MadModder
Gallery, Projects and General => Gallery => Topic started by: Sandman on April 11, 2009, 05:37:49 AM
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As my introduction explained, I'm into restoring old toy steam engines. I thought members might like to see what kind of end product I try to achieve.
This project was an old Bowman M122, circa around 1930. It was in a sorry state when I bought it and required a bit of TLC to restore.
It needed, oiler taps, filler plug thread and plug, whistle handle, burner and a full repaint. I managed to produce the taps, plugs etc using my trusty drill lathe, but the burner threw up a few problems. I solved that by lopping the bottom off a measuring cup, soldering on a bottom and making a filler plug and wick holder.
I was really pleased with the outcome, and chuffed that it made engine of the month in the toy steam forum competition. Pics below.
Before pics.
(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h314/steamsandy/Bowmantwin.jpg)
(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h314/steamsandy/Bowmantwin4.jpg)
After pics.
(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h314/steamsandy/resto8.jpg)
(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h314/steamsandy/resto10.jpg)
(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h314/steamsandy/resto7.jpg)
Burner Pic.
(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h314/steamsandy/Burner13.jpg)
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That's some very tidy work you have produced there, very nice indeed. :clap:
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Nice Job Sandy :clap: :clap:
Stew
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By `ek Sandy......
That`s a bit of magic, that is...... :bow:
David D
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:bugeye: Thats some fantastic work there Sandy. Drill lathe... I am curious to see the technique.
Eric
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I'm with Eric. I'm also curious to see that technique. Video if possible. :poke:
That's a fantastic job you've done on that model. Definatly talent there.
Bernd
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Definitely got talent and more than ample ambition and motivation!!!!! Nice work for a fellow that is tool limited. When you have lemons, make lemonaide, nice pint of lemonaide. :beer: Welcome to the group, looking foreward to seeing additional feats of magic and other slight of hand demonstrations.
Cliff
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Very well done...interesting reproduction of the badge...I personally wonder just how far to go in refurbishing these and other models.
All the best for now,
John.
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Thanks for all the kind vibes guys. Much appreciated.
The Drill lathe I refer to, is simply a powerful mains powered electric drill gripped tightly in a vice.
Once the desired bar is gripped in the chuck, I use a selection of files to achieve the shape needed for the part. If a thread is needed, I just use a selection of hand taps and dies. My parting off tool is simply a hacksaw. The only thing that defeats me is a way of knurling. If I could think of a way to do that I'd be really happy. Also this method is obviously limited to the production of small parts.
I know it's rather primitive, but it does the job.
How far to go in refurbishing is a contentious issue that rears its head in most circles. The way I look at it is that if the demon rust has a hold on and old engine, then it's doomed unless tackled. When I fix it, I might as well return it to pristine condition as I've already altered it to save it.
This of course is only my opinion, and I fully understand hobbyists whose views differ. The thing is that I get so much enjoyment from seeing a once bedraggled machine reborn.
Sandy.
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Hi Sandy....
Welcome to another of my haunts. I'd have known it was you just by the uber-bling of the restorations...(grin). Watch out, these guys are a bad influence and will soon have you parting with your money for all sorts of tools.
Steve
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Sandy, a quick google of nutcracker knurling tools turns several options for a 3 wheel hand knurling tool. $$$$$$$$$ :bugeye:
Cliff
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That knurling tools look very interesting,
I wonder if you could make one from an old micrometer frame :scratch:. or one of those small pipe cutters just fit knurl wheels
HO NO i've caught it again :proj:
Stew
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Sandy, a quick google of nutcracker knurling tools turns several options for a 3 wheel hand knurling tool. $$$$$$$$$ :bugeye:
Cliff
Jeez guys. Results already.
I'll follow that up mate.
Thanks a mill. :thumbup:
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Sandy,
Could you fit one of these securely to the side of your vice or drill?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RDGTOOLS-RECOMMENDED-CLAMP-TYPE-KNURLING-TOOL-MYFORD_W0QQitemZ370167613716QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM?hash=item370167613716&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688|
Just a thought...... Just a hint...... :thumbup:
(It will also be a start on your future lathe tooling) :wave:
He he he he . :clap:
David D
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possibly you could modify a pipe cutter
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c176/j450n_/PipeCutter.jpg)
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Jason, a great idea the pipecutter, I never thought of using a pipecutter fitted with the appropiate knurling wheels. I will recommend a quality cutter to ensure that everything is properly aligned to get a good knurl pattern. :thumbup:
Cliff :beer:
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all great suggestions here and welcome to this forum Sandy nice to see you here :nrocks:
I have always admired your restro :headbang:
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Welcome to the forum!! And Lovely Engine!!
I was looking at the first before pictures..... and then I saw the after :jaw: VERRRRRY NiCE Classy restore. Reminds me of the steam toys my parents talk about.. and how I am sure people who own them are more than happy to see them restored to thier like new glory!