Recent content by len1042

I know what you are talking about in regards to the crappy low cost small keyless chucks. They do not tighten very well and I sometimes have to resort to using a set of pliers to tighten them enough.

All the above are true, but if you really want a straight hole then I believe one of the best ways to obtain this is to follow all the above mentioned advice but stop by drilling the hole undersize. Then bore the hole to the size you want or if you are looking for an exact size hole bore the...

the best way to get a hole on center is as William points out but with the following additions; drill the hole undersize, then bore the hole close to size- this will get the hole running true to the axis of rotation, and then ream the hole to the exact size you want.

Cabin fever is a great place for model builders of all types to meet and see what others have been doing as well as vendors and auctions. Check out their web site and some fantastic videos on YouTube. I will be bringing either my tug boat for the pond or my 1/14 scale truck, not sure which just...

Great job. Hope you enjoy it. FYI, I started a 3/4" Kozo Shay in 1974 but for many of the usual reasons I am just finishing it. All the marching is done and I am working on the final silver soldering of the boiler. Hope mine comes out as well as yours. Len on Long Island, NY

This channel by Joe Pieczynski i(Joe Pie) is one of the best channels to learn different machine shop techniques and trikes. He explains and them demonstrates. He is great and I suggest subscribing to his channel. I am currently working on a 3/4" live steam Shay.

All of the above is very useful and informative but keep in mind that the strength of "locktite" type of adhesives is dramatically effected by elevated temperatures. I am not sure of the limits, see the spec sheets, but I do know that you must apply heat to disassemble some slip joints. Do not...

I just corrected the issue info that the article appeared in. It should be Vol. 41, Number 1 Jan/Feb 2007

Hi, I hope someone can help me find the article that Kozo Hiraoka refers to in his book Building The New Shay. He refers to an article that he calls "safety valves for live steam boilers". The article describes a way to make the valve so that you can adjust the blow-down with a replaceable...

There is a small key in the spindle that engages the collet when the collet is inserted. Make sure the cleaner does not get snagged on the key. The problem you are experiences may not be from dirt but could be caused by the key being damaged. Len

Hi to all, I just got back to completing my Kozo Shay that I started way too many years ago. I have not done the fire box yet and I'm interested in using propane or butane. Can your share the details of your burner design. Thanks, Len (freezing on Long Island)

Hi Gail. do you know the name and another info for either the plans or castings for the otto langen engine. Thanks, Len