Member postings for Paul Lousick

The later versions of Autocad and Solidworks (and others) can import pdf files and do a reasonable conversion but it depends on which type of pdf file is being used. PDF files exist in vector and raster format and only those in vector format will convert accurately.

Youtube video using Autocad: **LINK**

Unfortunately, I only have Autocad 2007 and Solidworks 2014 which does not have the import modules required and re-draw everything. (Often you have to scale the drawing or modify sizes to suit available material anyway)

Paul

Many CAD packages can import a pdf file and most can import a jpg file. But the imported image is not always exactly to scale. The ratio of the x-axis to the y-axis can be slightly different. OK for a rough outline but not suitable for complex drawings.

Often it is quicker to re-draw everything from scratch than try and tweak an inported image. Lots of examples on Youtube for different CAD packages.

Edited By Paul Lousick on 24/10/2021 02:54:20

Obrigada 

Hi Michael,

A Myford is big enough to make the majority of parts for a 2" or 3" traction engine. And you can get the others made elsewhere. I only have a 9" Southbend lathe (4.5" swing) and built a large model traction engine with a 10" dia boiler and 24" dia wheels. Join a club and you will find members who can help.

Paul.

Hi Nathon,

I am across the pond from you in Australia. My first mill was an SX3 which I purchased from Hare and Forbes (Hafco) in Sydney and was used to machine most of the parts for my 6" traction engine. The electronic controller for the brushless motor started giving problems and Hafco no longer supported Sieg machines and I replaced it with an HF-45 (Rong-Fu clone) which has an AC motor and mechanical gearbox.

Ausee Machines in Melbourne are now agents for Sieg **LINK**

Paul.

And price. Acetylene is much more expensive that propane. I uses the 20kg swap and go BBQ gas bottle and bought a D size Oxy bottle and only pay for the oxygen (cheaper than renting the oxy bottle)

I recently tried to silver solder 2 steel parts together with a Benzomatic MAPP gas torch and could'nt get it hot enough after 5 minutes and switched to oxy-propane witth my smallest nozzle and small flame and it took less than a a minute.

Edited By Paul Lousick on 19/10/2021 05:42:47

Sam,

It looks like an earlier version of the ball turners that use a boring head. (Possibly where the designer got the idea)

Hi Vic,

It;s normally called a ball turner and there are lots of articles and designs on metal work forums, youtube, etc.

(and the previous post to this one)

"Can ANother drawings be opened in Solid-xxxx, if necessary converted to a standard format in their parent programme?"

Yes they can but the 3D model loses all of the constraints that hold it together and it can easily fall apart. Not so much of a problem with a small model but a lot of work with a large multi-part model.

If you do not have the correct software to open a CAD model or drawing,  there are on-line sites that can convert CAD models from one format to another.

Another newer 3D CAD package is FreeCAD. A free and open-source general-purpose parametric 3D computer-aided design modeler and a building information modeling software with finite element method support. Lots of information and tutorials on Youtube. I have only recently viewed the videos and have not used it as I am a Solidworks user but it appears to be similar.

Paul.

Edited By Paul Lousick on 11/10/2021 22:42:11

If you decide to make one, keep us updated. I have already made some small steam engines and a 6" traction engine and a Weir type pump is in the bucket list.

Cheers, Paul

Hello Rodney (from Paul in Sydney) Welcome to the forum.

I believe that Blackgates Engineering, UK may sell castings for model Weir pumps as shown in this video.

**LINK**

I don't have a problem loading up one side of a decent bench vise. A bit different with the cheap pressed metal one on my band saw.

A couple of suggestions.

A typical fluoro tube is is about 45 Watts while a similar LED tube consumes 18 watts. Don't run them all at the same time.

The dark roof will soak up the light. Paint it white or cover it with reflective material and you will not need as many lights.

Paul.

I have had the identical saw for about 7 years and it has done heaps of work and used almost every week. Biggest material cut about 90mm dia steel rod. Compact size and light weight and pick it up with one hand. Mine sits on a milk crate for a stand. They have doubled in price since I bought mine.

Reccommended to use quality bi-metal bndsaw blades. The cost more but last a lot longer. Blade guide bearings have only been replaced once in 7 years. (inexpensive and the same as used in scateboards)

My inly complaint is that it does not have a table for cutting when the saw is vertical but you can always do your own modification.

Edited By Paul Lousick on 01/10/2021 11:29:49

H7 is the standard tolerance for reamers. Other sizes are available but very expensive.

For hobby applications, bore the hole to size, make a D-bit to the required diameter or use an expandable reamer.

Paul.

No familiar with a WM 15 model but info on WM14 and W16 found here

**LINK**

Noel, I am confused about you statement " Bottom nut / glass 1/4" above crownsheet"

Our code states that the bottom (visible) end of the glass shall be above the highest point of the crown of the inner firebox by not less than 10% of the distance from the crown to the outer wrapper.

On copper boilers the top of the fusible plug has to be a minimum of 6mm above the crown and on steel boilers 10mm above the crown. If the water level was down to the bottom nut at 1/4" above the crown, they would be exposed.

I can't comment on a Speedy Bob as I drive traction engines, model and full size and keep the water leved around 1/4 to 3/4 of a glass but it does depend on if you are going up or down a hill. The change in gradient is much bigger on a traction engine than on a rail loco. Not enough water in the boiler and you expose the crown and it can melt. Too much water and the engine will prime and break something. Reading the road ahead and having the right level of water in the boiler comes with experience. Running on a level club track is much easier and you should not have any problems.

Paul.

I see your problem has been solved.

For your info, there are lots of clock springs available on ebay of different widths and thicknesses.

Paul

Our boiler code in Australia states that the bottom (visible) end of the glass shall be above the crown of the firebox by not less than 10% of the distance from the crown to the outer wrapper.