{"id":209,"date":"2022-02-23T03:50:56","date_gmt":"2022-02-23T03:50:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smallsteamengines.com\/?page_id=209"},"modified":"2023-01-08T15:59:32","modified_gmt":"2023-01-08T15:59:32","slug":"about-the-machinist","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/smallsteamengines.com\/index.php\/about-the-machinist\/","title":{"rendered":"About the Machinist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Background and information on the machinist and engine builder.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since my retirement a few years ago, I have explored several avocational pursuits.  I wanted something to challenge my mind yet endeavor to create a pleasant and enjoyable experience.  I finally turned to being an amateur machinist.  I have always enjoyed working with tools.  And a machinist is constantly challenged.  Every setup to proceed machining a part can be challenging.  In this way my mind is kept alert and as my skills develop, I can move on to problems ever more challenging.   In this way my mind is kept keen and alert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have channeled my efforts to the machining of steam engines.  I chose this particular area because my father had always wanted to be a mechanical engineer.  Instead, he became an industrial arts teacher specializing in radio, television and electronics.  My professional endeavors were in earth sciences and I became a geologist and geophysicist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don’t pretend to have a professional capability as a machinist.  I don’t spend a lot of time polishing or making beautiful items.  I am more interested in the PRINCIPLE OF CONCEPT.  All parts must function and operate correctly.  I hone or polish cylinders and pistons and alignment is often critical.  Most remaining components will show scratches and tool marks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My Machines<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attached below is pictured the original lathe I used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I used this lathe to produce a small engine marketed by PM Research. It consisted of a small casting and associated bar stock. Having only this small, outdated lathe and with a drill press, I machined this to its final form. Lo and behold, it worked wonderfully. I even include a short movie of the working engine among the Word Press pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This small lathe was inherited from my father. It was dirty and covered with grease and oil. A little research showed that it was marketed by Sears in 1949 for the cost of $49.95. The reason for its bright shiny appearance today is because I have totally restored it and added a new motor and much needed tooling. However, I don’t use this lathe any longer. I graduated to a Grizzly Industrial mini-lathe and added a much needed mini-mill. I made the decision to pursue this avocation after I had retired early at the age of 56 in 1998.        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I quickly discovered that the Internet was teeming with users of similar interest. I joined several user groups and learned needed lessons from amateurs and professionals. I also discovered there are a plethora of small steam engine plans available. I choose to scratch build my machines instead of using castings prepared by others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today I have enlarged my workshop many times over. I have purchased larger lathes and milling machines, again from Grizzly, my favorite machine shop. I\u2019ve also added other machines such as metal cutting band saws and grinders. I continue to rely heavily on Grizzly since their machines are reliable and accurate for my purposes, and their cost is not prohibitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attached below are pictures of my current lathe and milling machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This is an update as of November 20, 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

My Grizzly Industrial G0769 has started giving me problems. Therefore, I have decided to arm myself with a newer, bigger lathe …. the G0752. I choose this lathe because it is a lathe only (no vertical drill attachment). Also it has a VFD. The VFD takes single phase 110 volts and convers it to three phase 220 volts. This provides me with more torque at lower RPM and additionally provides variable speeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lathe has a swing of 10 inches and is 22 inches between centers. This allows me the opportunity of working on larger projects. Althrough this is still considered a “hobby” lathe category, It enlarges my work area to fit the sizes of builds I typically work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I look forward to utilizing making threads on this machine. I will continue to utilize screws, nuts and washers for normal applications but larger threads of metric and US sizes are easymade easily.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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