped tightly in a vice.

Once the desired bar is gripped in the chuck, I use a selection of files to achieve the shape needed for the part. If a thread is needed, I just use a selection of hand taps and dies. My parting off tool is simply a hacksaw. The only thing that defeats me is a way of knurling. If I could think of a way to do that I'd be really happy. Also this method is obviously limited to the production of small parts.

I know it's rather primitive, but it does the job.

How far to go in refurbishing is a contentious issue that rears its head in most circles. The way I look at it is that if the demon rust has a hold on and old engine, then it's doomed unless tackled. When I fix it, I might as well return it to pristine condition as I've already altered it to save it.

This of course is only my opinion, and I fully understand hobbyists whose views differ. The thing is that I get so much enjoyment from seeing a once bedraggled machine reborn.

Sandy.

« Last Edit: April 11, 2009, 06:14:06 PM by Sandman »

Offline cedge

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Re: What I do.
« Reply #9 on: April 11, 2009, 06:20:18 PM »
Hi Sandy....
Welcome to another of my haunts.  I'd have known it was you just by the uber-bling of the restorations...(grin).  Watch out, these guys are a bad influence and will soon have you parting with your money for all sorts of tools.

Steve 

Offline usn ret

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Re: What I do.
« Reply #10 on: April 12, 2009, 03:01:11 AM »
Sandy, a quick google of nutcracker knurling tools turns several options for a 3 wheel hand knurling tool. $$$$$$$$$ :bugeye:
Cliff
If it isn't broken your not looking hard enough!

Offline sbwhart

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Re: What I do.
« Reply #11 on: April 12, 2009, 04:04:28 AM »
That knurling tools look very interesting,

I wonder if you could make one from an old micrometer frame :scratch:. or one of those small pipe cutters just fit knurl wheels

HO NO i've caught it again  :proj:

Stew
« Last Edit: April 12, 2009, 04:16:03 AM by sbwhart »
A little bit of clearance never got in the road
 :wave:

Location:- Crewe Cheshire

Offline Sandman

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Re: What I do.
« Reply #12 on: April 12, 2009, 04:36:51 AM »
Sandy, a quick google of nutcracker knurling tools turns several options for a 3 wheel hand knurling tool. $$$$$$$$$ :bugeye:
Cliff

Jeez guys. Results already.

I'll follow that up mate.

Thanks a mill. :thumbup:

Offline Stilldrillin

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Re: What I do.
« Reply #13 on: April 12, 2009, 08:59:12 AM »
Sandy,

Could you fit one of these securely to the side of your vice or drill?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RDGTOOLS-RECOMMENDED-CLAMP-TYPE-KNURLING-TOOL-MYFORD_W0QQitemZ370167613716QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM?hash=item370167613716&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688|

Just a thought...... Just a hint......  :thumbup:

(It will also be a start on your future lathe tooling)  :wave:

He he he he .  :clap:

David D
« Last Edit: April 12, 2009, 09:02:59 AM by Stilldrillin »
David.

Still drilling holes... Sometimes, in the right place!

Still modifying bits of metal... Occasionally, making an improvement!

ja2on

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Re: What I do.
« Reply #14 on: April 12, 2009, 03:32:23 PM »
possibly you could modify a pipe cutter

Offline usn ret

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Re: What I do.
« Reply #15 on: April 12, 2009, 10:01:32 PM »
Jason,  a great idea the pipecutter, I never thought of using a pipecutter fitted with the appropiate knurling wheels.  I will recommend a quality cutter to ensure that everything is properly aligned to get a good knurl pattern. :thumbup:

Cliff :beer:
If it isn't broken your not looking hard enough!

Offline shoey51

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Re: What I do.
« Reply #16 on: May 05, 2009, 03:33:57 PM »
all great suggestions here and welcome to this forum Sandy nice to see you here :nrocks:

I have always admired your restro :headbang:

Offline SPiN Racing

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Re: What I do.
« Reply #17 on: May 08, 2009, 02:08:49 AM »
Welcome to the forum!! And Lovely Engine!!

I was looking at the first before pictures..... and then I saw the after  :jaw:   VERRRRRY NiCE   Classy restore.  Reminds me of the steam toys my parents talk about.. and how I am sure people who own them are more than happy to see them restored to thier like new glory!
SPiN Racing