Skip to main content

Day 197 of Machining the grove in the first eccentric strap.

(Day 197) - Machining the grove in the first eccentric strap.


Hello! I say day 197, almost feels like it. I've been on this for weeks because, for my piece of mind, a high degree of accuracy is required for this fit. I'm prepared to allow it to wear in (a bit) as I have been machining it by 0.1mm at a time, and have removed and test fitted it many time. 

The photo (right) is almost there, but not quite, and some scraping with a HSS tool in the corners has been done to achieve a dead square corner. 

Finally!!,  Last night it fitted and revolved smooth, however after the application of some 3-in-1 Oil It did go a little tighter. I can only imagine the oil was sealing the parts together, as they are a really close fit, but after some more scraping in, and using a blue marker pen, to see the wear marks show its finally complete.   
  
It just remains to complete another 2 to the same standard, and hopefully it should be quicker this time.

The main problem was the inability to measure the inside depth of the grove, as none of my measuring tools would fit inside so I had to rely on the alignment jig to keep the datum when removed for disassembly and measuring. An internal bore gauge can be used but it needed to be split to get the gauge out to measure it each time with a vernier. I have now made a curved insert to drop into the slot for a quick reference, like a steel Joe Block but curved to match the internal profile.   





                            Until Next month, stay safe, make swarf and be the best you can be.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

1" Minnie Traction Engine By Stephen Meredith   Background Working Progress (Gears) Front End Parts Following the completion of a small marine steam engine "Trojan Engine", I decided to tackle a larger project. Having visited various shows and the model engineers Exhibition, I decided to buy the Construction book for building the popular 1" scale 'Minnie' traction engine. The initial workshop experience was limited but keen to learn, and research has enabled me to get it this far. A s can be seen, this is basically finished well almost, it steams, and runs well a few tweaks are needed but tweaks don’t make piles of swarf. The intention was to show the engine and run it, at rallies but what I really wanted was a capable engine that could pull an adult or (me) on a field. This engine was, therefore, a stepping stone to be able to tackle the engine I wanted. After research, I bought a set of drawings for the Plastow 3” Bur...
Post a Comment
Read more

Bridgnorth Mini-Gala Featuring Traction engines.

 Bridgnorth Mini-Gala Featuring Steam Road Miniatures. (Pictures from Saturday 1/11/25)  Bridgnorth Mini Gala: End of Season Steam Inspiration Bridgnorth once again marked the close of the running season with its Miniature Steam Gala , a compact but characterful gathering of miniature road vehicles, steam lorries, and traction engines . The event has become a highlight for enthusiasts, and this year’s display was every bit as enjoyable as before. My attendance was unplanned — much like the previous year — but that seems to be part of the charm. What began as an impromptu visit quickly turned into another opportunity to watch a fine collection of engines in steam. The station car park was once again transformed into a working yard of miniature traction engines, all hissing, chuffing, and radiating warmth against the chill of early November. It’s a real credit to the owners and crews who take the trouble to bring their engines out at this time of year. Keeping steam up in unp...
Post a Comment
Read more

Penultimate Post this year. (2025)

 Penultimate Post this year. Reversing Lever                                                             Regulator Lever < Left reverser working progress hand modelled by me.  Not a huge amount to show for this month, but I did make a solid start on the reversing bracket and lever. I’ve had the metal for this part for well over 12 months, so it’s satisfying to finally see it taking shape. The plan is for it to eventually be mounted on the tender, but for now—once finished—it can sit on the shelf and look decorative. The regulator lever was part started but is now fully completed.  In my next post I’ll try to put together an end-of-year photo, Year-6 round-up: all the current progress assembled or balanced together for a group photo, similar to last year’s. It’s a useful reminder of how far things have come over the ...
Post a Comment
Read more