Hi from SE TN!

[TNvolute]

My name is Jerry and I ran across this site due to a Google search on gearing. I am in the process of redrawing some plans for an old shaper design when I found that GailInNM had already done something very similar to my plans and posted pictures here. I still plan to do that build but it is remarkable how similar our ideas were/are.

I have a Powermatic Millrite on the way, A Sheldon 11x36 lathe, Clausing 14x48 lathe and a HF 7" mini lathe/mill combo along with multiple welders etc.

My background is running a machine shop with my dad for several years and as a machinist for a couple companies eventually getting into mechanical design mostly for robotic tooling and cells for arc/spot welding and custom machinery for manufacturing. Lots of smart and talented folks on here. I've learned quite a few new tricks here already.

-Jerry

 

[gus]

Hi Jerry,
Warm welcome from faraway Singapore.
I too come from machineshop back ground. I loved those over head pulley drive system for the prewar and just after the war lathes,mills,borers and shapers.Electric motors were expensive and most shops in the area use single motor to drive overhead pulley drive.

Been to Tenessee in 1986 with a team of Chinese Engineers trainiing with
Ingersoll-Rand Small Compressor Plant in Campbellsville,Kentucky.

We spent a full day at Opera Land Amusement Park.Did I get the name right.1986 is long time ago and Gus now 69.I love Country West Songs sung live at Opera Land.

 

[compspecial]

Welcome to the forum Jerry, you can find answers to almost anything here
Stew.

 

[Tin Falcon]

welcome to the forum . A great place to share ideas and learn from others.
Sounds like you have a well equiped shop and a solid foundation.
Tin

 

[b.lindsey]

Welcome Jerry from just over the mountains here in NC.

Bill

 

[skyline1]

Hi Jerry

Welcome from England I'm sure you'll enjoy it here they are a great bunch and we like pictures even the "whoops, messed that up" ones, talking of which here's one for Gus.



Belts are made from knitting wool looks just like old rope belts splices and all

Regards Mark

 

[TNvolute]

Thanks to all!

Gus- Opryland has been closed for quite a while. DollyWood in Pigeon Forge is a larger version, come visit! I like the fish in your avatar, makes me hungry!

Mark- My impression is that model engines as a hobby has a much higher per capita following "across the pond" than here. Of course, you have a lot of great material as a lot of amazing designs were generated there at the start of the Machine Age. Even though I've done a lot of complex machining and set-ups over the years, I will probably build a few of the simpler designs to "get my feet wet" and have something closer to instant gratification. My health makes everything go rather slowly but I look forward to getting started. (including the whoops messed that up stage).

 

[gus]

Welcome Jerry from just over the mountains here in NC.

Bill

Hi Bill.
Which part N.C. you hail from?

Spent time in Charlotte and Davidson.
Charlotte has changed since 1977 when you can play soccer on the steets with so little traffic.

 

[gus]

Thanks !!! Mark for the mini pulley drive foto.

As a rooky engineer in 1969,I made a trip to Keppel Shipyard,Singapore. Could not believe my eyes when I saw a 200hp motor flat belt driving a war time Hitachi Air Compressor.Driver pulley and driven pulley was about 100 ft apart. The belt guard as ample. There was no jockey pulley.Belt width was 24". Compressor rpm-------400. Compressor flywheel was massive.
During the Japanese occupation,the belt clip broke and decap a curious visitor.

I saw overhead pulley drive in South Thailand.Will take a shot next trip.The lathe and shaper was older than Gus and Mark put together.

 

[skyline1]

Hi Gus

Yes they fascinate me too especially when when are crossed over to reverse the rotation I can watch the belt clip flying back and forth until I'm like one of those nodding dogs people used to have in the backs of their cars. Great way to teach youngsters about gear ratios 'cos they can actually see why the big wheel goes slower than the little one.

That one in Kepple Shipyard sounds pretty scary at that length I'm surprised it didn't break under its own weight

They still use leather belts on textile spinning machines and looms, even modern computer controlled ones because they don't contaminate the material so badly and they dissipate static easily (you get plenty of static in a woolen mill !)

Regards Mark