what tools needed??

[pugman]

Hi I am getting back into using my engineering skills after 25 years, well what remains of them,lols. Apart from a myford super 7 lathe which I have what sort of tools will i need to build a skill traction engine, I have seen milling machines on e-bay but apart from 3 or single phase and looking for free play and the weight of the thing, it will need to go to france so needs to be under 1.5 ton, all that my trailer can carry. What mill would be best??? what other tools do you brokes out there use.
also if anyone needs a helping hand IN THE DEVON REGION i would be happen to help in exchange for a bit of information on building etc. thanks terry

[3405jimmy]

The answer to what mill is best is probably what you can afford. My opinion is if you’re going to go above 3” scale a Bridgeport is probably a good choice. They are very versatile, and you often see some reasonable ones on eBay (as well as some dogs).

I don’t know what a skill traction engine is unless it’s a typo. For the smaller scales say below 3” some of the WARCO, Chester, Chinese versions look to be reasonable. Although they are not as well finished as some of the older second-hand European equipment you can buy.

[pugman]

Thanks for that, skill is a typo, Yes I hhave looked aat e-bay but what the seller says on these things is sometimes far from the whole story. But if one shows local to me I will have a look, thanks terry

[SteveW]

Pugman,

I seem to be to only chap left on this group to regularly buys Model Engineer (its very good now). There is an article in the current issue Vol 195 No.4257 that includes a long list of necessary items/tool in a priority order.

The article's theme is project planning prior to pushing the boat out and actually making something and looks at making the bits etc. The author includes a good deal of his experiences. Try your local library in a couple of months or go buy a copy.

(I should add I have no connection with ME other than being a happy reader).

[pugman]

Thanks for that, I must say that I did buy a copy a few months back but was very disapointed with the content, The lack of information maybe reflexs the general disinterest in model engineering folk to share their knowage, Its all very odd. Thanls steve I will buy a copy today and see if that helps, I don,t want to buy a monster of a machine, but not a toy one if you know what I mean.

[steammadman]

Hi pugman,
One odd copy of M-E will not always give you the info you need you need a collection really ,plenty of back issues on E-BAY these days.
If you would like an index of articles in back numbers i have an index from No 1 to date
give me a shout and i'll E-Mail it to you.

[steammadman]

Oh Steve W tyour not the only one on here who takes M-E I also have from 1942, and still have them all ,all in order ,like soldiers on parade,in my book case.

[pugman]

steammadman that would be usefull, Today just picked up mill and auto saw, so getting bits togather slowly, my e-mail address is
[e-mail]
thanks again, terry

[andrewtoplis]

Hi Steammadman,
Its a bit cheeky, but could i have a copy too?
[e-mail]
Thanks, Andy

[lancelot]

Hello folks,
this might be useful,takes you to the M.E. index page.

www.groundlevel.demon.co.uk/me_index.html

Happy hunting, and all the best for now.
John.