Hank's Machine Shop

[Rick]

Looks good Larry.
Shop is starting to fill up nicely.

[friscomike]

Howdy Larry, two thumbs up on the milling machine.  Excellent work!  Have fun, mike

[Larry C]

Karl I've had the same problem with the top glueing itself down but if you keep the nozzle really clean, and don't screw the top down too tightly, I've had good luck with it.

Rick thank you.Slowly but surely it's coming along.

Mike thank you for your kind comments.

[Larry C]

Here's another machine:



This is a 24 inch engine lathe from Sierra West. Everything is 3D printed and comes in 8 separate pieces. What I decided to do was prime all the pieces with grey primer, color with blue-grey chalk and clear alcohol then after everything dried it was assembled. The metal color was dry brushed with gun metal paint which took longer but the end result looked much better than applying the paint in one coat. Probably the trickiest part to painting the metal color was to get the threaded rod in the front to look right.

The other side:



And the end:



While the lathe has fantastic detail some of the pieces are extremely delicate. A word of advice; if you decide to build one of these for yourself take your time using tweezers, toothpicks, and ONLY use enough pressure holding the glued parts in place until the glue sets. Now the challenge was to make this machine look "well used" like the Milling Machine and Drill Press. To that end I went over the entire machine with a dusting of black chalk used sparingly.



Before any of the machines are glued in place I added some brown chalk to the entire floor and blended it in with a soft brush; now I'm happy with the "dirty level". I have a pedestal grinder coming from Wiseman which should complete the machines I want to use inside the Shop when it arrives. While I'm waiting for the grinder I'll be starting to figure out how I want the belt lines to go and also how much detail I want to put into them. As always thanks for stopping by and for all the great comments and/or suggestions.

[PRR Modeler]

Larry thanks you for the glue suggestion. I got a tube yesterday and used it today on several items. It sticks well, is easier to use, and doesn't leave a mess like epoxy.

[Larry C]

Curt you're welcome; glad I could share some of my knowledge. Word of caution make sure you keep the tip clean or the top will get glued to it.

[friscomike]

Howdy Larry,

The lathe looks great.  The color is spot on.  I like grey machines, and the chalk did the trick.  Your work is making me want to add a mill.  I have the Mill Boiler kit...but where would I put it on the layout?

Have fun,
mike

[Larry C]

Mike thank you so much; that was a fun kit to build. Do I smell a future expansion coming up?

[Rick]

I can tell you're having fun by the way you're knocking out the machines one after the other.
Looks good.

[labdad]

Good stuff Larry!
Have you ever tried the AK interactive dark steel powder?
Makes almost anything look like polished steel (even your fingers!)

I highly recommend it
MJinTN

[Larry C]

Rick thank you and yes this project is very enjoyable.

Mj I have never tried that but I'll have to look into it; sounds interesting....thanks.

[Jerry]

Very well done Larry!!

Jerry

[Philip]

 Looking good Larry

[Larry C]

Jerry and Philip thank you both, your comments are appreciated.

[Philip]

I have learned that a silver magic marker also contains no metal flakes.

The mig stuff looks worthy also.