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Member postings for Jim Nic

Here is a list of all the postings Jim Nic has made in our forums. Click on a thread name to jump to the thread.

Thread: DRO scales
13/05/2021 19:59:13

Once again, a picture paints a thousand words. I fitted a 2 channel M-DRO magnetic DRO to my mill 8 years or so ago and I wouldn't be without it now. I have a numerical readout which works well for me but I understand that a graphical display is now available (probably a bit more expensive).

Here is the Y axis scale:

y axis.jpg

The backing piece is held to the machine base with a couple of M5 countersink screws and then the magnetic strip is placed in to it and the cover plate attached. A mounting bracket for the read head was made up and bolted to the table base.

The X axis:x axis scale.jpg

This was attached to the table in place of the stops and the read head is where the stop was. I put a piece of aluminium angle behind the scale to keep swarf from getting jammed in between it and the read head.

The system works well and has never missed a beat despite the scales and read heads being regularly doused in coolant and other miscellaneous fluids. Also, being mains powered there is no faffing about with flat batteries at inconvenient moments.

It wasn't the cheapest system for sure but I think it was well worth what it cost my good lady wife and was a great Chrissie present.

Jim

Thread: Surface finish for aluminium sheet?
13/05/2021 10:03:30

I used a round piece of softish leather glued to the end of a piece of wood dowel and impregnated with engine valve grinding paste:

Engine turning 2.jpg

Note that I didn't use it in my milling machine for fear of getting abrasive in the little important bits of the machine but my cheapo drill press survived the experience unscathed.

The finish I got was:

Popcorn base & plinth 1.jpg

Jim

Thread: miniature copper pipe
11/05/2021 14:33:26

Here is a picture of a set of bought in components.

pipe fittings.jpg

The pipe is 1/8" OD, the union thread is 1/4" x 40 TPI ME and the nut is 8mm across the flats.

HTH

Jim

 

Edited By Jim Nic on 11/05/2021 14:34:06

Edited By Jim Nic on 11/05/2021 14:34:41

11/05/2021 10:07:11

Anthony

+1 for be careful.

I think you will find that your 1/8" OD pipe will fit in a 1/8" ID nipple which will require a nut with a 1/4" x 40 TPI ME thread.

Jim

10/05/2021 15:39:10

Macc Models sells 1/8 dia copper tube and associated fittings including complete unions, pipe ends and nuts or olives.

I use some fittings bought from Macc, some fittings I make and incorporate Macc olives and/or pipe ends and nuts and some I make entirely from round or hexagonal bar stock. The choice usually depends on what materials I have to hand.

Jim

Thread: Rothenberger Super Fire 2 Torch
07/05/2021 12:53:02

I would be wary of Bernzomatic torches. There are a number of U-tube posts, notably by a poster named "NOBOX7", which show the Bernzomatic to have the appearance of a Rothenburger by another name, to have a similar hole in the handle as the Rothenburger and to fail in a similar alarming way to the Rothenburger.

Just saying.

Jim

06/05/2021 20:59:48

I also have a Superfire 2 of about the same age. You have me worried now. Do please let us know if you find out anything useful.

Jim

Thread: Stewart Hart's Vertical Mill Engine
29/04/2021 15:15:48

David

As a fan of Stewart's with 4 of his designs built I have always found him to be very generous and accomodating. Although he doesn't post on here much these days I'm sure he won't mind me telling you how to get in touch with him. If you send him a Personal Message and ask him to send you a set of drawings I am sure he will oblige.

To send a PM Click on "Inbox" at the top of the homepage, Click on "Compose new message", address it to Stewart Hart and ask away.

Jim

Thread: Help please!
26/04/2021 10:36:07

Bump

Thread: Parkside controllers
25/04/2021 19:42:20

Google Parkside Railways and an announcement regarding temporary closure by a company of that name appears. I don't know if this is the same company you are seeking information on.

Jim

Thread: James Coombes
24/04/2021 16:53:26

+1 for turning off the square capital and using separate pieces which are free to turn on the longer threaded portion of the column. That is what I did on my first table engine, not a James Coombes but a Stew Hart. I actually drilled and tapped the columns to take studs to save making all new columns.

Jim

Thread: Help, New ARC Sieg SX2.7 mill reverse???
19/04/2021 15:48:48

I have a Warco mill with spindle reverse capability. I can't recall any time I have used that feature In the 10 years I've had it.

Jim

Thread: A monoblock twin study
15/04/2021 19:53:22

A lovely model. I'm not a boatbuilder myself but I always admire well made wooden boats and ships such as that.

Jim

15/04/2021 16:13:27

Gerhard

The reversing valve was part of the design as it is intended for use in model boats. It works well by crossing over the airflow across the piston valves, although mine leaks a little air mainly because of my inexperience of machining (it was 10 years ago!) It also acts as a throttle control.

Jim

15/04/2021 12:21:23

This picture of my version of John Moore's Paddleduck engine shows a similar layout to Gerhard's.

Paddleduck.jpg

In this design the eccentrics are located outside the crankshaft bearings whereas Gerhad is showing his inside. There appears from his sketch to be plenty of room for this without resorting to offset valve rods. Paddleduck has 3 main bearings which are necessary due to the built up crankshaft but could be incorporated to add stiffness anyway.

The 90 degree crank offset does indeed allow for self starting from any position and also in either direction depending on the throttle valve position.

Jim

Thread: My version of Potty Mill engine
12/04/2021 10:26:27

Thanks for that David. One of the things I like about Stew Hart's designs is that they can be personalised fairly easily. I did a similar thing on my version but had the inlet on top and the exhaust on the side.

finished 6.jpg

I like your connecting rod too, I must bear that in mind

Jim

Thread: Band saw blades
12/04/2021 10:15:25

Hi Bill

Give Ian at Tuffsaws a ring. He is very knowledgeable and accomodating and I'm sure will sort out the blade you need.

Jim

Edited By Jim Nic on 12/04/2021 10:44:11

Thread: My version of Potty Mill engine
11/04/2021 20:30:03

Looking good David.

What's in the box on top of the valve chest?

Jim

Thread: LED Tubes in the workshop
08/04/2021 19:27:36

I am thinking of changing to LED workshop lighting myself. I think you would not be stepping on the toes of ME policy if you gave us a steer to the identity of your supplier who I doubt is in competition with this site's advertisers.

Jim

Thread: Warco 712 Bandsaw
04/04/2021 11:51:43

The OP asked for thoughts and ideas on the purchase of a particular bandsaw. There have been no responses on that tool to date so I think that offering opinions on how to save a wad of cash on an alternative that many people find adequate could be helpful unless there is an unstated reason why that particular item is necesssary. (Bearing in mind that when I say I need a particular tool what I really mean is that I want it and that is nobody's business but mine.)

Jim

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