Hullo again everyone,
A few days ago I placed a new post on the forum to the effect that I was disillusioned and was departing MEM.
That was due to my reaction to what I considered an uncalled for and somewhat heated response toward me in another post. It was not one of dummy throwing or the fact that someone had disagreed but quite simply that if this is how this is to be at times I'm afraid there's no part for it in the quiet life I try to lead.
As the post life was extremely short most members will probably be unaware of the situation but the whole thing was quite upsetting. However what took me back, and I have to say completely by surprise, was the virtual immediate response both on the thread and via PM's by fellow members including two moderators asking me to reconsider.
It was after a discussion with Sue then, who reminded me of my own philosophy that sometimes events make it so easy to get negative due to one unpleasant thing rather than to remain positive about all the good things that I began to realise what I was going to miss. With that in mind I set out to try to have the posts removed but found that in this short space of time not only had they been removed but that I had also been banned for a week - cut off at the stocking tops as the saying goes - unable to respond even to defend myself.
It's said "a week is a long time in politics" and these last few days seemed very long indeed but did give me time to rethink the situation. Although the thought 'I don't need this in my life' was still very much in my mind that was tempered by realising just how much pleasure this forum and all the 'forum friends' I've met on here actually matter. I don't belong to any clubs -
this (and HMEM) is my club.
Suffice to say with the support of the Admin team (and to whom a huge thank you is in order) the ban has been lifted and I'm very much back on song.
Some things are sent to try us - sometimes they are trivial in hindsight but at the time they don't feel like it - lets hope this is the last time this happens to anyone on here - if I was French I could only cry 'Vive La MEM'
Enough - What's done is done - time to move on. Let's talk about engines
I have been beavering away when the super weather and subsequent garden distraction would allow. I had a very pleasant morning over my friend Lee's the other day to bead blast the cases - No pics as yet as they need a dip in the ultra sonic cleaner before assembly but all parts are now made save for the wrist pins. Assembly is not far away then.
Here are a few pics to bring it up to date - well nearly .....
The rotors were made from Tufnol again but this time the rough diameter was turned to fit that clamping plate that gets so much use. It made the transfer from lathe to mill much easier for this part.
The needle valve parts were next. The needles are made from 16swg piano wire and ground by rotating it on the side of the off hand grinder before running it in the lathe and supporting it at the tip by a piece of hardwood. The tip can then be trued and polished using a worn needle file conventional or diamond. This method produces quite concentric and efficient needles.
This shows one with the lathe running - very little run out
The threaded portion is made from a 7BA screw, held gingerly in a collet and drilled thru then 'reamed' using a piece of the piano wire ground at an acute angle as a reamer. This produces a good 'Loctite' fit on the wire. Constant withdrawal to clear the swarf is neccessary as it soon builds up and will jam on the taper.
I finished machining the pistons and contra pistons today so there is just the wrist pins to do then the lapping of piston and liners can get underway.
'Tangler' - Rod, recently requested if I could be more specific in showing the lapping process that I use. Jo has also intimated she'd like more detail for her Crosskill engine. I had actually begun to take some pics to cover this subject to make it as detailed as I can so I think the best thing would be to combine it all together on a separate thread. I will try to begin that tomorrow night.
It's good to be back guys - you just don't know how good that feels
Regards for now - Ramon
