[TheForge] Nifty tool (Was: [OT] Re: Cats, boots)

[Mike Spencer]

PF wrote:

>  I tried improvising a flex drive for the expander, but couldn't
>  transmit enough torque....

Did you try one of these?

  http://www.uktools.com/sealey-ak2723-skeleton-drive-adaptor-38sq-drive-p-39657.html

I saw a drawing of this mechanism, as a power transmission option, in
a 19th c. engineering book 50 years ago but somehow lost the book long
ago.  I think this is the first real-world implementation I've come
across.  Every toolbox should have one.

> I braised a big ball on a piece of cable and dragged it through
> forcibly but it was messy.

I heard this yarn from some Formula-V guys:

To make a classic VW Go Fast, you can put separate, big honkin' carbs
on each head but that won't do for Formula-V, where everything has to
be "stock", like Wolfsburg made it.  How to get more gumpties?

You may remember the central carb that sits on a T in the middle of a
simple pipe-like steel maifold, which latter runs to each head?
Remove manifold, press polished steel balls of increasing size through
it until it bursts, collapses or otherwise fails.  Repeat with another
manifold, but stop at slightly smaller ball size.  Strip paint, seal
ends, etch exterior in acid until OD is reduced to "stock" spec,
repaint.  You now have a paper-thin manifold that's a bit bigger
inside.  When the scrutineers come around to the winner's circle with
their calipers, it will measure out to stock specs.  Maybe just a
greaseland legend?

> All the while i was furiously thinking of all the nifty special
> purpose tools i could make to solve the problem and how long it
> would take to make them.

My weakness.  I've found myself making the tool to make the tool to
make the tool to do the job after the job itself is no longer
relevant.  No wonder I ain't rich 'n famous.


- Mike

-- 
Michael Spencer                  Nova Scotia, Canada       .~. 
                                                           /V\ 
mspencer at tallships.ca                                     /( )\
http://home.tallships.ca/mspencer/                        ^^-^^