Gadget Builder’s Optical Punch
A few days ago I posted a story about Harlan’s homemade optical punch. I forgot that I also had a link to John Moran’s web site, where he describes with a little more detail how he made one.
Hand Stamping Tips
I couldn’t resist buying a steel letter/number stamping set from Harbor Freight. They are not very expensive to begin with and I think I bought a set on sale for three or four dollars. It turns out I did not really have a clue how to use them until I read this article. … Read the rest
A Tool for Shortening Screws
I like to use socket head cap screws. Rather than keeping an expensive assortment of different lengths on hand, I usually stock a smaller selection and just cut a longer screw down to the length I need. Frank Ford has a great idea for making that process easier. His step plate makes consistent length screws and it fixes any thread damage done by the hacksaw.
A Beautiful Steam Engine with Construction Details
John Bentley made this beautiful half-scale vertical steam engine. He also did a great job of documenting most of the process on his construction page. I was surprised to see how he fabricated the rim for the 7½-inch diameter flywheel out of a 1½-inch diameter drive shaft salvaged from a boat.