Member postings for Mike Clarke

Hi Dave.....ahem, no, I thought they'd be ready to use (blush). I'll give one a go.

Thanks,

Mike.

Hi. Where are these crushable washers from Fizzy? And what size fittings?

I bought some crushable washers to use on my boiler fittings but was amazed at how they seemed to resist being crushed, well I gave up before any deformation occured due to being worried about something breaking off.....hence I switched to the shim washers.

I agree that the seal takes place at the threads, that Loctite is magic!

Cheers,

Mike.

Hi Neil, thanks.

The chap who wants the boiler wants to buy ready made - he has no facilites to make one.

Good tips - cheers,

Mike.

Hi Bill. I've never made a boiler, but I would think that aligning the bushes as such would be the least of my worries . And as Kwil says (I would like to make my next loco boiler, so have/am reading up) - threads should be finished as a final step.

I got some copper washers from Blackgates. You get them with the bore to suit your fittings and the pack contains different thicknesses.

All the thicknesses are very similar - with such fine threads it was amazing to see how many degrees difference was obtained by using thicker/thinner washers. That and a decent thread seal will get you the results you want.

Cheers,

Mike.

I can appreciate that Sandy, thanks. He is eager to have a coal fire though....I can appreciate why, when I steam my loco the smell, sight and sound of a coal fire is really nice.

If a suitable coal-fed boiler seems unavaiable then I'll tell him he'll have to go for gas.

Thanks,

Mike.

Hi,

I'm not at all familiar with stationary engines. I have a friend whose Dad has just bought a Stuart S50. He would like to steam it on coal as he wants to experience the smell and smoke.

I've tried to do some research but can't find a definite answer. Maccsteam do some lovely boilers, but they all seem to be gas fuelled. I notice GLR do a coal fed boiler for stationary engines, but would this be overkill for the S50?

If anyone knows of a supplier who makes coal-fed boilers suitable for the S50, please can you give me your recommendations. Thanks!

Regards,

Mike.

Edited By Mike Clarke on 18/01/2013 19:59:03

I too prefer older machines, my mill is 60 years old. But some people like to buy new and some (including me) may want to move the drill when not in use due to lack of space - which obviously isn't ideal with the older, heavier machines. Like everything else, it boils down to what suits individual circumstances the best.

Mike

Edited By Mike Clarke on 14/01/2013 20:17:56

Hi Martin,

Ryobi do a pillar drill with variable speed (varaible cones). I had one for a while and was pleased with it, but sold it when I got a milling machine with a quill. It was similar to those found in the usual places, looked a bit more finished off. The chuck was useless, but the quill had no looseness - so I replaced the chuck with a nice Jacobs I had and all was well.

Regards,

Mike.

Me too Gordon - perfect for my needs. I too have an old nozzle I can use to suck up the ash from my smokebox.

My only niggle is the length of the hose - very short!

Regards,

Mike.

The original query was based around the problem of not having room for separate machines. There is no doubt separate machines are better to have.

I don't like the automatic dismissal of combined machines though, my Emco lathe/mill combo was a joy to use and I wish I'd kept it (space and cash permitting!). I imagine the Warco attachment I linked to would offer similar satisfaction, but have never used it so don't know.

Similarly - I love my 1960s Bridgeport style mill, but I know many who are happy with round column mills and have produced beautiful work on them.

Regards,

Mike.

Hi.

Blackgates and GS Supplies (Western Steam) both offer Flying Scotsman drawings in 3.5".

Regards,

Mike

If room really is a problem, I see Warco now do a milling attachment. I had something similar on my Emco and loved the combined machine.....no complaints.

Have a look, it's at the bottom of their milling machine page - looks a decent bit of kit (sold out at present).

Regards,

Mike.

Hi. Just out of interest, is it a real risk for a cast iron chuck to disintegrate? I'm guessing the speed has to be extremely high? Like I say, was just interested as I've never heard this before.

Thanks, Mike.

My niece asked if I wanted anything inparticular for Christmas and I said the hoover mentioned above from Lidl would be great. I only intended to use it to suck up the soot from my smokebox and hoover the fine brass/CI dust from my machines (I find steel easy to sweep up - it's that fine brass dust/powder that makes a mess!).

I can ask my sister to take it back if it's not going to be up to the job. Or do you think it will be OK, given what I intended getting it for? Thanks, Mike.

Edited By Mike Clarke on 15/12/2012 14:39:18

Hi Clive,

I know it's really annoying when something like this happens. I can't understand it though, as the times I've dealt with them he's been professional in every way, even down to the beautiful invoice paper!

I don't know the owner personally, but I doubt very much he'll keep your money without delivering the goods. It's hard to think of a reason for what's gone on though???

I think he deserves Ian's suggestion, it might just remind him that he's not acted too well.

Hope you get sorted, Mike.