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Gallery, Projects and General => Gallery => Topic started by: Sandman on April 11, 2009, 05:37:49 AM

Title: What I do.
Post by: Sandman 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.

(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h314/steamsandy/Bowmantwin.jpg)

(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h314/steamsandy/Bowmantwin4.jpg)

After pics.

(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h314/steamsandy/resto8.jpg)

(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h314/steamsandy/resto10.jpg)

(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h314/steamsandy/resto7.jpg)


Burner Pic.

(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h314/steamsandy/Burner13.jpg)

Title: Re: What I do.
Post by: Darren on April 11, 2009, 05:48:34 AM

That's some very tidy work you have produced there, very nice indeed.  :clap:

Title: Re: What I do.
Post by: sbwhart on April 11, 2009, 07:44:19 AM

Nice Job Sandy  :clap: :clap:

Stew

Title: Re: What I do.
Post by: Stilldrillin on April 11, 2009, 08:37:48 AM

By `ek Sandy......

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

David D

Title: Re: What I do.
Post by: Brass_Machine 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

Title: Re: What I do.
Post by: Bernd 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

Title: Re: What I do.
Post by: usn ret 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

Title: Re: What I do.
Post by: kellswaterri 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.

Title: Re: What I do.
Post by: Sandman 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.

Title: Re: What I do.
Post by: cedge 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 

Title: Re: What I do.
Post by: usn ret 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

Title: Re: What I do.
Post by: sbwhart 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

Title: Re: What I do.
Post by: Sandman on April 12, 2009, 04:36:51 AM

Quote from: usn ret 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

Jeez guys. Results already.

I'll follow that up mate.

Thanks a mill. :thumbup:

Title: Re: What I do.
Post by: Stilldrillin 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

Title: Re: What I do.
Post by: ja2on on April 12, 2009, 03:32:23 PM

possibly you could modify a pipe cutter
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c176/j450n_/PipeCutter.jpg)

Title: Re: What I do.
Post by: usn ret 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:

Title: Re: What I do.
Post by: shoey51 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:

Title: Re: What I do.
Post by: SPiN Racing 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!