Search results

Awesaaaaaame!!!11!!one! Thanks for all your help, advice and replies! Yah, I think I'm going to back away from the chop saw scene. I want some that can cut a variety of metals and seeing as how chop saws cut by grinding, well, what was I thinking? My machining instructors would be disappointed...

In trying to think of all the things I'll need for my hobby size machine shop, I realized I don't have a way to cut my stock. What do you guys use to cut the stock to make your model engines and what can I get away with? I'm trying to find one of those horizontal bench top band saws for cheap or...

I've been looking for a way to get my own machines so I can start making engines in the confines of my apartment. I'm feeling good about these two machines from LittleachineShop.com. I don't think they would sell junk and I think the support their products well...

I'm looking for some good reading to help me learn the trade. Model Engine specific books would be great too. What books do all of you think have the best information? I'm kind of into the old-school craftsman thing too. Do you guys have any titles for me? Thanks for any help. Adam

I'm by no means an expert, I only did a little project for school on Stirling engines. From what I gather the biggest factor determining the power of a Sterling is the temperture difference between the cylinders. Not so much size. I think there's a book out there that describes a Stirling that's...

Wow. Ask and ye shall receive! You guys are phenomenal. I hope I can at least get close to your level of skill as I work on my career as a machinist. And Mr. cfellows, that really is something! I'm sure it can feed the model engines I'm looking to make, but how large an engine do you think...

I got into the idea of building engines because you start with nothing but stock and give it life. That's why I don't like the idea of putting an RC carb I bought on the Jerry Howell Power House or the Webster engines I plan on making. I'd like to make ALL of the engine or at least as much as...

If anyone is curious, I did find a source for these. The only way to get these plans is to buy the 7 back issues of "The Home Shop Machinist" from Nov./Dec. 1996 to Nov./Dec. 1997. The number for the publisher is 1-800-447-7367. The total cost would be $35 for all 7 issues and shipping. Not...

Thanks for all the advice everybody. I'm feeling a lot better about making a decision. I know it's expensive but I'm really liking this machine: http://www.billstoolcrib.com/RONGFU.HTM A DRO and stand for $2214, and all that capacity! Pricey but seems like a lot for the money. That and a...

Thank you Mr. Dan Rowe! You've made it possible for me to keep being an impossible tolerance chasing, anal, wanna be machinist. I can't help it, I'm German. At the end of this semester's machining class I did get the "Best overall craftsmanship, but it took forever!" award. I'll have to post a...

Thanks guys. I'd heard of the travel indicator trick, but that still only gives you 2" of precise measurement. I guess you have to use measuring tape for the other 14" of travel. It just seems odd to me that they don't at least tweak calipers or a depth gage to get at least 6" of precise...

Pardon my ignorance and over abundance of posts but I'm new to this trade and hobby. As you may have already seen, I'm shopping around for a lathe. I was looking at the Jet BD-920W: http://www.machinetools4sale.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=3423 It looked like a nice lathe for as little as $1200...

Thanks for the advice. After obsessing on the internet all day, I'm leaning toward mill like the Sieg/OTCO X2 and a smaller Jet or Grizzly lathe. All this information can be overwhelming! I'm ready to just throw my hands up and say "If you've made model engines that run, just tell me what...

Hello everyone, I'm a machining student that has completed his first year of school and I'm interested in buying some of my own machines. Namely, the two fundamental to most shops, a lathe and a vertical mill. My classes haven't really covered how to pick out good equipment for the home shop. I...

Thanks gentlemen! $42 is a little much for one set of plans, but I have a feeling I'll be getting a lot more from this book. Adam

Hello everyone, I'm a machining student and I'm collecting plans for future projects. I'm really interested in tackling Rudy Kouhoupt's sirling powered model tractor as seen here: http://www.stirlingsouth.com/Roy/others/j_horne/john_horne.htm Does anyone know where I can buy/find these plans...