Projects
Other Kinds of Projects and Materials
I am currently doing some design work with microprocessors. The first mission is to control a model boat. My intention is to include some computer “smarts” with some of my new projects. Why? Well, because I like to play with the little computers. I will be using machining to make housings for the computer components and some parts for the boat.
I realize that not all machine shop projects are for the making of other machines. The machine shop is intended to shape materials mostly* by lathe turning or milling into a part or product for any use imaginable. I have decided to start looking for those other uses, the freedom of unlimited possibilities.
Some of my recent “other uses” have been with the CNC carving and machining in 2D and 3D. That’s not making another machine but it is certainly machine shop work. The casting of pewter using aluminum molds also involves machine work. Pewter doesn’t “stick” to aluminum. So if I want to make a cast part over and over, I machine the mold out of aluminum. That is machining. Making a master part by machining a metal or wax master then making a rubber mold to make more parts is also not out of bounds in my shop.
I don’t want to become narrow by thinking everything that is machined is part of a machine like a steam engine or IC motor, Ha!
Machining a dozen custom hinges from brass for a woodworking project is still machining.
Also occasionally missing from my thought picture is metal is not the only material that can be machined. I know that is pretty obvious. I have done a lot of machining in wax (mentioned above) and occasionally in plastic. 3D carving with CNC in wood, particle board… Continue reading
Model Engine Builder
This is not a paid advertisement. Mike Rehmus has no idea I am making this recommendation. I have been reading this magazine since Mike and his wife Toni started publishing. If you are a real machinist and love to make small engines, this publication is for you. But then you would probably already know that. It is also THE publication to get arm chair machinists back into their shops or to get their dream shops assembled.
And… If you really just like reading about the construction of model engines, this is still the publication you need to have in your library. You will definitely save this magazine.
Low volume high quality publications are very expensive to produce. The $10.00 issue price is not someone making a fortune. Oh and I almost forgot, each issue contains a set of CAD plans for the engines presented in the issue. I get model airplane magazines too and the plans are always an extra cost addition. So an MEB subscription and the plans are well worth the investment and a wonderful contribution to building your library of full documented projects.
The website is www.modelenginebuilder.com. From there you can order your subscription or purchase back issues. Remember, this is a publication full of real construction plans and know how. Tell them THMS sent you! It won’t do anything for me except make me a fan-boy.