Member postings for UncouthJ

Good tip thanks Jason

As far as pre-machined kits go, you should just need a few small AF spanners and a slot screw driver. Maybe a set of long nose pliers for good measure. I would be very disappointed if one turned up needing any appreciable filing beyond basic deburring!

As well as brushes and paints obviously...

Have more fun and get a lathe!

Jay

Another question arising from another thread...

At what point in dimensional ex-tolerance is it fair to say "this casting is crap, gimme another"?

I've seen several makers having to tweak dimensions a bit due to one casting or another, but surely there has to be a limit? The idea of compounding an error not of my making across a whole build gives rise to a bit of sick in the mouth, to be brutally honest...

I was thinking that having some nominal sizes of brass an FM steel hex bar would be a good shout as you've then got all the potential profiles you could want.

Now it's mentioned though, I realise that most of the instances I've seen this be a thing, on YouTube or what have you, it has been the bright steel bar that's been suspect... In those cases I suspect it's probably best to just suck up the replacement if necessary and save the offending article in the hope of another use? But then if its just the bottom end of the tolerance and offering a good consistency across the length, I guess it's a relative non issue if the machined parts can be adjusted accordingly. I'd just rather not have to compound adjustments across a whole model, if at all avoidable.

I definitely don't want to fall into that trap of buying stuff and have it hanging round for 10+yes, that sounds a bit soul crushing!

Hey folks...

Just beginning my journey into model kits, starting with stationary engines and moving up to traction engines.

I'm hearing a lot about kits coming with near or under size stock provided and wondering if there are any common sizes that get this ' that'll do' treatment? Or if there are any common items that perhaps often come with less than ideal grade material?

Essentially I'm asking, as the title suggests, what folk find are 'must have' items to keep in the stockpile?

Thanks, Jay.

To throw my tuppence in having not long been through the process...

If you're in a hurry, or not entirely sure what features you want/need, buy the cheapest functional thing that will service your needs sizewise. Then, if it warrants it, bide your time and look out for the one that ticks all your boxes and bid like you mean it...

For my part I was quite happy doing small models and light work for a while, so a second hand CJ18 that'd had the spindle and bearings upgraded, a few other mods and some tooling was a good punt for £350. That then gave me time to wait for the perfect lump of old metal to come about in the form of my 10" Logan, on which I bid every penny I had to my name and won for a steal.

Good luck in your search!

Jay

Cracking info there folks, hats off!

Really enjoying DMB's tip for treating questionable castings!

A big takeaway for me here is that I've been very much of a tooling 'camp' mindset in choosing HSS. I see now each have strengths and purpose regardless of machine. Gonna have to invest in some carbide and do some experimentation I think.

Cheers for the thoughts on the Worden grinder Nigel. Think I'll focus on making some improvements and jigs for the bench grinder first, before deciding how much milage is to be gained from a dedicated tool grinder.

More to the subject in hand... The near/under size bar stock problem seems all too common. If the stock is unsuitable it defeats the point of buying the 'all in' casting kits, surely? I mean I get there are parts where the dimension has more wiggle room, but still...

Have you completed the T&C grinder Nigel? How functional do you find it? I'm on HSS for my Logan as several people I've spoken to say it's far superior for the lower speed high torque machines. Not a fan of eyeballing anything that wants a specific angle, my mentals need it just so...

Jay

Nice one thanks Jason. Been looking for larger engine kits!

Good to know! Exactly the kind of info I was hoping to collate thanks folks

Hi there folks...

Couldn't find any existing threads so thought I'd start one for general thoughts and recommendations on model kit suppliers.

Currently I have:

Macc models - have ordered a few bits but not received yet so can't speak to quality, but they have been very responsive to communication so far which is always a good sign.

Hemingway Kits - not dealt with yet but do like the look of their kits.

Stuart Models - again not dealt with yet, but imagine only good things being one of the oldest in the business.

Any others anyone can add would be much appreciated.

Jay

Quite possible... Duff brain more likely lol

Could have sworn there used to be one every mag. Duff brain obviously.

Hope I'm not being thick... I don't think I am, I've flicked through several times.

I can't see any announcement of last month's competition winner or, perhaps more importantly, no competition for this month?!

What gives??

Jay

Thanks Nigel, great info as always, much appreciated.

J

Looking for more of a user perspective tbh chap.

Thanks though.

J

Hi folks. Seen an AJAX MD-20 up for sale, but found very little posted on any of the MD-20 variants. Just wonder if anyone has any thoughts on the MD-20, or on AJAX machines in general?

I find the fact that they no longer sell this, or any hobby scale, machine slightly concerning. Did they jump on the Chinese repackaging bandwagon and regret it??

Cheers. Jay.

The job I've got in mind will need the rotation. Intention is to index the part from the centre and the previous cut. But yes for straight up milling I will remove the base. If I need a vice with a fixed jaw down the road I'll get one, but this one is good for the job and the budget...

no, not that wet behind the ears, thankfully. its the self centering milling vice that ARC had on clearance. It looks absolutely ideal for my purposes. should help me get the most out of the limited milling travel available, and hopefully be good for rigidity.

Well... I decided to go for the ARC set in 10mm as well as a boring bar set. Nabbed a nice little vice that looks ideal for a little bread and butter money vertical milling project I'm planning. Really want to get the lathe rebuild finished but this heat is just too much...