A gadgets and small builds issue

For some time in early 2016, perhaps February or March cover date, I'm looking at having an issue of MEW dedicated to short, snappy build articles. Nothing more than, say, four pages.

I think it would be a nice change for readers to have one issue that was packed full of things to make, all of which are the sort of thing you could do in a weekend or a few evenings.

That way there would be sure to be a few handy items of interest to each reader and across the whole issue there could be plenty of 'tips and wrinkles'. Ideally some would be an easy job for a beginner, others would be useful accessories for a more experienced reader.

The only thing is, if I do this I don't want to use up all my stock of short articles in one go!

If anyone has Stan Bray's 'Useful Workshop Tools' or 'Making Small Workshop Tools', that's the sort of level of detail I'd be looking for. Or see my box tool (below) as an example of something useful but reasonably simple.

I'm not looking to change MEW permanently, I just think an issue like this would be a good read for existing readers and might also encourage some beginners.

If you want to suggest or offer an article, reply here or email me: [email protected]

Neil

I'd love to see something on photographing shiny metal things in a gloomy workshop

Ha, that's not my best workshop shot!

As photography is neither a gadget nor a small build, I take it that no-one is interested in such an issue

Neil

I think it's a very good idea and one with plenty of merit.

Over on the HSM forum for the past few years they have taken readers tips [ with permission ] and spun them off into a stand alone booklet.

The first two were called Readers tips 1 and 2 and the lastest ones are called shop made tools, taken from a long running thread of the same name.

In fact they have just released the 4th booklet in the series. Shop Made Tools 2015

sounds a great idea.I have the complete collection now of MEW but for those without early issues that could be good.

All experiences can be learned from.

I think it's a great idea - go for it.

That's more encouraging!

I hope to use mostly new material, so anyone who can offer a design, please get in touch.

Neil

I, too, would be very interested in "short, snappy build articles".

The only projects I ever manage to finish are of the short sharp variety. Good idea.

Don't the words 'short' and 'snappy' refer to steel which is over-hard? Just what we don't want, then, ha, ha ...

But the idea of 'I use it every week and I made it from scrap' is sound.

Cheers, Tim

It might make for a more interesting read than the last issue!

Just the welding and lathe articles had any interest for me (partly because I have met Gary and seen his workshop) although I found even that slightly confusing as I wasn't sure if I was reading about the Delux or the original lathe! Then a reference to a Boxford turned up!

Do MEW use a proof reader?

It seems clear enough to me? The article is about the12x36, but previously he had a Boxford and eventually the 12z36 was replaced with a Crusader deluxe?.

Neil

Cracking idea Neil - how about even shorter - like a single page. It might also work for "sub-assemblies" too - so say the build of a governor or a reversing gear, rather than a whole engine.

Steve

Single pagers welcome, if anyone will write them for me!