Newby in Oz

[jack620]

Hi,
I have been metalworking for about 18 months now. Mostly making tools and accessories to go with my lathe. It's a Hercus 260. It's basically an Aussie made metric version of a South Bend 10. Mine was made in the late 90's. It has a milling attachment which is very similar to the SB model.

A couple of days ago I started building a pair of 0.8cc ML Midge "diesel" engines- my first "real" metalworking project. I've completed the external machining of the crankcases. Now I'm waiting for a 10mm ER40 collet to arrive in the mail so I can bore the crankshaft journals.

In the meantime I've started on the cylinder heads. I've run into a problem marking out and drilling the screw holes. While searching google for an answer I found this forum. I'll post a few questions soon.

Regards,
Chris (a.k.a. Jack)

 

[Herbiev]

G'day Jack and welcome to the forum. Sounds like you got the Rolls Royce of lathes there. We would love to see some photos of your build progress when you have a minute.
Oops. Sorry, didn't wait for the picture to load

 

[jack620]

Thanks Herbie. My fault, I added the photo a bit later- probably while you were posting.

 

[rcfreak177]

G'day Jack,

Welcome from Perth Western Australia.

This forum is flooded with Aussie members, great to see such a diverse range of people and skills from all around the world.
There is plenty of useful info on HMEM and a great bunch of blokes as well. "Oh and a few ladies too"

Baz,

 

[jack620]

Thanks Baz,
I'm flying to Perth tonight. Hope it's not too hot! You have beer over there don't you?
Cheers

 

[lennardhme]

G'day Jack & welcome.

 

[wm460]

G'Day Chris
Welcome to the forum from the centre of Australia.
I,m jealous you have a Hercus 260

Cheers,
Mark.

 

[oldlunns]

Welcome Chris, from the NSW South Coast

The midge is a nice small "diesel" I notice ,from your photo, you are off to agood start . It is agood idear to make two [or more] at the same time . lots of good advice on this site.I was down in melbourne acouple of weeks ago to get some metal ,nice place.

den

 

[Swifty]

Hi Chris, welcome from down at Mount Martha.

Paul.

 

[pyrobrewer]

Hi
From fellow newbie in Queensland

 

[ruzzie]

G'day From Western Sydney
Hope the bush fires are not threatening anyone.
It just hit 38C (100F) here, so its inside,aircon on and watch the cricket.

 

[metalmad]

Hi Guys
The smoke haze is much better today, It was getting to be a bit of a worry yesterday.
Pete

 

[jack620]

Thanks fellas. Nice forum this.
Swifty, I'm about 10k from you!

 

[compspecial]

Hello Jack and a warm welcome to the forum (great little engine you are building there)
Stew.

 

[oldlunns]

hi Chris
Looks like you and Swifty can go for a swim, if things get too hot. Hot here yesterday, i left the garage when it got to 38c. Bad bush fire season, we had the fire about 10-15km north of us ,luckily we got a southerly come up. Chris have you had a look at Ron Chernick's site ,He did a write up on making the Midge crankcase. [Agood site to get lost for a few days.]

Den

 

[gus]

Hi Chris,
Welcome from faraway Singapore.


Gus

 

[jack620]

Thanks Stew, Den and Gus.

Stew,
I have been perusing Ron's website. I am following his method for machining the crankcase. I am now waiting for a 10mm ER40 collet and an angle plate so I can bore the holes.

I'll be up in Singapore in just over a week. Gus has kindly put me on to a supplier of quality tooling. I'll be stocking up on reamers, drill bits, taps, dies, etc. Also going to visit the Mitutoyo agent to buy myself a nice 30mm x 0.01mm dial indicator.

Chris