What sort of things DO NOT inspire you

I am not enamoured of many of the subjects of models beloved of others (eg ic engines, clocks) but I can always admire the skill and craftsmanship put into their construction, and on a practical level seeing setups etc in a constructional article for either of these has more than once come in when trying to do something that I am interested in.

After being kept out of the workshop for far too long by (hopefully temporary) ill health do you want to know my specialist subject for Mastermind??

The prevalence of programmes about Nazis and the Titanic on cable TV and its affect on the current generation!

Using the word build to describe a house a model or project .Build is a verb and is increasingly used to replace a noun.

Frank

simply one word RAIN.......hate stuff, never been inspired to go out in it for fun........

similar to lack of sun........

sorry, just a sad old bloke.....

Nice one, or should I say two. ! Made me chuckle

What doesn’t inspire me...Using tools for jobs they are definitely not designed for... this stems from the time when my Sister used one of my Father’s best chisels to open a tin of paint many years ago. When I told him my Sister had used this he did believe me - needless to say I got the blame. Since then I try to make sure the tool is for the purpose it’s intended for. I occasionally remind my Sister that I got a telling off for her miss use of one of Dad’s best chisels. She says she can’t remember the incident!

and... there’s another thing - people using angle grinders when they can’t be bothered to use dare I say ‘a hack saw’! Angle grinders are great for... wait for it - grinding. Where a file can’t be used. Mine stays in the box most of the time!

Edited By Johnboy25 on 22/02/2020 20:54:08

With the right disc, angle grinders are great for cutting.

A good angle grinder saves you hours of effort over the years

Those precious hours can be used to do more productive things

So you only use a treadle lathe and hand drills? Consider bandsaws and milling machines unnecessary?

Tools exist purely to make work easier, so while I often cut off one piece with a hacksaw multiple parts get done with a cutting disc in the angle grinder. Looking at a tool you already have and realising it will do another job on your list is an essential engineering life skill.

Getting embroiled in pettiness when this hobby is about enjoying what we do. I love to learn about new skills, and get constantly annoyed with how slowly I seem to pick them up myself. I'm very lucky that my local MES is so supportive and patient!

Basically anything that strips the enjoyment out of what is supposed to be fun. Not many of us are lucky enough to do this full time. I'm 30 years off of retirement but I'd love to have the time to do these things before my eyes get totally knackered.

+1 for that.

What I don't understand is the fascination the model engineering fraternity has with hot air engines. While most other model engines develop some power hot air engines are pathetic (except for a very few).

JA

.

Surely that’s the basis of the fascination ... the challenge

MichaelG.

And that lack of power creates the challege in getting a well fitted engine with minimal friction that will run smoothly or simply to just run..

But they are more efficient than internal combustion engines...

Neil

But But But aren't all engines hot air engines??

Regards Ian.

Don't you mean "Aren't all model engineers hot air engines?"

My only interest in "hot air" machines was when I used one in reverse, mechanical power (electric motor) IN, very (VERY) cold out. Actually pretty close to absolute zero.

Are they?

Most operate at near atmospheric pressures and low temperatures, not conditions for good efficiency.

I agree that they have to be well made, to work at all.

JA