Not a model engine

[wagnmkr]

Those are beautiful 

Jo

Thanks Jo

[propforward]

Brrrr. It has been cold of late - been waking up to -14°F temperatures, with windchill taking it to -30°F. But my fortress of solitude keeps me warm.



My current "not an engine" project is a special plant shelf for the wife. She grows cacti, and she desired a rack / shelf system designed to fit in a specific space, with mesh shelves to keep her plants on. Why not just buy one from Ikea? because that stuff is rubbish, and more importantly because Mrs Propforward places great value in things that her family and friends make. It just means a lot to her when someone makes something. She is wonderful like that.

So I set about making this - it's an aluminum frame, 1" square tube. The construction is obviously very simple, and that is very deliberate because she said it gives it a "contemporary" feel. I have no idea about that stuff, but it being square section tube means the overall construction is simple, which is fine by me.



Only trouble is, TIG welding aluminium is REALLY REALLY difficult, and I am very new to welding, so this project is kicking my backside. I'm getting through it, and gradually my welds are improving, but alas my dream of leaving my welds "as welded" on this have fallen buy the wayside. They looked so terrible I had to abrade them to a decent appearance. Oh well. Learning these skills takes time.

But, no engines can be started until this project is done - not by dictate of the domestic authority, but by me - because I want this done. As frustrating as it is, it is still hugely fun.

One of the welders from work came over last weekend and gave me some tips, which has helped enormously.

[Kim]

Looks like a nice fun project, Stewart.
It's looking quite sturdy to me!

I've got a welding project of my own in the queue!

Kim

PS And it looks very cozy in your shop, for sure!

[wagnmkr]

That will be a lovely plant rack when done. Some things just take time to learn, but you will feel good about it when it is done.

A while ago I posted a pic of the loom with a bunch of threads hanging off the front of it. Progress has been made, in that the was threaded and the yarn wound on, tensioned, and tied on.  A couple of sample rows got woven and a few threading mistakes were identified. The mistakes got repaired and away we go! It is a terrible picture as the camera is on it's last legs. The colour is actually dark Burgandy with Rust accents. The weave is 53 1/2 inches wide and this one will be a table cloth at 54 or 55 inches long. There is a Coverlet that will be 90" long in this warp as well. It will keep me busy for a while.

[propforward]

That is wonderful. Such intricacy - I watched a weaver making some Harris tweed a few years ago, it's fascinating watching the process.

[Flyboy Jim]

Two great projects! Thanks for posting and providing some background information.

Jim

[tghs]

in my realm of crazy stuff,, a 1480's crossbow,, stock(tiller) european hornbeam, trigger was made by a local blacksmith after I provided him a wooden model (he did great work!!!) the release roller and bearing surfaces it rides in are antler (the mill and lathe were used to make them.) starting to doodle out what will be on the carved panels, I will be using a faux ivory.. will be making an attempt at making a period correct composite bow (complex creation of horn sections and sinew) 
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/924/qYXf99.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/924/WgFC15.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/922/TgNITd.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/923/iDglaf.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/923/GSfgxD.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/924/YMAGPp.jpg

[crueby]

Thats going to be a terrific crossbow, keep us posted!

[wagnmkr]

That indeed will be a wonderful crossbow! I will be watching it!

[steamer]

We'll call this one Throw back Sunday!

5 years , 152 pages and 261000 views.....    Hella good time!

https://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,2810.0.html


Dave

[Admiral_dk]

Interesting Crossbow 

Dave, is William still Racing, or has other parts of Life taking over ?

Per

[steamer]

Interesting Crossbow 

Dave, is William still Racing, or has other parts of Life taking over ?

Per

Nope    2018 was it.   Hasn't raced since.    He's done and on to other things.

[tghs]

thanks all, they are interesting projects, and yes there is a forum for making and research.. here is one that I made a few years back, purchased steel bow,, the rest of the metal work was done with only hand work, (pre-mill)
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/923/cCW9e4.jpg

[wagnmkr]

That is a gorgeous crossbow ... what sort of power would it have?

[wagnmkr]

Interesting Crossbow 

Dave, is William still Racing, or has other parts of Life taking over ?

Per

Nope    2018 was it.   Hasn't raced since.    He's done and on to other things.

William did some incredible driving when he was at it!