Member postings for Paul M

Just looking through my LBSC drawings for Lifford Hall and note that the holes for the bushes on the coupling rods at the two extremes state ¼" clearing.

Am I correct to assume that means clearance holes?

Hello

For silver soldering to be successful you must make sure all parts are clean. The solder has to flow through the joint by capillary action and will not if the parts fit too tightly, flux has not been properly applied and importantly all parts are not brought to a temperature to melt the solder. Where possible direct heat more towards the thicker material and gradually heat thinner material. This requires a torch that is suitable for the size of job. Too much heat will break down the effectiveness of the flux, metal can oxidise. I am not a great fan of adding solder to the joint prior to heating where material is of different thickness and size, I prefer to heat the material and apply the solder after heating it and dipping in flux. Over time you get used to the correct red heat and get used to the flux changing as you reach the correct heat. This is why I tend to solder without too much direct light on the hearth. For most joints you shouldn't have to chase the solder around the joint if you have got the work to the correct heat.

Do you use a hearth with fire bricks (or whatever you wish to call them)? It is best to have firebricks behind your work to reflect heat back onto the work especially if using high melting point solder.

I have a set of Model Engineer from the 1950's and was reading an article that was concerned that model building was going to die out!

As a retired Design and Technology teacher, I believe the lack of skill based teaching in the subject is the most likely thing to threaten the future survival of craft skills generally. Fewer schools have the staff with the knowledge to teach engineering, or for that matter any craft subject to any depth. I visited many schools where machines were gathering dust because teachers had no idea how to use them. Not to mention the cuts and pressure on the subject to provide tools and materials.

I hope this reply is not too late. Setting up a parting tool correctly is an art. I suggest you take a look at this Youtube video as the guy who produces these is well worth listening to. I have solved many problems using this guys channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LtYzjR1JuM

As a retired teacher of technology with 40 yrs experience I have spent hundreds of hours teaching basic lathe work to both boys and girls.

Advice:

Don't lecture but always demonstrate processes first.

Keep a keen eye on safe practice. Mind that sharp lathe tool - the source of many accidents!

After a few basic lessons make something useful that your nephew would be interested in using or give away as a gift to his mother or girl friend. Alternatively, build something together.

Current technology taught in most schools has little or no engineering involved (don't get me started). Inspiring people of your nephew's age is creditable so I hope all goes well.

You will know quickly if he is going to be interested and want to develop his skills.

Decided to have a go at completing my 31/2 Gauge Lickham Hall (now Lifford Hall). Started it 40yrs ago but children and work got in the way. Not much kit yet and loads I need to find out. Need to buy a lathe and milling machine or attachment. Be great to speak to anyone who has built a similar loco.