I've been working on a few issues on my Karcher MPDS steam cleaner on and off over the last couple of weeks. This thing is actually an ex forces nuclear decontamination unit loosely based on bits of other commercial steam cleaners that they make. I'll do a proper thread about it when it's all up and running, but a tiny little weenie thing gave me HUGE satisfaction today.
Each time I work on this thing I have to shift it with the fork lift. One of the control valves solenoid's had lost it's retaining nut, and it resulted in the solenoid falling off and dangling on it's wire - in danger of getting ripped off as it moves
No sign of the nut anywhere - it's only a M15 x 1.0 mm pitch brass half nut but I had none. Careful measurement verified the size, and ten minutes at the lathe had one made. No chance of threading 'to size' as I cannot trial fit the male part while the embryo nut is in the lathe.
So where was this immense satisfaction - answer - walking out to the stable, and 'just screwing it on'. OK it should fit. I made it to fit. But we all know - especially with internal lathe cut threads- this doesn't always happen.
... only a little thing, but SO satisfying
