Member postings for Bo'sun

What a lovely looking piece of kit. From a time when functionality was key, not the price.

To weighty me thinks.

Thanks All,

Looks like as Baz says, they're better than nothing. I guess, you "pays your money" with these things.

The 200mm version from Warco looks quite attractive for it's compact size (and it will suit my needs), but I think I'll go for a 300mm version. Because as has often been said on here about Lathes and Mills, you can do small things on a larger machine, but not always the other way around. Also, there seems to be more choice with the 300mm versions, although they all look pretty much the same apart from the colour.

Good morning,

I need to do some sheet metal bending and rolling (around 20 swg Mild Steel).

I've come across these 3 in 1 bender, roller and shearing machines from the likes of Machine Mart, Vevor, Warco, etc.

Are they any good? Capacity looks about right.

Hello CJ,

Have you looked at Pegas saw blades?

Hi Milly S,

Have you tried "Home and Workshop Machinery"? They advertise Colchester change wheels. Not sure about Chipmaster ones though.

And there was me thinking it was going to be a post about lathe chuck spiders.

Posted by Ady1 on 19/07/2023 13:39:10:

I just can't see these things replacing combustion engines at the moment

Good for pootling to Asda and back though, and general city work

As usual, everything-in-moderation seems to be the sensible way forwards

Hi Ady1,

I don't think you're far wrong.

As I understand it (and I beg to be corrected of course) the current Euro 6 compliant diesel engines are pretty good, apart from the particulate emissions. A crazy idea maybe, but what about a particulate filter (something more sophisticated than perforated fibre) that you empty like the ash pan from a stove. OK, too simple an idea maybe, and I'm sure the automotive boffins have considered it. Or possibly not?

As usual, everyone's jumping on the EV bandwagon without first securing the infrastructure and implications for those millions unable to charge at home. Not to mention the low life stealing the trailing cables for the copper.

Also, what happens at 5 o'clock when everyone (you know what I mean) gets home from work and plugs in. Ooops, the lights go out.

Useful post Steve. Anyone else sourced materials from an unlikely source? It just goes to show what's out there if you broaden your search criteria.

If I remember correctly, there are Brush Cutter blades specifically for brambles and the like. They resemble a two winged Brush Cutter blade with downward facing tips. Check compatibility with your particular Brush Cutter as I suspect they need a little extra power.

Good evening,

I'm looking for some "thin" Parallels, around 3/32" or 1/8", to use with my ARC Versatile 100mm vice.

While there are several sets on the market, the 32mm deep jaws usually means that around 4 pairs will be too tall and unusable for this application.

Has anyone come across a set that will be suitable?

Thank you, I sort of assumed that was the reason for the shaped tip on some DTI's, although I guess it shouldn't be relied upon for definitive measurement.

Thanks all, I hadn't considered the issue of cosine error.

Good afternoon,

I've come across a couple of DTI's with 1.6mm of stylus travel as apposed to the more common 0.8mm.

It would be useful to have that extra travel, but is it likely to compromise accuracy?

Thanks Jason,

Any suggestions as to burner orifice size anyone?

Good morning All,

A couple of years ago, I built the T. E. Haynes Hot Air Engine, and it ran extremely well using a Trangia meths burner from a camping stove. Admittedly, with the addition of a cooling jacket on the "cold" end of the transfer cylinder.

Recently, I decided to run it using the attached gas burner. I used a disposable propane/butane cartridge and regulating valve. The result was a very sooty flame, completely blackening the transfer cylinder.

Would it help if I modified the burner like a Bunsen Burner to entrain and regulate the air/gas mixture?

I did wonder if the burner jet was a bit on the large side at 1/16" dia?

Thoughts and comments appreciated.

I know it's only a basic model, but it has nostalgic memories from making the first one at school 50 years ago.

Might they be inserts for pneumatic tubing to prevent crushing by the olives/sleeves when tightening the compression fittings?