Open Source models

Hi There

We just talking about a set of plans created by a joint effort that have no copyright.

You can buld a model from published plans but can't build several and sell them.

Open source models is a new idea so any thoughts are welcome.

The basic idea is that the model (project) is buitl and added to by anybody who wishes to.

regards David

My Open Source definition:

When Mr. Webster publishes a crappy plan (and gets paid for it) and Mr. Jason makes the necessary corrections (for free)!

Greetings, Hansrudolf

Ian,

You are permitted to make a photocopy of a page (or similar) for personal research purposes, that is why public libraries allow you to use their photocopier. Talk to the Librarian to be told the limitations. I never take original drawings into the workshop for obvious oilly reasons.

A clock, c1972

Sam

Don't intend to hijack your post but great to see your blog! I look forward to reading your posts.

I don't intend to join the "build"; however, I know there will be numerous useful tips, ideas, machining how-tos.

What about releasing the drawings using a creative commons style license. Wouldn't want someone passing the drawings off as their own and making a fortune out of them. Opensource software is released under a licence that allows for modification or inclusion in other projects but restricts resale for profit.

How about a selection of categories, something useful for the workshop, something to play with etc. This way the projects could be split across both ME & MEW. I know when I started with machine tools, acquiring all the different tools was expensive unless you can make them. But it is nice to have a model at the end that can be proudly be displayed.

Hansrudolf - I think your definition fits the situation well. However, you missed one extra thing - the editor arguing with Mr.Jason repeatedly!

JD

I like the idea, but I have a problem is the question of what are the constraints on tooling? To date it has been suggested that a 7X12 (3 1/2X12 in the U.K.) lathe. Any milling and drilling needed must be do-able in the lathe. If that is the case we would have to describe how to make any special tools needed as a series of sub projects.

What sort of model? In my opinion it must be the following

1. A ‘quick and dirty’ thing. This is to give quick results.
2. It will work first time even with ‘rattling good fits’.
3. It must teach the beginner the ‘how to do it’ and later in the project ‘how to figure out how to do it’.
4. No castings (but these could be ‘optional extras&rsquo.
5. It must ‘do something’ not just chug round.
6. It may have optional (cheap) bought in parts. That is you can buy them or make them.
7. It should use ‘stock materials’ which to me means working in Metric. But we should always remind people of the ‘magic number’ 25.4.
8. I would suggest a limit of no more than 48 parts.

So what is it to be? I have few suggestions (which I will draw if wanted). These would be: -

1. A ‘contraption’ which seems to defy gravity (8 to 9 parts).
2. A form of ‘Fergusons paradox’ machine. I do not really like that one.
3. An Orrary which could come in one of two forms. The first is type which shows the position of the moon vis-à-vis the earth which also uses a form of ‘Fergusons paradox’. Secondly the type is one which shows the rotation of the ‘4 inner planets and (our moon)’. In both cases one could buy in the gear wheels.
4. A thumb motor which drives a little generator with a lamp or an LED, or a little compressor which blows a whistle.
5. One of Heron of Alexandria little ‘applied miracles’. I like the ‘programmable cart’ and the ‘glutton’s chalice’ which is messy but fun.

All of these are what I would call ‘Dinner table’ items which ‘SWAMBO’ would be glad to drag out to show how cleaver her ‘HITS’ is. At the moment I think 5 suggestions are enough from me, except to say that a locomotive to my mind too large a project for a beginner as it would take them too long to get a result.

Who or what is ‘HITS’ well it is “Him in the Shed”.

Rdgs

Dick

Edited By Richard Parsons on 14/05/2012 04:32:57

A small planned programme much like an apprentices first six months at the bench, Making a 'Center' finder' for scribing across round materiels, then a pair of 'Parallel' clamps'.

This would entail filing and marking out and drilling and small turning tasks.

Going on from that and make a 'Scribing block and scriber', turning and fitting of parts.

Further projects like making a 'Cylindical square' and even a 'Try Square', all leading up to a model that will give pleasure in making and running.

This 'Programme' would include a list of tools to buy like taps and dies and files and drills, including a 'How to do it' listing.

The tools all helping to make the model as a result of the whole experience.

Clive

Edited By Clive Hartland on 14/05/2012 07:53:25

To get this project kick-started, all we need is someone to submit something that they are willing to share - good or bad, finished or not, it doesn't matter!

The whole point of these plans and models being open-source is that they will morph into something worthwhile and hopefully, with wide appeal.

I also agree with the comments of both Clive Hartland and John Haine.

Martin.

But if they are bad and unfinished surely they are not fit for purpose ?

LOL!!

Martin.

Hi John

They can be as bad as you like.

If they were perfect it would defeat the object as no one would be able to improve on them.

I will dig an unfinished project out.

I have just the thing.

regards David

Parting off tool holder.

Here are three drawings of a parting off tool holder.

There is a main drawing and two others.

One has a short base for a long cross slide as fitted to a Super 7 and ML7R.

The other base is a long one is intended for an ML7 and the back of the parting off tool can hang off the back of the short cross slide.

I have DXF drawings if anyone would like them.

What has not been designed is the clamping system for the blade.

I would cut a recess below the blade to take a 3/32 x 1/2 inch piece of hardened gauge plate with the top edge angled slightly. I would put a couple of 3mm grub screws towards the top to tilt the blade square. All that is needed is a clamp system to fix the blade in place.

I might be able to photograph a body shortly, I know I have the short tool partially made.

I think I have the long one somewhere as well.

Over to you.

regards David

Hi There

Four photos

This is the tool with a short base.

regards David

With open source - there is a caveat - you are free to use it - copy it and modify it - but if you modify it you must also make your modifications available. This would also sound a good idea!

Keith

Just love that use of metric dimensions on two drawings and imperial on the first nothing like it to confuse a beginner.

J

Hi Jason

The drawings were done at different times and were not intended to be used together.

Imperial was done first as a general idea.

Parts were done in metric but the upright was not finished.

regards David

Hi there

Mounting bracket for Dremel.

regards David

Dremel bracket on ML7

Dremel bracket

Dremel bracket on ML10

Edited By David Clark 1 on 14/05/2012 17:27:00