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Many years ago I built a Gauge 1 version of Ernest Glaser's "Cracker". Cracker, originally Gauge 0, is a single cylinder, gear driven, single acting oscillating engine with a gas fired boiler. Here are a few examples of Cracker. The plans for Cracker are available at...

Several years ago, I did a series on cutting spur gears using the methods in the “Workshop Practice Series” book #17, “Gears and Gear Cutting” by Ivan Law: Mr Law's method works great. You can follow his techniques without deviation. However, recently I found another...

In May 2011 (5/16/2011 to be exact) I started a thread on Harold Hall's basic dividing head. I plan to re-do that build, so I would like to update the original thread with new photo links. How do I edit that thread? Did not see a way to edit (unless I missed it) Thanks, Bob

See this OK?? Always liked this engine. Another "un-started project"

The task is to cut some custom spur gears in the home shop. If the gears work out they will go into a little live steam project. The gears are 48 diameteral pitch. Diameteral Pitch or DP is the relation between the number of teeth on the gear and its pitch diameter. For 48 DP, a 1 inch pitch...

Another handy tool I’ve always wanted is a small boring head for the lathe or mill. Handy to have, but maybe not worth the investment of purchasing one outright. The plan for this boring head came from the internet somewhere, I don’t remember where I found it. Joe Worthy drew the plan in Feb...

Got started on the Harold Hall “Basic” dividing head project. This dividing head appears in the Workshop Practice Series #37 on Dividing by Mr Hall. It uses a “direct” method of indexing, namely change gears for a lathe. The change gears are from an Atlas 6”. Mr Hall leaves the design somewhat...

All right, it’s spring. Snow is gone, weather is warming up and everyone is getting ready for summer. But, before blasting off, get in the shop and clean up. They are a mess after a long winter’s work. You know what I am talking about so let’s get on it. Get the workbench cleaned off and washed...

Something I’ve always wanted was a better way to grind HHS tooling for the lathe. Research on the internet found a really neat precision grinding table designed and built by Harold Hall. This is Mr Hall’s grinding table: The table is used in conjunction with a regular bench grinder. The plan...

I just bought a 14" Rigid brand bandsaw from Home Depot. The spec sheet says that the blade speed is 2700 feet per minute. When I assembled the machine and turned it on for the first time, it seemed the blade was going a lot faster then 2700 FPM. I did some math and came up with a blade speed...

Has anyone modified a standard 14" woodcutting vertical band-saw to cut metal by building up a speed reduction mechanism. How's it working out? I'm thinking about modifying mine. Thanks, Bob

Years ago I bought these two books with the plan to get a lost wax foundry (and maybe sand) up and running some day. "Lost Wax or Investment Casting" by James E. Sopcak and "Li'l Brthea", A Compact Electric Resistance Shop Furnace" by David J. Gingery Have any of you built any of this...

For years I had an old General Electric motor on my Atlas 6". When it finally died, I replaced it with a cheap import motor from Harbor Freight. It was terrible, vibrated like crazy, very loud, shook the whole bench, stuff falling to the floor. About 6 months ago I replaced it with a Leeson...

I just downloaded some files that are in .SLDPRT file format. I believe that is Solidworks. Is there a free viewer out there that allows looking at these type? Thanks in advance, Bob

I have an old Unimat SL in need of restoration. What size are the belts? I see plenty of replacement belts, but would like to know this size of them. I have heard that DC motors are used as a replacement for the original. Any thoughts? Thanks Bob

What do you guys use for fuel for compression ignition engines? I saw a formula somewhere once that called for ether and caster oil.

This little steam loco project is a single cylinder oscillator, gear and chain driven, 0-4-0 in 7/8” = 1 foot scale. The engine is single acting with a 1/2" bore and 11/16” stroke. The transmission is by gear to an intermediate shaft and then ladder chain to the lead axle. Total gear reduction...

I have a set of plans for a Jerry Howell "Bill" engine. The cylinder is a water jacket type with a cast iron sleeve: 1" bore, 1/16" wall, 2.5" long. Is something like that commercially available, or do you whittle one out of solid? Thanks, Bob

Hello HMEM. I've been studying this board for about a year and am totally amazed at the quality and complexity of the work you guys do. Truly wonderful. I am into live steam. Built a Stuart Turner 10V, 10H, and #7. Also like to build Gauge 1 live steam and have 2 designs by LBSC done. Currently...