More info on the Model A…

Where to start? Ok, so I bought a 'runner', but I always take that with a grain of salt. Turns out it wasn't far off the mark, but it wasn't 'turn key and go' either.  I started off the morning by installing a new rear exhaust clamp to replace the bailing wire that was *kinda* holding the exhaust system in place. Next up was installing an aftermarket safety fuse on the starter motor. I really really don't like the idea of having absolutely NO fuses anywhere on anything that has electricity running through…Read more …
The rust baby runs….

The rust baby runs….

Here is a short clip of the new project running. After a mornings worth of getting things ready it only took it about 15-20 seconds of turning over to start and run. I will post the details in a follow up tomorrow.Read more …
Some more rust for the pile….

Some more rust for the pile….

Well, I've been wanting to build a Model A Speedster for a while. I know, I already have an old car to drive... but I can't get parts for that one if anything bad were to happen. In fact, I have been in touch with a bunch of people and have yet to see another coupe from that year and manufacturer. So, I just don't want to take it out and let someone damage it. On the bright side, Ford Model A's are EVERYWHERE. Plus I can get almost every part for it new…Read more …
Been too busy to post much….

Been too busy to post much….

I've been busy, spending almost every weekend up on the property getting things done. We have wells, dad has a shop, some roads are cut. My big project has been building a shed. I knew where I wanted it, figured out what I wanted it to look like, and then I got started. 8/26/17 9/16/17 10/28/17 10/29/17 12/27/17 12/28/17 12/29/17 12/30/17 12/31/17 1/7/18 1/21/18 2/3/18 2/10/18   More to come as I keep making progress..        Read more …
Dad’s Watch…

Dad’s Watch…

I bet you wonder what's going on with the property. That will be another post.  Lol. Well, Dad brought out a watch my Grandmother gave him and asked if I could put a new stem in it. Seems the stem fell out and was lost a while back, so I said I would give it a look. The watch is a nice Bulova 11ALC in a factory slim case. Unfortunately, when I opened it I immediately saw the remainder of a split stem all caked in rust. The stem remnants look like this...…Read more …
Finally!…. Land!!!!

Finally!…. Land!!!!

Well, if you have followed this blog then you know I have been looking for land, somewhere in the hills to get away to.  It has happened. The whole family has bought into 280 acres of rolling hills and river. Here are some pics.Read more …
Aircraft Radio Lenses…

Aircraft Radio Lenses…

Another project in the long string of micro-manufacturing and prototype work I love to do. I needed to make replicas of certain parts of aircraft for a simulator project I was working on. This particular cockpit was using King Bendix KX155 nav/coms. A friend of mine who works on aviation radios happened to have a KX155 that he was repairing and allowed me to borrow a very badly damaged lens to base my reproductions on. The upper right lens is the original that I borrowed, it literally was in pieces. The lower left…Read more …
Gold mirrors….. magic?

Gold mirrors….. magic?

I have been following Russ Sadler's series on Youtube for a while now, learning everything I can about my clone laser cutter. I honestly, watched about 3 hours of vids before I even uncrated it to make sure I didn't mess anything up. In a recent video Russ showed some charts on wavelength reflectivity while trying to achieve maximum output from his laser tube. It seems not all mirrors reflect equally, and the material the mirror is made from makes a large difference in how much power makes it to the cutting board.…Read more …
Shars 5C collet indexer

Shars 5C collet indexer

This isn't a review, its a complaint. One thing I detest is buying a tool and then having to fix the tool before I can even use it. That's just plain B.S. The tool in question is a 5C collet indexer from Shars. I had been looking at indexers for a while since I need to cut some gears and the rotary table can be a pain to use. Instead I can use the laser cutter to precisely cut whatever tooth count I need and 'spindex' my way around. I bought the one…Read more …
Is it 2017 already?

Is it 2017 already?

Yup, I have been busy and a bit slow posting things. there are too many things in the works to hit all of them but I'll give you the highlights. - I'm back to playing the bagpipes with the band again. Played the Sonora Celtic Faire this last weekend and I need to practice because picking up the pipes again showed how much I haven't retained. - The laser cutter is working well. It's basically stock except for the addition of an ammeter to see what current the tube is running at. -…Read more …