Member postings for Jon Lawes

Left field answer, could it be the bar that the smokebox dart engages with?

When they couldn't get the A&AEE Harvard started after the first few attempts you had to take the plugs out, whether for cleaning or replacing I don't know, but it's not a task that looked fun!

My friend modified one that refilled using a float in the bottom of the tank to trigger a washing machine solenoid water valve to trigger for a few seconds. The only thing is the first version was viscious and would blast water everywhere. This was sorted with an in-line regulator.

My right knee does give me some issues every now and then, but it (and the rest of the leg) is made by Otto Bock and it can go back under warranty....

If you ever want to see a mesmerising bit of engineering in action have a look at the parallelagram action of the Otto Bock 3R60 prosthetic knee. It uses a solid poly spring to slightly collapse the mechanism as my walking goes "over-centre" which levels out my gait just as we do naturally. Fantastic yet simple bit of design.

I've also heard magical things about Turmeric. I really must get hold of some as when I add large quantities to curries the family complain.

I was tempted to use the underfloor tank but I think I will do the footplate version out of convenience and the extra tank capacity.

Your grandchildren are very lucky!

Brilliant, many thanks

I do like your adapted bicycle V-brake, very nice design.

Has anyone else built one of these? I'm about a third of the way through building one (just finished the boiler, cylinders done, some motion work, most of the chassis, about to start cylinders).

Interested in your experiences or tips; I've seen a few videos on youtube (including Myfordboy et al)

Thanks,

Jon

Just look at the drawings and buy the specific sizes you need; rather than a set of X number of reamers you may never use, just buy specific ones. My Britannia uses 1/8 a lot in the motionwork, so I bought a good quality 1/8 machine reamer and I drill the hole using the milling machine and swap the reamer in without moving anything.

Good idea!

Sorry to be late replying, in answer to your question I am utterly delighted with it. I thought long and hard about which to buy, with spreadsheets galore, and I am glad I chose the one I did. Service from Arc was top notch.

I did a steam test on my William. I was only checking some plumbing so it didn't really need it, but do we need much of an excuse?

I haven't used packing on the mill table in the past as it hadn't occurred to me, but I am very new to these things! A useful tip learned for me.

Back when I went to the pub most of the conversations were irrelevant, but still very enjoyable and often enlightening.

I have the Seig SX2.7L which is I believe (I think!) the same model but from Arc Eurortrade but with a bigger bed. Have a chat to Ketan at Arc Eurotrade, I've found their advice to be invaluable; they are selling a product but they seem very aware of how much the hobbyists talk to each other and therefore don't lead you up the garden path!

Welcome Johan, this forum is a mine of information, I'm sure you will find it useful. I know I do.

Where Blondihacks excels is in being approachable and "human". A lot of youtube channels (and forums) are full of people who alienate others by coming across as superhuman machinists who left the womb fully trammed.

Her videos were a good jumping off point for me, one of the few that explained the basic principles of milling in a way that sunk in for me without too much jargon.

Another vote for Viton.

All the Fire hose reels were removed from an old MoD building I worked in a few years ago. When I asked why they said that the water in them could contain legionella.... I think I'd take the risk to be able to fight the fire!

When I worked at Boeing the they took the PPE to the extreme. When walking across the hangar you were required to wear safety shoes and goggles, when within touching distance of the aircraft you were required to wear a bump cap. The penalties for not doing it were fierce. The bump caps were very annoying, trying to work in a small space they would constantly fall off, and the goggles were not much better.