Miniature Tool Collection

[flyingtractors1]

The gold #4 is finished. Ralph

 

[thayer]

simply stunning.

 

[flyingtractors1]

Working on a dove tail infill plane. Trying to figure out how the joints mesh - experimenting some with popsicle sticks, etc. Ralph

 

[flyingtractors1]

This dovetailing is very tricky for me. Things keep inverting on me, and, though I measured twice and cut once, I cut it exactly wrong. I'll keep trying. Ralph

 

[flyingtractors1]

Finally - - after several trials, I'm getting the hang of it. Ralph

 

[flyingtractors1]

started a new model. Usually I build a cory / simulation of a full scale I've seen (in person or in pictures). This time I am building an "original" based on some familiar parts and pieces.

Carefully cut of flat brass stock

Arranged in proximity

Pinned and silver soldered to form a unibody

 

[flyingtractors1]

I just had to take a break from working on the dovetail planes to renew enthusiasm. And now I've got it. Done. Ralph

When the plane is highly polished the metals seem to blend, and the joints are not as apparent. Seems that a satin finish is best. Ralph

 

[flyingtractors1]

Thought some might be interested in parts of my miniature tool collection. See action video on YouTube. Ralph


[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARI533ZplhM&feature=share&list=UU-GXI1Wp8qMJcEsSWF5Eu5A[/ame]

 

[flyingtractors1]

Miniature table vise by Art Rafael.

See action video on YouTube:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CTModW5hdg&feature=share&list=UU-GXI1Wp8qMJcEsSWF5Eu5A[/ame]

 

[RonGinger]

Ralph, thanks for making that video. I have tried to do some investment casting, but have failed in the metal pouring part. Your video mentions a centrifugal casting machine. I have seen these in jewelery size but not big enough for the part you showed. Can you post a photo of the casing machine?

thanks

 

[barnesrickw]

I woodwork with hand tools mostly. I love a good handplane. Those plane and the rest of your tools are little pieces of art.


Sent from my iPad using Model Engines

 

[flyingtractors1]

Hi Ron. I'm sure the centrifugal casting machines you have probably seen is like the one I use.

But I have replaced the usual small (jewelry size) crucible with a larger one (note the smaller one on the casting tub floor) and have extended the arm by 1 inch to accommodate somewhat larger molds. And yet, I am pushing it to do a 3.0 oz cast. Ralph

 

[flyingtractors1]

Thanks, Barnesrickw. It is my love of woodworking with primarily hand tools that has drawn me to build miniature replicas which I often carry in my pocket. Never want to be too far away from my tools. And they actually work like the larger counterparts, and I actually use them in my other hobbies - model airplane and miniature furniture construction. I am so passionate about my tools that I have built some of silver and gold, and they do evoke conversation with others who appreciate the crafts. Ralph

 

[RonGinger]

Thank you. That is like the jewelery ones Ive seen, but a good deal bigger. I did not realize they were made that big. I assume the weight seen to to the side swings into the opposite side to make the spin part balanced?

Have you tried using a vacuum under the flask and just pouring the metal into the sprue? I have tried that, but with little luck. I was trying to pour a tree of small parts and only got one or two full parts.

 

[barnesrickw]

I really like the different pitches on the in-lay smoothers. I've made some Krenov and Japanese style planes, but nothing this nice.


Sent from my iPad using Model Engines

 

[flyingtractors1]

Hi Ron. I have heard about that kind of vacuum casting but don't know enough about it to try it. I think that it requires some expensive equipment. Centrifugal casting has given me the best results.

Thanks, barnesrickw. I have grown in this effort, and things got better as I got more practice.

Ralph

 

[flyingtractors1]

For those who appreciate modeling in metal and working with wood:


A new miniature chisel plane crafted of brass with a steel blade and wood knob. Actually works beautifully. Ralph

 

[barnesrickw]

Very nice


Sent from my iPad using Model Engines

 

[flyingtractors1]

Thanks again. Ralph

 

[Chiptosser]

Thank You , Thank you, Thank you!!
Little pieces of Art!

I love them.
I too would line to get more information about the spin casting equip.
and the type of plaster that is used. I want to add this process to my
equipment list.

Thanks.