Author Topic: True confessions of a toolaholic  (Read 11500 times)

Offline Mcgyver

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True confessions of a toolaholic
« on: October 24, 2017, 08:26:46 PM »
Mcgyver shop tour

So here’s the result of 25 years of being a toolaholic.  I’ve two shops, a two car garage and the basement.  The basement started when the eldest son seemed pretty firmly entrenched with a career in Calgary.   On hearing he got a permanent position with a big law firm, I acted.  With strike force shock and awe I moved tools into his vacated basement bedroom before anyone knew what happened.  The key to domestic shop sprawl is this:  remember, it’s easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission.

I’ve put a bunch in the furnace room as well, hey, what else are you going to do with it? 

Last year I re-plumbed and wired for the laundry room to move from the basement to the 2nd floor when I redid the kitchen (all by yours truly)….it creates new basement ground to conquer.  There is already a lathe in storage there, and when the better half hasn’t been looking, I’ve opened the windows and mig welded (true confessions, I counting on a near zero chance of her reading this)

 I’m almost embarrassed (and pleased) and how much stuff I’ve accumulated.  The truth is I don’t have a dollar into it.  Patience and buying and selling has been how I’ve afforded it. 

This is just the basement; the big stuff is all in the garage and to follow


Furnace room, bead blaster, oven, vacuum caster, hardware store drill press (just to save running to the garage), vulcanizer and scroll saw.  No shown is lots of storage and a large Hermes motorized engraver




Entering the main shop, there’s this alley with three alleyway offshoots to the right



At the end of the lane is a bench and some storage.  On the rack is a Unimat 3 with homemade drive, a Schaublin I haven’t decided what to do with, a jeweler’s steamer, polisher and misc. stuff.

I like microscopes so there’s a few.  This is a favorite; it’s a Nikon Labphot EPI style which means the light comes through the objective vs from the bottom of a biological scope.  It’s designed for looking at opaque items – perfect for the shop.  It’s also trinocular so I can put a camera on it.



In the other direction is electronics.  I'm closer to electronics beginner than wiz, but if I'm to mess about with it, its more fun with all the gear.  I’ve got this nice Meiji stereo zoom scope that swings to where keyboard would normally be.  This is the sliver removal station.  Tongue in check, yes, but there is no better way to get at a sliver





I also like the old wood tool boxes so have picked up a few up over the years



This is a  nice little Schaublin 70.  I was making 7 BA countersink screws with it last week.  Took some time getting the tooling set, but when it is, what a blast.  Under bench drive is two stage and of my design.  Next to it is a Hardinge bench mill that did the slotting (seen a few photos above)



Another side alley – a lot of watch stuff.    A good part of the “library” is under bench is full on both sides



Here’s a ultrasonic cleaner, L&R watch cleaner, magnetic polisher and wild stereo zoom.  Its not as fancy as the other zoom scope, but its right opposite the watch bench so is very handy. 



Here’s one you don’t see everyday, at least at home - its a microtome.   It’s for cutting specimens into extremely thin slices for slide preparation.   For $25 including the B&L stereo zoom, I couldn’t say no!



Here’s the watch bench.  The watchmakers tool collection is very complete, a lot the larger items like staking tools, jeweling tools and presses etc on the shelf over the watch cleaning stuff.



Electronic parts.  These shelves on casters are great, small parts bins are both sides, and they spin around easily for access



On the other side of the cleaners are some nice pieces – at Mitutoyo tool makers microscope and a servo drill press.  The microscope has large barrels graduated in tenths and the eyepiece has a graticule making it easy to measure accurately, really handy for watch parts



Next to the Schuablin, I’ve got this project – a Holbrook B8 I’m reconditioning.  Bed is scraped, about to start on the headstock and tail stock.  I’ve decided to hard chrome and grind the quill to fit a freshly honed tailstock bore….but there is a slight delay as I have to make stand for the hone before that can done.  It is a truly remarkable lathe, I can’t wait to get it running!





Here’s a another beast of a scope, a research grade Nikon Apophote trinocular with all the bells and whistles.  It needed a bunch of  work, most of which is done.  I still have to finish the variable power supply for the 10A 10V lamp….(no home guy imo should be running mercury vapor lamps, too dangerous and too expensive so I replaced it) but its a thing of beauty (imo)



The last little section….BCA, Pultra, watchmakers lathes balances and Levin radius lathe (on the floor)



The BCA is seeing lots of work.   A new DC motor and the spindle has been replaced with this T slot block that a new ER spindle will bolt to  I’ve already milled oil slots in the ways and added zerk fittings. 



I use the Pultra a lot, it’s an amazing lathe and I’m fortunate enough to have a fairly complete set of accessories.  Next to the Pultra is a multifix motor.  When I want to use a watchmakers lathe, I just park it in front of the multifix.  There's a stereo zoom over top, but I confess it sees little use -



On the top shelf are two watchmakers lathes, a Rivett and Boley Leinen.  Both have complete sets of collets, bezel checks, slide rests etc, and I also have the Hardinge pivot polisher which is set up on the nearer of them.  Oh, there is a Hermes diamond point engraver as well.



Last but not least is a Rivett 608.  This is from late 19th century, actually stamped #1.   I guess technically it’s a Faneuil Watch company lathe (before the name change).  Its as I bought it and subsequent got the B8.  They are so similar in size and function I don’t really need it, but its such thing of beauty I haven’t  got around to selling it.



That’s the basement….the bigger stuff is in the garage....to be continued when I get to photographing it :)

« Last Edit: December 17, 2019, 03:40:39 PM by Mcgyver »

simplyloco

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Re: True confessions of a toolaholic
« Reply #1 on: October 24, 2017, 08:46:45 PM »
Amazing! I look forward to seeing some of your output! :cheers:
John

Online Kim

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Re: True confessions of a toolaholic
« Reply #2 on: October 24, 2017, 08:53:18 PM »
Wow!  That's a lot of tools packed in there!  And an amazing number of microscopes for sure!
Nice collection you have. Can't wait to meet the rest of your tools  :popcorn:
Kim

Online crueby

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Re: True confessions of a toolaholic
« Reply #3 on: October 24, 2017, 09:14:33 PM »
Wow!

I think we should all just meet at your house, brainstorm a project or twelve, and build them!

Offline Mcgyver

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Re: True confessions of a toolaholic
« Reply #4 on: October 24, 2017, 09:29:11 PM »
thanks guys.  Output has been more tools tooling and machine tool reconditioning than model engines....I'm cognizant that the hobby has largely been building the shop.  I just get captivated by building the capability and capacity and a lot of these old machines have a great deal of appeal to me.  I've also done a lot of articles for home shop machinist which takes a lot of time.  Here's a link to where I drop photos of stuff I've made  https://imgur.com/a/LNfpI

Wow!

I think we should all just meet at your house, brainstorm a project or twelve, and build them!

lol, thats the problem.  Every day I spend in the shop I create 12 more days of work.

you're not that far and my business is in Welland (awful bloody commute for me).  Do get in touch if you are up this way.


Offline b.lindsey

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Re: True confessions of a toolaholic
« Reply #5 on: October 24, 2017, 09:33:49 PM »
Not to speed up your demise at all McGyver, but if the saying that he who dies with the most toys wins, I think you are headed for the GRAND PRIZE!!   :lolb:

Bill

Offline pgp001

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Re: True confessions of a toolaholic
« Reply #6 on: October 24, 2017, 10:04:43 PM »
Hang on a bit.............He hasn't shown us the rest of his stash yet.

I always thought I had an excessive tool collection, (I know this to be true because my wife keeps telling me) now having seen that little selection mine is just normal

I have to say you "have it bad" don't you !!
You have a similar taste in tooling to myself by the looks of it, I also have a fully tooled up Pultra 1770 and agree it is a super lathe to use, mine has all the capstan gear as well as being on the makers Mardrive cabinet stand. I also have a little Boley watch lathe for the smaller jobs. I am guessing you also have an Atlas 7" shaping machine like mine too.
I am now eagerly awaiting for the next installment of photo's, and I am hoping you don't have a Mikron 112 gear hobbing machine, at least I might have one tool that you don't have  ;D

Phil
« Last Edit: October 24, 2017, 10:21:55 PM by pgp001 »

Offline Mcgyver

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Re: True confessions of a toolaholic
« Reply #7 on: October 24, 2017, 10:29:44 PM »

I am hoping you don't have a Mikron 112 gear hobbing machine, at least I might have one tool that you don't have  ;D

Phil

you got me there!  Guess I'll have to add it to the list.  I'd also like an F1 and a small myford cylindrical grinder, but would have to leave TO....I cannot fit another thing in here.   I did have a 7B, photo of it below, just before I sold it.  The two of us would just barely fit in the two car garage so sadly something had to go. 



Online steamer

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Re: True confessions of a toolaholic
« Reply #8 on: October 25, 2017, 02:30:47 AM »
Saweeeeet!
"Mister M'Andrew, don't you think steam spoils romance at sea?"
Damned ijjit!

Offline Art K

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Re: True confessions of a toolaholic
« Reply #9 on: October 25, 2017, 03:53:14 AM »
Phil,
I'm sure there must be an AA program for tool-O-haulics. Run to it don't walk. :ROFL: :lolb:
Art
"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you" B.B. King

Online Jo

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Re: True confessions of a toolaholic
« Reply #10 on: October 25, 2017, 08:19:35 AM »
 :naughty: Many desirable goodies

Jo
Enjoyment is more important than achievement.

Offline jadge

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Re: True confessions of a toolaholic
« Reply #11 on: October 25, 2017, 10:35:12 AM »
Good grief, that's one hell of a collection.  :o

The only area where I could compete is that I do have a Myford cylindrical grinder.

Andrew

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Re: True confessions of a toolaholic
« Reply #12 on: October 25, 2017, 11:36:40 AM »
Phil,
I'm sure there must be an AA program for tool-O-haulics. Run to it don't walk. :ROFL: :lolb:
Art

Yes, and when you have an address, feel free to publish it here!....

Dave

"Mister M'Andrew, don't you think steam spoils romance at sea?"
Damned ijjit!

Offline Mcgyver

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Re: True confessions of a toolaholic
« Reply #13 on: December 17, 2019, 02:55:37 PM »
The year in review.

Its that time of year when normal folks reflect on major world events and stories....or maybe send out a note and a pic on what the kids are up to.  Well afflicted, I reflect on major machine and tool acquisitions and horse trades.  This is mostly smaller basement stuff;  I still haven't taken you out for the garage tour. 

There's some really unique items that popped up that I feel fortunate to now be the be custodian of.  I think I'm done buying machines.  I did recently acquire castings for a number of engines (Allchin, Evening Star and Tuetonic class compound) and have major beam, a giant corliss, a seal and jacobs gear hobber aging on the shelf (as well as a Stuart triple to finish) so getting these new castings is I hope a harbinger of a shift from building capabilities to building models.  2020 is the year to finish all the machines and get to model engineering projects....but there's a lot of outstanding machine projects!  Two precision spindles, two lathe recondtionings, a soft bearing dynamic balancer, and so on.

First item is a pivot polisher by Hauser, used for burnishing clock and watch pivots.  So beautifully made and Mr Smithee helped me acquire a nice set of carbide jacots for it.  It'll have a low duty cycle, but anything Hauser catches my attention....no machine is finer made than they are, imo.





Next up, scored this great little Boley WW83, full set of accessories including the vertical slide/spindle and fairly rare threading attachment with all gears and two slide rests.  It even has a tumbler!.  Bearings seemed dicey and the OEM's were deep groove.  I replaced them with P4 AC's and ground spacers etc - this is a preferred mod many do to these lathes. I replace the motor and countershaft bearings as well.  Other than that, everything was in good shape and works, it just need repainting which took some time.  Its got the 127 gear so is good for inch and metric, one the photos shows chasing a slightly damaged 40 tpi thread









One of the most interesting machines to follow me hope was  this baby Jones Shipman cylindrical grinder -  a 520 I think.  Apparently it came out of a Mercer plant.  I didn't know such a thing existed, then saw it, and of course then couldn't live without it.  It comes external and internal spindles and work holding is via a 8mm collet.  To give a sense of size, there's a shot of it sitting on my horizontal mill table





I also couldn't help myself on this nice little Levin 10mm with about all the accessories.  Overall its beauty, but need a wee bit sprucing up.  Headstock is apart, awaiting P4 bearings, and the drilling tail stock spindle also needed a rebuild.  the motor and wiring were pooched.  I ended up using a 3P motor and VFD (buried in, and using the controls on, the original box).  Its ok, but VFD's are a lousy way to control speed, not as good as the OEM DC.  The best might a Consew servo - it monitors speed and puts more current through so you get great torque at low speed.  I might change it out and use the 3P for the grinder





I just got through cleaning up the drilling attachment which is an interesting bit.  The graduate wheel at the end turns a screw that hits a stop.  When pecking, you come back into the hole until the stop, then turn the dial how much you to advance before the next peck cycle.  This is super handy with very small drills as you don't waste time and risk breaking the drill (which could be down to a couple of thou) looking for the bottom of the just pecked hole.  The spindle is also adjustable in two plane so you can perfectly centre it.









« Last Edit: December 17, 2019, 04:26:39 PM by Mcgyver »

Offline Mcgyver

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Re: True confessions of a toolaholic
« Reply #14 on: December 17, 2019, 03:17:23 PM »
To complete the tour, I realized some 2018 additions were missing.....so here's an extension to the home shop machinists Christmas card lol

I added a second Schuablin 70.  This one has the dividing and milling attachment with an Isoma scope - nice!  Ones sort of left as a capstan, and the other for general stuff.





A little Aciera F1 also made it in.  Currently making a new spindle for it.  As nice as these are , the spindle design is, well, imo rather poor - the housing and shaft make up the spindle's needle bearing inner and outer race.  I could not come up with a way of fixing the spindle bearing wear, so am making a new spindle using the lowest profile AC series.  Not very photogenic at the moment, in pieces....and there's' a shot of the new spindle shaft (drilling that one was a challenge!)








Also added was the great little Hauser jig borer.  Condition was great, but the paint was falling off (I think I posted this already, but it deserves mention on the 'tour')





« Last Edit: December 17, 2019, 07:36:58 PM by Mcgyver »

 

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