How my outlook has changed in model engineering

[tmuir]

When I first started and didn't know very much I used to by the Model Engineering magazines but not the Model Engineering workshop mags.
I used to read bout how people built fantastic engines but never about how to build the tools needed.

I've noticed in the last year or so I pay much more attention to peoples machine mods and now read Model Engineers workshop as it has slowly crept up on me that to make fantastic models you need to know how to make the many tools and jigs you need first.

Am I the only person that when first started out who thought I could just buy all the tools I needed off the shelf and didn't need to waste time making them?
Or was everyone else just as diluded as I was when they started?

 

[Toyman01]

Oh, I believe we all were. At least I was. I'm still not sure about the tools needed. I check this site every day and learn a little more. Seeing how someone actually builds one of these engines helps a lot. Especially when you can ask them a question. Magazines are neat to look at, but not being able to ask the author how he did something can leave you wondering. I think they leave steps out just to make it fit in the magazine.

 

[GWRdriver]

I can't imagine that you were, but we can't go around beating ourselves up because we didn't know anything (or everything) when we started out. When I started out I didn't know anything. I didn't know there was such a thing as a model engineer. One of the ancient traditions of Japanese of gardens and architecture, and the opposite of western thinking, is that Everything shall not be revealed at once. Experiencing a traditional Japanese house or garden is a process, where what is contained within is only revealed little at a time as you make your way through with the best reserved for last. I think it's that way in model engineering; I think as you progress in skill and confidence your mind becomes open to increasingly more challenging work and you are more able to accept the next challenge, creating an upward climb that really need never end. I do think that eventually we all reach the limits of our skills and/or desire and at that point, whether we want to accept it or nor not, we realize we are not going to build that Gold Cup winner and just build with what skills we have.

 

[Bernd]

tmuir,

After working over 30 years in a machining environment, I worked for a gear manufacturer that built gear cutting machines for the auto industry, I've seen everything you mentioned. I figured when I finally get my home shop I could do it with out all those jigs, fixtures and special tooling. I was wrong, you still need all that stuff no matter how small the end result is. :big:

Bernd

 

[shred]

An early stage of enlightenment is that the tooling, jigs, fixtures and accessories (whether bought or built) are at least as important as the actual machines themselves. (At this point some people seem to detour to entirely making tooling and parts for their tooling... easy to see in CNC-machine builders; always building the next machine or part to improve the current machine, rarely actually making anything else. But I digress)

Another step is realizing that people with skill and experience don't need the top-of-the-line machines and at least 80% of whatever's in the tooling catalogs to do spectacular work.

 

[Cedge]

Tony
Yours is pretty much the experience of anyone just beginning. I quickly recognized the need for "improvements" to my machines and for tools that would make things easier or just plain possible. I spent the first year or so just making tools and modifications to the machines. It turned out to be an excellent way to learn the ropes and get used to the machines and the metal in general.

I've never regretted making any of the tools, although a couple of my early machine modification attempts could have been a bit more professional.... LOL. I get as much satisfaction from creating a well made tool as i get from building an engine. I'll still be using the tool long after the engine has a good layer of dust from sitting on the shelf.

So.... yes. It did come as a revelation that everything I'd need was not there, even after I'd bought all the available tooling.

PT.... You've a bit of a poet's heart, in addition to everything else....(grin)
Steve

 

[steamer]

Yes on all counts!

However, I now enjoy the problem solving part of the build as much if not more than the build....It has a great creative outlet and makes me think......hard.


I like it!

Dave