Member postings for Paul Lousick

.stp is a data exchange format and can be imported into 3D CAD models by many software packages. I use Solidworks which can read the files but often all of the constraints which hold the model together are lost and have to be re-established which can be a lengthy process.  The .stp file is a 3D scale model from which you produce a drawing and then dimension.

dxf files are a 2D data transfer format which most 2D CAD software can read. .

dwg files are the standard format used by Autocad and used by some others.

I do not use Alibre or Turbocad. Don't these have an import option ?

There are also file viewers/printers that can read these formats that are free to download.

Paul.

Edited By Paul Lousick on 19/02/2022 12:37:12

Electronic part suppliers should have them. We have local shops called Jaycar and I believe that they are in the UK as well.

These are sold on eBay and are inexpensive. They have 5 different magnification lenses and a built in LED light. All made from plastic but does the job. Do a search for Head Magnifier with LED

Different people have a different approach to making the part but I would just hold it in a 3-jaw chuck.

Cut a piece of round bar longer than required. Turn the small ball and taper, then the middle ball and taper. Then take it to the mill to machine flats, holes and keyway,. (un-turned end used to hold the part). Then return to lathe to turn big ball end.

Paul

As stated, if the spacing of the planetary gears are not exactly the same, they will bind.

Paul

Rocol do make a cutting compound but also lots of other lubricants.

Ragoline does not come up on their web site, maybe a superseded product.

Thanks. I have a use for them on another project

Paul

The ratchet wheel was machined much longer than required and a slice cut off to length (spares for next project or if it wears out). A dovetail milling cutter used to make the teeth.

Where do you get miniature sprag clutches ?

Made all parts for my lubricator.

The Diamond tool holder from Eccentric Engineering (advertised here on ME) is a good option. It comes with a simple grinding jig making it very easy to sharpen the cutter with only a standard bench grinder and produces a quality finish.

My Golf Buggy

An SNL0012K11 Internal Threading Turning Tool Boring Bar Holder LH without carbide inserts is advertised on ebay UK (AKA that web site that no one can spell properly) for only £9.

Paul

Edited By Paul Lousick on 08/02/2022 09:16:20

Jeremy, It is worth getting a few quotes for the machining job. Costs vary and someone that already has plenty of work may increase his normal machining rate. Machining is not normally a quick operation that is done in minutes. It takes time to set up the job and tooling and they have to charge for the time taken plus overheads.

Purchasing your own mill is expensive and you have to ask yourself if it will be utilized after you finish this project. A decent mill is expensive and you can spend just as much on tooling for it.

Many machining projects also require parts that are turned on a lathe. .Many most hobbyists start with a lathe first, then get a mill. Simple milling operations can be done on a lathe but turning operations on a mill are difficult.

A photo and details of what you want done would help members here to better advise you. The size and type of projects that you want to make in the future will determine the type of mill required.

Someone on this site may be able to machine the slots for you if they lived nearby to you. (in exchange for a beer, etc)

Paul.

Edited By Paul Lousick on 07/02/2022 09:01:53

For my traction engine build I did the same as PK. Drawings professionally scanned to disc and originals laminated. Building a Minnie will take time and drawings will get dirty or damaged. The build for my 6" Ruston took 7 years.

If they are scanned to disc, you can print a blow-up of the parts you are working on and pin it to the mill or lathe, adjacent to where you are working or take a copy with you if working elsewhere.

Phone cameras are convenient and take excellent photos but cannot compete with a decent camera which I use for special shots and video. (higher resolution, optical zoom, macro, aperture and shutter speed control, post focus, 4K video, etc)

My RF45 mill (similar mill/drill to the Warco GH18) only has a fine feed on the quill. No knee and the height adjustment on the head is not accurate and only used for the initial set up.

It is fitted with a DRO to monitor depth but the quill can be lowered accurately by a few thou for fine cuts.

My previous mill, a Sieg SX3 also had an accurate fine feed on the quill.

Insulating flat mating surfaces to prevent galvanic corrosion is easy by coating the surfaces or placing an insulation material between them but more difficult to prevent it between bolts and the side of the bolt holes because painted on type insulation is easily worn off.

A better option is to use a flanges shoulder washer. Use a steel washer on the outside of the flange and a steel bolt,  ( 2 shoulder washers are normally used, 1 in each of the mating parts.)

Edited By Paul Lousick on 02/02/2022 12:00:45

Virtually every rear wheel drive car and truck, etc has universal joints in the drive shaft and would have a slight cyclic speed error but does not cause a problem.

The jaws on chucks do wear and can be ground with the aid of a special "spider" as shown in this link (and others on Youtube)

**LINK**

I used graphite sealant on the studs that screw into the barrel on my boiler. Graphite based compound is the traditional sealant for threaded and flanged connections on steam engines.