Member postings for Brian H

Many years ago I needed to make springs for a Clayton Lorry and found a small firm in Sheffield that made springs for false legs etc. This was the correct shape with rounded edges and supplied not hardened so could still be put through rollers to give it shape but was still springy enough.

I've tried to find the company but without success but did find this company that supplies small quantities and accepts Paypal or credit cards.

http://springsteelstock.co.uk/

As usual, I have no connections with this firm whatsoever.

Hello Harry, I've not had chance to investigate how to add pictures on this site and my webpage is out of action at the moment but I'll see what I can do.

I've had similar problems in the past but a local spring manufacturer ,www.ashfield-springs.com have always been very helpful and supplied the odd spring as a free sample. Might be worth a try.

Hello all, My name is Brian Hutchings and I have been a model engineer for ever!

My claim to fame is that I won an ME Gold Medal many years ago for a Fowell Box Patent Traction Engine.

I also have a dabble in Austin Seven cars, the present one being a 1931 saloon.

I've been using an old version of a program called DesignCAD 3D Max Plus for a number of years but very off & on, with the emphasis on the OFF.

I have only every used it in 2D to produce drawings for the workshop and so I've been looking at an upgrade to the latest 2D version having established that this would still recognise drawings produced by the 3D version.

Does anyone have any experience of using these programs or are there better ones?

The words " can of worms" springs to mind on this question as there are so many different systems depending on the intended use of the wire or sheet.

If you can get a look at a Machinery's Handbook you will see what I mean.

I'd be inclined to try a heat treatment company, who will have the correct oil. In my apprenticeship days it was whale oil but I would guess that is difficult to obtain nowadays!

I'm surprised that no one mentioned the impossibility of silver soldering ali-bronze. It would be a shame to turn up a set of bushes only to find that the solder does not take.

I could well be several years out of date here but, my understanding is that amateur made copper boilers do not require mill certs if they have been silver soldered but steel boilers need the mill certs, especially if welded and then only by a certified welder.

Hello Peter and others who may be thinking about boiler making. I would suggest a look at the Tubal Cain book mentioned earlier and also the K.N.Harris book called Model Boilers and Boilermaking.

It would also be an idea to check on the insurance and boiler testing procedure, especially if one is hoping to steam up in public.

Whichever way you choose, all the best with it and you know where to come to gain more information.