What have you been doing today?

[stanstocker]

Mid to upper 80’s again today late afternoon rain. . Back pain finally pretty well gone today so I feel much better it’s really windy again 30-40 mph . Definitely making ice piles go away . Kitty has been laying in window all morning . We brushed heavy early. Spring is shedding time hard to believe amount of fur . My big German shepherd used to almost molt . I used to fill a big plastic bag twice a year . He had longer fur than my Australian shepherd had a full natural long fur coat not quite as thick but it came out in big brush fills . When cats and dogs shed it seems to get into everything I vacuum around the heat ac unit every eeek I usually have to empty the vac just after this . I just vac today and dumped a full bag of fine winter fur I have a brushing glove for kitty she just loves to be rubbed down I use another pin brush to clean the glove .

I saw on the news the Irish presidents mountain dog didn’t like Biden . He was barking and growling . As former K 9 trainer I’m surprised the security agents didn’t seem prepared for this a big mountain dog gets to well over 100-120 pounds plus they are incredibly strong .

Glad the back pain is clearing off, persistent pain just drags you down no matter how good a face to try to keep on. I've heard it said that dogs are good judges of people...

 

[Steamchick]

Bent wings, Please don't talk about Biden. That's getting into politics that we try and avoid on this site.
Glad your back is recovering... Been there screamed at the pain and frustration. Still lift things too heavy for me... On Thursday it was a 5inch gauge Steam loco in the back of my car. 2 guys put it in, when I got home I lifted it out (bending, twisting, feeling the muscles going "ping - ping"...) and put it on the bench. Like lifting one of those sensible dogs....
Now to work out how to mend the broken bits on the loco...
The firedoor catch has been broken off, as the fire door latch lever has seized! Now soaking in release oil... The suggestion (the proper way!) was to strip the loco, so the boiler is on the bench, and silver solder another catch in place. And risk destroying all the existing silver soldering around the firehole aperture. The steel bolt has sheared off in the screw hole in the boiler metal, maybe 0.040in diameter, just flush with the surface. Do you think I can projection weld another catch or something onto that steel stud? I don't want to risk damaging the copper boiler by drilling-out the steel stud. Rather use that as a mounting to add the new catch...? I am tempted to try a projection weld, as it heats the joint to "plastic" temperature without an arc, then pressure applied causes fusion of the contacting metals, and it only takes seconds? I am tempted to try and just add a stud, so a catch can be held in place with an exteranal nut on a thread? - or make a screw-on catch... (More design work required here).
Cheers!
K2

 

[ChazzC]

In the Computer Repair area today, rescuing a Dell Chromebook.

Before:

After:

The red boxes are covering the wireless network details.

Total cost $31.70; ordered the replacement screen from Amazon yesterday at 11:30am, repair complete 5:30pm today (took longer to choose the replacement than the actual repair did).

 

[metalmangler]

(Yesterday) Brewed 40 pints of IPA (from a kit). Made a new shelf for bottling same. Did a bit of 'make do and mend' to some dodgy fencing. Looked at 'Tina' and told myself I really ought to get back to a bit of machining - perhaps today ?

 

[doc1955]

Been busy setting up my repair shop not much machining.

 

[mnay]

Cleaned up the flywheel for the Thompson engine
Had to put a slot in the flywheel for a woodruff key, never tried to use a broach before, I have a 2mm broach but no bush to fit the flywheel
So I mad a bush with the correct size slot (width & depth), turned out very good and worked well, I had no trouble broaching the slot.
View attachment 145981View attachment 145982View attachment 145983
First time for everything

I just recieved a set of castings for the Thompson Engine. Are you doing a build log on it somewhere?
thanks,
Mike

 

[Steamchick]

Metalmangler (Is that Welsh for "expert machinist"? - Should we call you Smwddi Llywrgunwyr?), Where in West Wales? - Not Eglwyswrw, Llanwrtyd Wells, Llanychwlydog, Pontrhydryceirt or some other unpronouncable place? I am sure my car's sat nag cannot cope with Welsh spelling of place names... I can't! I'll arrange a holiday to visit and taste the IPA! Yaki Da!!

 

[metalmangler]

Metalmangler (Is that Welsh for "expert machinist"? - Should we call you Smwddi Llywrgunwyr?), Where in West Wales? - Not Eglwyswrw, Llanwrtyd Wells, Llanychwlydog, Pontrhydryceirt or some other unpronouncable place? I am sure my car's sat nag cannot cope with Welsh spelling of place names... I can't! I'll arrange a holiday to visit and taste the IPA! Yaki Da!!

I'm afraid I'm an English incomer, so I don't understand Welsh place-names. I'm in an (unpronouncably named) village near Lampeter.

 

[Steamchick]

In that case "CHEERS! Enjoy the beers."
K2

 

[michael-au]

I just recieved a set of castings for the Thompson Engine. Are you doing a build log on it somewhere?
thanks,
Mike

I will put a build log up and let you know when it is up

 

[Bentwings]

Glad the back pain is clearing off, persistent pain just drags you down no matter how good a face to try to keep on. I've heard it said that dogs are good judges of people...

Back pain back again . Don’t know why I’ve tried to be comfortable with backbsupport. Big thing was to finally fix my dumb shovel it wasn’t hard with the self tapping screws especially after I pre drilled the steel handle I have 196 more screws if necessary LOL I had to BUY 200 but it is solid now . Expected a couple inches which cold stuff but we got a just over an inch rain and more 40 mph winds . For some unexplained reason I walked up to the mail box yesterday. Single junk mail letter I about froze in the rain . More rain tonight but no forecast of snow.

 

[lee webster]

Today was another good day in the garden. I mowed the back lawn yesterday and cleared the weeds from one of the rose beds. I felt muscles being freed that had spent the winter in hybernation! Today I 90% cleared the second rose bed. Not enough stamina yet to do the whole thing after yesterday. I also noticed that the veg seed I started off in pots last week have started to sprout. About 20 beetroot starting to show and a few courgette and runner beans. The red onions are not yet awake. I will have to start clearing the weeds from the veg patch ready for the veg to be planted out. I am thinking of getting some tomato plants and peppers for the greenhouse. Two of each should do. I have also been picking rhubarb to give away to friends, about fifteen sticks so far, and four or five tomorrow for a friend who cooks cakes and other little treats for the local food bank. My friend is 86 years old.

 

[Sprocket]

After a couple of days of thinking about it, planning and setting up, I finally cut the cams for Doug Kelley’s
1902 Miriam Abbott.
I think they might work.
Doug

 

[Bentwings]

Somewhere I lived there was a big lake and the overture was played on the Fourth of July. One memorable year they had 13 full size brass cannons that were fired at the right time it was spectacular as it was a dead calm day
The smoke rolled across the lake and settled in a neat white cloud over the lake. Matching this another’s year was atvtge local baseball park . Same thing a giant cloud filled the entire park with white smoke I’m not a music person but this is my favorite piece.

 

[Bentwings]

Bent wings, Please don't talk about Biden. That's getting into politics that we try and avoid on this site.
Glad your back is recovering... Been there screamed at the pain and frustration. Still lift things too heavy for me... On Thursday it was a 5inch gauge Steam loco in the back of my car. 2 guys put it in, when I got home I lifted it out (bending, twisting, feeling the muscles going "ping - ping"...) and put it on the bench. Like lifting one of those sensible dogs....
Now to work out how to mend the broken bits on the loco...
The firedoor catch has been broken off, as the fire door latch lever has seized! Now soaking in release oil... The suggestion (the proper way!) was to strip the loco, so the boiler is on the bench, and silver solder another catch in place. And risk destroying all the existing silver soldering around the firehole aperture. The steel bolt has sheared off in the screw hole in the boiler metal, maybe 0.040in diameter, just flush with the surface. Do you think I can projection weld another catch or something onto that steel stud? I don't want to risk damaging the copper boiler by drilling-out the steel stud. Rather use that as a mounting to add the new catch...? I am tempted to try a projection weld, as it heats the joint to "plastic" temperature without an arc, then pressure applied causes fusion of the contacting metals, and it only takes seconds? I am tempted to try and just add a stud, so a catch can be held in place with an exteranal nut on a thread? - or make a screw-on catch... (More design work required here).
Cheers!
K2

Sorry I try not to get into politics I’ll be more careful . Thanks

 

[Bentwings]

Cold and rainy again barely above freezing. Windy too. Another couple days of this before it warms up .

I have a bone marrow biopsy coming up next week. I’ve had these befor so not too worried they usually knock you out or at least num things up pretty well I looked up the tools and needles used. Scary stuff the actual penetrator is like a very small core drill with an internal needle that holds the core sample I recall watching the last one the “ core drill” looked like a tee handle allen wrench the doc was the “ driller” . The needle was quite long . I asked if they ever broke one off. He said “ we don’t go there” Not a very comforting reply . LOL I HAD A DENTIST BREAK A ROOT CANAL DRILL OFF. He didn’t say much but I could clearly see something happened he just closed it off then years later another dentist discovered it . He was so upset I thought there was going to be a congressional hearing. I ended up losing the tooth .

 

[Steamchick]

Then there was the rugby player who lost a tooth.... it was found 6 months later embedded in the arm bone of another player, who nearly lost the deseased arm, except for the op that removed the tooth and saved the arm. In his case Tooth Removal was most welcome! But he never played rugby again...
K2

 

[Bentwings]

Actually yesterday . Called Apple to get iPhone and iPad straightened out two hours later done deal live support person really did a good job almost every time I get an Apple update I have problems . Too many to list here . .

Interesting Amazon issue. I have some 15mm brass rod ordered . Yesterday I went to get mail hoping for 15mm rods. Instead I had a 15 pound chunk of brass bar stock crammed into mail box . Being old and decreed carting a 15 pound bar 1/2 mile home wasn’t fun . I weighed the dang thing 15 pounds . Not a bad guess. Searched Amazon for what to do with it and to see if I was charged for it nothing. Amazon support inhales. To put it mildly . I finally determined I was not charged for it nor for shipping , so what to do with it? Amazon noted just discard it. I’ve had this happen before and Amazon replaces its problem but if supplier make mistakes this this , well too bad for them. It’s up to you to do as you please . There is no marking on the tube container as the wrapping was mostly missing so no supplier could be found no tracking number. Nothing . So anyone need a chunk of brass before I take it up to the metal scrap yard I really don’t want to do that . I thought about making a nice brass hammer. But I haven’t even used any heavy hammer in a long time . Maybe put a couple screws in it and make a beefy door stop that I don’t need either . I had an old bowling ball that got dragged around for years I finally took it to the rifle range and shot it with.300 Win Mag. Nice shot dead center of thumb hole at 50 yds . Not much was left cloud of dust from the core weight and a couple pieces of urathane for recycling lol the brass would not be as easy bullet would probablyvricoshay into next county so dangerous deal . Since I don’t drive ilhave to In list friend to go to met scrap yd. Then id use proceeds for lunch at our favorite lounge . Break even deal.

 

[ChazzC]

Actually yesterday . Called Apple to get iPhone and iPad straightened out two hours later done deal live support person really did a good job almost every time I get an Apple update I have problems . Too many to list here . .

Interesting Amazon issue. I have some 15mm brass rod ordered . Yesterday I went to get mail hoping for 15mm rods. Instead I had a 15 pound chunk of brass bar stock crammed into mail box . Being old and decreed carting a 15 pound bar 1/2 mile home wasn’t fun . I weighed the dang thing 15 pounds . Not a bad guess. Searched Amazon for what to do with it and to see if I was charged for it nothing. Amazon support inhales. To put it mildly . I finally determined I was not charged for it nor for shipping , so what to do with it? Amazon noted just discard it. I’ve had this happen before and Amazon replaces its problem but if supplier make mistakes this this , well too bad for them. It’s up to you to do as you please . There is no marking on the tube container as the wrapping was mostly missing so no supplier could be found no tracking number. Nothing . So anyone need a chunk of brass before I take it up to the metal scrap yard I really don’t want to do that . I thought about making a nice brass hammer. But I haven’t even used any heavy hammer in a long time . Maybe put a couple screws in it and make a beefy door stop that I don’t need either . I had an old bowling ball that got dragged around for years I finally took it to the rifle range and shot it with.300 Win Mag. Nice shot dead center of thumb hole at 50 yds . Not much was left cloud of dust from the core weight and a couple pieces of urathane for recycling lol the brass would not be as easy bullet would probablyvricoshay into next county so dangerous deal . Since I don’t drive ilhave to In list friend to go to met scrap yd. Then id use proceeds for lunch at our favorite lounge . Break even deal.

Other than 15 lbs., could you give us a general description of the size & shape? That would give us an idea of what the shipping would be and if we could figure out a use for it.


Thanks, Charlie

 

[Bentwings]

Other than 15 lbs., could you give us a general description of the size & shape? That would give us an idea of what the shipping would be and if we could figure out a use for it.

Here is approx image size . 2/12” diameter + a few thosandths About 9” long . I just weighed it at 12 pounds. I had shoes on originally. Hurt my back shoveling snow it’s about a shovel ful of snow LOL. It has an outer paper tube that I have not un wrapped except the ends very aukward I don’t even know how I’d ship this thing the post office is just across a busy highway . . My son doesn’t have a banding machine . Obviously the shipper didn’t care about the pkg as most of the outer plastic was ripped off the tube seems intact I haven’t removed it but I don’t see any penetration marks . Possibly I could get my son th come over he is 65 miles away but does get over this way occasionally I might be able to convince him to put together a wood box for it . I have nt shipped anything like this in awhile I don’t know if shippers have a pick up or not there is a shipping point at a kOHLS store some distance from me I live in minnesota USA. The problem is getting there and back if somebody lives near East central Minn or west cent wisc near st croix river I’m not far in miles from there by vehicle It’s a shame as it’s a big chunk of material for home machinist might be able to make steamer flywheels Or big brass cylinder with matching piston . My ex boss just took almost 300 pounds of brass fire hydrant seal rings to the scrap yard manythousands of dollars worth in replacement parts that nobody wanted . Not even the company that supplies them . I’ve not even had something like this in a lathe or mill for 30-40 years one of my sons is going to Florida in near future by way of Tenn then across to Florida so a remote possibility it could get dropped of along the way . For all the monkey business I’d say just bite the brass rod and purchase what you need shipped to your door

Byron

Thanks, Charlie