Hello from the North East

Hello there.

I'm a new member from the North East of England, and a raw beginner in the field of Model Engineering.

I have recently purchased a new Axminster C2 lathe, and I'm chuffed to bits with it. I'm currently 'tooling up' and adding items bit by bit to my lathe as funds allow. With the agreement of my partner I have it set up on a nice solid table in an unused back bedroom, which is the only space available to me. (I have a garage but it is cold and damp in there...) My next purchase will be a drilling machine.

I'd like to build a small live steam locomotive, and I have been reading the writings of LBSC, Henry Greenly and others, along with books on model engineering and whatever back-issues of 'Model Engineer' I can get hold of. I also harbour an ambition to build a long case clock.

I look forward to reading your answers to my many questions!

Best wishes of the season to you all.

Regards

SP.

Hello there, welcome, I think it would be a good idea for you to join a model engineering club where you may find a member who is also interested in clocks. Members might have some tooling in which they wish to sell and which you might need. In PEEMS surplus tool prices are so low they might fall through the floor on auction evening. I suggest seek advice about which drilling machine to buy, not all drilled holes are circular, that is where club membership comes in. John

welcome to the madhouse, as a raw beginner don't be afraid to ask questions, there are no daft questions (although you may get some daft answers )

You haven't said what your budget is for a drilling machine but, if space is limited and with your aspirations of building a loco and clocks, you may want to look at a suitably sized bench top milling machine. You can drill with a milling machine but you can't effectively mill with a drilling machine. Some have tried and had varying success but a drilling machine is not designed for the loads presented when milling. Just some food for thought.

Whereabouts in the North East do you hail from,I was born in Hartlepool and grew up in the Middlesbrough area but flew south many years ago with work and have settled in Hampshire.

Gray

Hi there SP & welcome; where abouts in the north east are you situated, I'm on the outskirts of 'Boro'... Marton. If I can be of any help be sure to drop me a pm, as said any questions you have some one on here will provide the answer.

George.

Thank you all.

I'm near Bishop Auckland in County Durham. I would like a milling machine, and I do plan to get one, but for now It's going to have to be a bench drill from Warco or one of the other suppliers. Anything has to be better then doing it freehand like I've had to up to now. It doesn't have to be perfect for now, just 'enough'

Has anyone been to the exhibition in the York Railway Museum about the historic loco models? Any good?

SP I can recommend the book MAKING AN EIGHT DAY LONGCASE CLOCK by Alan Timmins if you can find one

Roy

SP

Welcome. I am in a similar position to you. I have a lathe (Sieg C3). I already have a pillar drill and am starting to make a simple oscillating steam engine, this will be followed by a simple boiler.

The lack of Milling facilities is hampering me and I looking to get a bench top milling machine next. Probably Sieg SX2P.

I'm a bit further north than you (Morpeth in Northumberland).

As for York. Went there about 20 years ago.. loved it. Need to go again soon.

Alex

SP

I'm just up the road in Crook and would happily supply you with lots of older copies of Model Engineer to give you hours of reading pleasure over the Christmas holidays.

RGR

Hi SP,

Welcome to the forum, looks like you have several offers of support!

Neil

Hi all, as this post seems to be the home of the North East branch Ill chuck my hat in the ring! Based in Weardale Co. Durham. Im in the market for a lathe, sub £1000 for 16mm/foot model and loco building.

Paul

Hi Paul,

I suggest you post a 'wanted' ad, or start a new thread (or read some of the many 'advice on a new lathe' threads...)

Neil

Cheers Neil.

Hello Paul,

Where abouts in Weardale are you? I used to live in Frosterley and went to school in Wolsingham. If I hear of any suitable lathes locally I will let you know.

Hi Reg,

Nr St John`s, there are plenty on the web but all located too far away to view. I was contemplating the old Brit versus new Chinese conundrum. I like the simplicity of say a Myford ML10/7 rather than electronic speed controls etc but the lack of local options means buying new maybe the way to go.

Edited By paul humphries on 21/12/2019 14:16:06

Hi, I'm near newcastle so give me a shout if you need anything as materials and or tooling can be expensive too. Collecting machines and tooling is addictive .....enjoy.

Paul Humphries,

You have a Private Message from me.

Regards Tom

If you build an engine up then post pictures. I really admire you guys who build them with such precision. An old friend of mine has built many & I reckon a few on here will know him. His smallest was a little Black 5 which was about 14" long. I spent many hours looking at the beautiful engineering work that went into it. His largest is a I think 1/4 scale Foden steam wagon. Again beautifully built. Randy Blackburn from Leeds if anyone knows him. Unfortunately he is not very well at the moment.