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Member postings for John Ladlow

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

Thread: true Space
21/08/2009 16:45:51
I have used Alibre for a few months now and find it very easy to use compared with others.
As Ian says, it won't turn you into an instant designer but it does allow things to be fitted together and all the different parts checked as an assembly.
I have to say that if Alibre models had been used, the Northumbrian situation may not have arisen because to change the 2D drawing, you change the model, so any problems are immediatley apparent.
I think some people don't like the discipline that such programs impose, no more dodgy changes to drawings!
I also agree that if you just want a quick drawing of one part it is over the top, but if you design engineering models, it is very good.
John
Thread: Cleaning
18/08/2009 16:36:13
I always use WD40.
It cleans off all the muck and leaves a nice finish wich protects againts corrosion.
It also works well on all the bright work because it disperses water.
 
John
Thread: Metric vs Imperial - Practical or Traditional?
17/08/2009 16:28:44
"as for dividing an inch by 3 - it would be 4/12 "
 
How about 1/3?
But this just shows the problem. How do you measure 1/3 accurately to .001 (or even 0.0001)?
The answer is that you would use decimals which takes us back to the original argument.
If you are going to use decimals, then the metric system is far more logical with everything in multiples of 10.
I was taught imperial, but switched to metric for my own stuff years ago. I still use imperial  when I use drawings drawn that way and it is a pain.
 
John
Thread: Flashing adverts on Forum
15/08/2009 17:41:37
There have been several comments about the "flashing" adverts on the forums.
This is not just irritating, it can affect some people quite badly (SHMBO is one!).
To turn them off in Internet Explorer:
 
Go into the "tools" menu,
select "internet options" and go into the "advanced" tab.
Scroll down to the "Multimedia" section.
Uncheck the "Play animations in web pages" option.
Restart internet explorer.
 
Hope this helps.
 
John
Thread: Shed insulation
07/08/2009 12:14:08
I have a wooden shed as a workshop and insulated it by nailing hardboard  to the inside of the frame members (roof as well) with 1 inch thick polystyrene sheet underneath between the frames.
It works well and just needs a small  low watage background heater to keep the condensation awayin the winter.
John
Thread: Photos in MEW
05/08/2009 12:13:02
Graham
I think the articles you want are the 3 on Digital Photography of models in issues 4297, 4298 and 4299 in 2007.
They were by Malcom Stride.
John
Thread: Oliver Tiger
16/07/2009 20:30:05
Ruaidhri
One place to try would be the miniature engine auction at Gildings (www.gildings.co.uk)  in Market Harborough. I am not sure when the next one is, but the internet list usually shows several each year.
The other place to try would be Bartons  www.bamopro.co.uk/ who are dealers.
Hope this helps
 
John
Thread: Milling on Myford
05/07/2009 20:45:53
Any chance of telling us what you would use?
 
Thread: Piston Ring Material
26/06/2009 21:55:27
I agree with David Bartle that the cored stuff is harder on the surfaces. The stuff I had was also not such good quality as the solid bar which might be critical for piston rings.
I have not been able to find any for some time and have used the stocks I did have.
I now keep a large drill on the bench for removing the centre of the bar quickly before finishing off by boring.
As you say it is a bit wasteful.
John
Thread: I/C Topics pages in Model Engineer
23/06/2009 20:30:36
What has happened to Nemett?
I see his twin is complete on his web site.
John
Thread: Jan Ridders Pressure-controlled Two-stroke engine
20/06/2009 16:30:55
Can I make a quick comment on using the CDI (or any Hall effect system). That is to make sure that the circuit is energised for long enough to charge up the system. The period is know as the dwell angle and basically in this case is the time that the magnet is opposite the sensor, so it depends on the size of magnet, the size of sensor and the rpm. The common mistake (don't ask) is to have the magnet rotating at too large a diameter resulting in a very week or no spark. I have found on a variety of engines that a diameter of around 20-25 mm gives good results. The problem these days is that the magnets are smaller than they used to be, so things are more critical.
The trick shown in the instructions for the TIM6 system is to use several magnets set adjacent to each other in an arc to give a longer period.
I have used both the TIM6 and the CDI systems on a variety of engines and they both work well. The Hemingway Exiter coil is much better than the old Modelelctric coil was, so is well worth the money. It was recommended by Nemett some time ago and I can back that up by experience.
Hopefully the comments will help someone avoid one of the pitfalls.
The other thing to be wary of is the power of these things, they bite!

John

Thread: Engine plan website
16/06/2009 14:42:07
Andy,
I would be unsure about the copyright on these. The designs include the Whippet by Westbury which I think is owned by Hemingway now, and also Eric Whittle may have a comment on the copyright to his engine.
Perhaps our Editor would know.
 
John
Thread: Tipped Tools
14/06/2009 20:09:33
I use tipped toolsallthe time and have done for several years.
The one thing they need to do is to take a reasonable cut.They don't like small cuts because the tool tends to skim over the surface.
If you take a decent cut you should find the finish will improve.
The other thing is that some unbranded tips from some of the smaller suppliers are not very good anyway.
Recommend greenwood tools.
John
Thread: vega v twin for stroke aero engine
11/06/2009 21:02:21
Another update. The engine was serialised in M E in even numbered issues 3768 to 3778 according to the computer index.
I don't know if the drawings were in the Myhobby store plans list, but could not see them.
John
11/06/2009 20:41:27
There was an article on David Parker in ME 4255.
I don't know where the drawings for the Vega were published, it might have been Engineering in Miniature.
John
Thread: good beginner book - timing diagrams, etc
07/06/2009 20:31:19
Hello,
Just joined this forum and saw this question. I am interested in your opinion of the Motor Boys book as I have thought of getting it in the past.
Regarding your query, I bought Malcolm Stride's book Miniature Internal Combustion Engines at Ascot a couple of years ago and it does most of what you say although it concentrates mostly on four stroke engines but has a lot on engine design and timing etc.
It is listed on Amazon.
One of my fellow club members has also built his 15cc single engine and it goes well.
Hope this helps
John
Thread: To Web Master
07/06/2009 20:26:05
Heloo
Just joined uptothis forum, it looks excellent. I too am getting the adverts covering then end of the posts on some pages.I am on IE8 and have not had problems elsewhere.
John
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