Anachronist58

Will have to go back and read all that followed the OP. But as for me, time for a fotoshoot...

Yes, the locking collar adjusts on that 10 threads per inch (TPI) section. Very nice feature. Gives highly repeatable stop for cracking walnuts. When the ram is raised for the next sequence, it is very convenient to accurately control how far the ram extracts. For instance, although not shown in these images, I am able to set the upper stop position of the top tool. The top tool floats on the magnetic chuck, so I need it close to the bottom dies to tweak in the alignment. This is a new application of the mag chuck: I was delighted with how well the top tool tracked on the downstroke. It is all about precise axial alignment, which may be prototyped by hand and eye! Never mind that the bottom dies skived the test piece: And here is another tribute to the ubiquitous bed frame angle, as it cut cleanly into the galvanized chain link fence tension wire. Lacks only a slightly wider gap, a bit of radius and polish, and a bit of punch lube... WARNING! Metals That Are Hard, Tend To Be Brittle! Some bed frame angle WILL Shatter. Always test for Shatterability before subjecting to stress. I know that more than a few of you have shared my experience of having a surgeon spend and hour digging (accident) shrapnel out of the flesh. Also far easier to put an eye out, than to put one back in Robert Taylor

Same here. Robert Taylor

Love it! Happy forging! Robert Taylor

Same here. When line workers fear that their drill might cause an escapement, into the trash it goes. 5S netted me stock for the estate sale. Say, these have been working a treat for my one offs and the latest short run - most handy! Robert Taylor

I have a friend who drops by occasionally - last time I saw him, he was in a tizzy because the Chinese had taken over Australia. They are presently patrolling the country in their flying saucers.

Knowing this, I will let my compliments flow freely... Tool and cutter grinder? My my, you are quite the go-getter! I could not stand to be apart from the machines I worked with, so I bought my own for my 'retirement'. Robert Taylor

Wow. Hamela so pretty! Thanks for the images and excellent analysis. Not that there appears to be any necessity to further inflate your ego, . Good on ya! Robert Taylor

Speechless, really. Robert Taylor

Would love to see a still image of this feature, and of any other features you might care to share. Do you have a sense of how much, if any, shock load is being transferred back to the ring gear / pinion interface? Congratulations, very pretty hammer machine... Robert Taylor

First 11 years of my career were like that. I was always free to walk away and find work elsewhere - which I eventually did - the next job was much worse. Short of 12 months, and I was gone. I have met many people who felt trapped in their jobs, but the need to pay the bills and feed the family are strong incentives to remain in an 'intolerable' job... Robert Taylor

I am way behind on this thread. But let me say that we lost our cat of 8 years, plus three prior to our acquaintance. That was March 26. People around these parts are quite fond of our aminal companions, you are in good company, methinks... Robert and Sheila Taylor

Y blurt?

½" x 6" pipe nipple, I presume. Please post image detail of this element with nozzle, unless I have simply missed it. Fine presentation, and good to know that the Blue People are looking out for you... Robert Taylor

Belt dimensions? Robert Taylor

I agree with Melancholy, you may find your toes up against the base. It is understandable that with such a mass that one would make such a wide base. Should you decide to modify it at some point, there is a method for working out a new, safe, base width. Robert Taylor

Wow. That is great news. Good luck moving forward, and please do keep us up to date... Robert Taylor

Oh i bought shares in transparent aluminum - have not been able to get ahold of the funds manager for a while.... Sorry Trevor, not wanting to hijack a very good thread... Robert Taylor

Fused quartz tubing >tease< I was envisioning the more attainable process of imaging inflow, just prior to entering the cavity.... Dream Big! Robert

Welcome from the extreme southwestest corner of the United States, San Diego, California... Robert Taylor

Priceless!

I am currently making charcoal as I forge (or clean up the property), so I eagerly await your next installment. Robert Taylor

Yes, your presentation is straightforward. I, for one, have had a few too many blows to the head to read through this thread the way I want to. I want to copy your design, but with a machined finish. I have a kiln burner project I am already behind on, as well as several other commitments. Overextending myself, as per usual... Much Respect, Robert Taylor Edit: would love to see some Schlieren imaging at the inflow...

Please consider my take on the operation of Savagely Unforgiving Equipment: Respect and Reverence for the inviolable forces of Nature allows us to overcome our fears and leads us not into the foolishness of disrespect and irreverence.

Glad you kept the Southbend.