Recent content by pmercer

HDPE is the material I wanted for various reasons. I struggled to find any other supplier. I made some tapered inserts to act as mandrels. I then heated up the pipe @ 120c for 20 minutes and the mandrels were easy to push into the pipe at each end. Once the pipe cooled, I was able to knock...

Hi gents, It is indeed HDPE pipe used for water or gas (normally with a coloured sheath on it). It can be bought in coils, but can also be purchased in straight lengths. I looked around and I couldn't find any other supplier of HDPE pipe at this size other than water/gas suppliers. It must...

I've just re-read my reply and it's just twigged that the above assumption may be wrong. Assuming the pipe look like an egg, taller than it is wide. If I reduce thickness at top and bottom (say 1mm) the extra remaining thickness on the left and right will try and reduce diameter and pull the top...

Hi gents Thanks for all your suggestions. I've tried using heat to fix scratches, dings etc and have had some success. It's very slow to do and there is still a witness line where I add more material or heat it. I don't have a press or anywhere to put one unfortunately. The wall thickness...

Gents, Thanks for all suggestions. I tried to sand the surface but some of the dings and dents are too deep. I've not tried with any sort of powered sander so I'll give that a go. I tried with a large propane torch that I have and although it melted the plastic, it didn't fill in the dings...

Hi guys. I'm in need of a tool, but can't find what I need. I'd describe it as a 'lathe shaver' but have clearly made that name up.. Maybe if I describe what I need it to do, someone will know of a tool?? I have a section of 225mm diameter HDPE pipe that I need to turn down just enough to...

And remember to take deep breaths through your nose. The smell of cut Oak is amazing. (try not to breathe in the dust though)

That is amazing. I'd love to have a look around there with a full demo!!

I've not been on here in a long while, and have just updated a thread I started and now have seen this. Absolutley amazing and brings back a few memories. I used to do a lot of loss wax castings in SS and Alu using a theremojet. Had to outsource the castings to get my parts cast for my model...

Not been on here for a long time (normally lurk anyway) but just in case this is of use to anyone, I've changed e-mail to [email protected] Not in the industry anymore, but am still up to date on most RP technologies if any advice is needed.

Once I've screwcut something, to get rid of the sharp outer edge, I speed up the rpm on the lathe and use a bit of 1200grit paper. This gives a nice smooth finish. I sometimes do this on die cut threads as well if they are sharp.

I'm not on here all too often and this is probably just a pipe dream for most home engineers due to finances, but I've been in the Rapid Prototyping industry for 11 years. If anyone needs any advice on RP techniques or methods, drop me a line and I'll do my best to help. Post on here so all can...

Hi Oldmechthings This is exactly the gatling gun that I am building. I recognise the prints. I redesigned mine to take .22Lr as the shorts are very hard to obtain in the uk. Great idea on how to do the cams. My first attempt was to cast a set, but they weren't round. After machining they were...

GreekGeorge, Do you have any pictures of your model? I've not managed to do anything on mine for months. I'm still waiting for the casting to come back from the foundry. It;s been nearly a year. I think I'm going to get new models made and try a different foundry!! George, do you have any...

Firstly, WOW, That really is a piece of work. I know after a few years of work on my gatling gun how much effort goes into these models. If anyone is interested in seeing my progress it can be seen at www.paulssite.co.uk/gatling_gun.html Actually you can build this in the UK as long as you have...