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Thanks guys, Will start with 3/8" diameter on some scrap and see how it goes. John

I can find many tables which suggest the appropriate drill size to use when tapping a thread into a hole, but I cannot find any information on what diameter I should turn a rod down to when I wish to use a die to run a thread onto the rod. For example, I wish to thread a rod 3/8" x 24 UNF. What...

Thanks Phil - will try the scratch test. John

Thanks for the comments. The Flieshmann toy engine I have here has a 2:1 piston length to diameter but I think 3:1 would be better to make the piston run smoother in the bore, considering the sideways forces on it in an oscillating engine. Thanks for the comments regarding brass, bronze, gun...

That Mazak way cover looks complicated - good luck! Maybe a roller blind idea may do the same job. John

Hi Bob. I looked at a leadscrew deflector for my lathe (Sieg C3) but there is not much clearance behind the carriage apron and also there is the problem of the split nut that clamps on the leadscrew. One idea is to make a short deflector out of sheet aluminium and attach it with magnets to the...

Here are some photographs of some felts I put on the front of the carriage of my lathe to stop chips being trapped between the carriage and the ways. I made these using magnetic rubber cut from fridge magnets - the local real estate agents keep up a supply of these to my mail box along with all...

Neat little engine! Now on to greater things! Congratulations. John

Thanks guys. As usual lots of usefull advice. I have found some dies among some assorted old bits and pieces that only have a taper on one side so will go with this method. All the newer dies I have all have tapers both sides. I like the idea of cutting threads in reverse, away from the lathe...

How do you cut a thread close up to a shoulder? With a lathe, the width of the tool stops you cutting a thread right up to a shoulder. Using a die, all the ones I have, have a tapered entry both sides so that when the body of the die meets the shoulder the cut thread is 2-3 mm back. Can be...

How about making your own transistors? Have a look at http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Andrew_Wylie/homemade.HTM John

Hi Firebird I am thinking along the same lines as you regarding building a boiler. From what I can find, toy steam engines run on boiler pressures under 20 psi - probably more like 5 to 10 psi. Anyone actually measured operating pressures? The toy Fleishmann engine I have has a soft soldered...

A really neat compressor! Do you have a pressure switch on it that cuts power to the motor when the desired pressure is reached? John

Hi Julian While on Sieg lathes, have you any experience with using their verticle slide attachment for a little light milling? This is the device I'm talking about. Maybe it is rubbish but I can't justify the cost of a mill at the moment. Regards John

Here is another.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have looked at TWOCOWS in the past for other things but will check it for CAD programs you have suggested. Bye the way if anyone wants a simple circuit diagram drawing program that also designs printed circuit boards as well have a look at...

Turned up a flywheel and assembled the engine. Does it run? It sure does. Just blowing down the tube turns it over but you soon run out of puff. Connected to my 12v car tyre inflater it goes like a ripper. Sorry I don't have video. Vibration is a bit of a problen but what can you expect from a...

Does anyone know of a simple CAD program (preferably free) that could be used to make simple drawings of simple engines by simple people? All that I have looked at are fine if you want to draft the complete plans of the Titanic, engines and all, but are a bit too complex for the sort of engine...

Thanks Julian Have taken all that on board. I bought my lathe through a local tool store that mainly deals with wood working gear and they didn't seem to know too much about metal lathes. I think they had got a few of these lathe in as a trial to see how they sold, as I got it for a good...

Hi Julian I have a Sieg C3 lathe like yours. Quite new and so far the bearings seem fine. The only problems I have had is the micro-switch on the chuck safety cover jamming and the lathe not starting. A bit of adjustment sorted that out. Am a bit worried about the plastic main gears breaking...