Model Engineers's Workshop issue 348 **20 PAGE FREE PREVIEW**

.3 o N

48

A YOUNG ENGINEER’S PERSPECTIVE Apprentice Tom Dale on his future in hobby engineering.

THE MAGAZINE FOR HOME ENGINEERS, MAKERS AND MODELLERS FEBRUARY 2025 ISSUE 348 WWW.MODEL-ENGINEER.CO.UK

A MINIATURE RIVET MACHINE Press perfect imitation rivets with this workshop-made tool.

A COLLET DRAWBAR Brett Meacle explains a neat and versatile drawbar for his Pultra lathe.

CHERRY HILL Our tribute to one of the greatest model engineers.

D ISSUE: INSIDE THIS PACKE  MAKE THESE ACCESSORIES FOR THE WORDEN TOOL GRINDER.  FIXING A NOISY MYFORD LATHE.  TECHNIQUES FOR BETTER, SAFER WORK CLAMPING.  A ROLLING BOX FOR EASIER STORAGE IN YOUR WORKSHOP.  FITTING DIGITAL READOUTS TO A BENCHTOP MILLING MACHINE.  STEPPING INTO CNC.  FITTING AND REMOVING STUDS.

Get more out of your workshop with MEW

Feb. 25

Find out more at: www.model-engineer.co.uk

EDITORIAL Editor: Neil Wyatt Designer: Druck Media Pvt. Ltd. Publisher: Steve O’Hara By post: Model Engineers’ Workshop, Mortons Media Group, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 529589 Fax: 01507 371006 Email: meweditor@mortons.co.uk © 2024 Mortons Media ISSN0033-8923

CUSTOMER SERVICES General Queries & Back Issues 01507 529529 Monday-Friday: 8.30-5pm Answerphone 24hr

ADVERTISING Group Head of Investment Model & Tractor Publications Mason Ponti Email: mason@talk-media.uk Tel: 01732 920499 Investment Manager Karen Davies Email: karen@talk-media.uk Tel: 01732 448144 Talk Media, The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Yalding, Kent ME18 6AL

PUBLISHING Sales and Distribution Manager: Carl Smith Head of Marketing: Charlotte Park Commercial Director: Nigel Hole Publishing Director: Dan Savage Published by: Mortons Media Group, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR

SUBSCRIPTION Full subscription rates (but see page 54 for offer): (12 months 12 issues, inc post and packing) – UK £70.20. Export rates are also available – see page 46 for more details. UK subscriptions are zerorated for the purpose of Value Added Tax. Enquiries: subscriptions@mortons.co.uk

On the

Editor's Bench Important News for All Readers After almost thirty-five years, the decision has been made to re-combine the spin-off title Model Engineers’ Workshop into Model Engineer.

The new title will be monthly and continue the numbering of Model Engineer and will be titled Model Engineer & Workshop, a nod to the magazine’s original title “The Model Engineer & Electrician” as well as MEW. So this issue will be the last under the present masthead; 25 years and 348 issues on. Look out for Model Engineer & Workshop appearing in February as the March 2025 issue.

If you have an existing subscription you will continue to receive ME&W. There are many different permutations of readership and subscriptions, complicated by around a quarter of the readership taking both titles. All subscribers will be contacted soon with full details of how the changes will be processed.

For well over twenty-five years I’ve been a Model Engineer reader and for the last ten, Editor of Model Engineers’

Workshop magazine. Both magazines have benefited from their editors and writers being active model engineers themselves. It’s both an honour and a huge responsibility to take on the task of bringing together these two magazines – the incredible heritage behind Model Engineer and the tools and techniques focus of MEW. The change has been precipitated by the retirement of my esteemed colleague, Martin Evans, who I’d like to thank for his sterling work as editor of Model Engineer. I’m delighted that the new publication will have increased pagination, and that Diane Carney will continue as Deputy Editor to help ensure continuity. Our vision is that in one, larger, magazine we can cover the full scope of our incredible hobby, from steam power to gas turbines and treadle lathes to CNC milling and beyond.

Neil Wyatt

PRINT AND DISTRIBUTIONS Printed by: Acorn Web Offset Ltd., W. Yorkshire Distribution by: Seymour Distribution Limited, 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT Tel No: 020 7429 4000

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS Accepted photographs and articles will be paid for upon publication. Items we cannot use will be returned if accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope, and recorded delivery must clearly state so and enclose sufficient postage. In common with practice on other periodicals, all material is sent or returned at the contributors own risk and neither Model Engineers’ Workshop Magazine the editor, the staff nor Mortons Media Ltd can be held responsible for loss or damage, howsoever caused. The opinions expressed in MEW are not necessarily those of the editor or staff. This periodical must not, without the written consent of the publishers first being given, be lent, sold, hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or, in any unauthorised cover by way of trade or annexed to or as part of any publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever.

This issue was published on 22 January 2025 The next issue will be on sale 21 February 2025

February 2025

Your Subscription Update If you are an MEW subscriber, your subscription will continue as usual, and you’ll receive the new Model Engineer and Workshop magazine, now bigger and better!

- For non-Direct Debit subscribers to both Model Engineer and Model Engineers’ Workshop: Your Model Engineer & Workshop subscription will be extended by the equivalent value of the remaining issues from your Model Engineer subscription.

- For Direct Debit subscribers to both Model Engineer and Model Engineers’ Workshop: You will instead receive the equivalent value of your remaining Model Engineer issues as a subscription to The Railway Magazine, another title published by Mortons Media Group Ltd. Your Model Engineers’ Workshop subscription will continue under the new title of Model Engineer & Workshop. We understand that these changes might not suit everyone. If this is the case, please contact us on 01507 529529 or email emailqueries@mortons.co.uk, and we’ll be happy to suggest an alternative magazine or arrange a refund.

3

Contents 9

A Tribute to Cherry Hill

In 2008, former MEW Editor Geoff Sheppard interviewed the late Cherry Hill about her workshop. We reproduce it here in tribute to one of the finest model engineers of our age.

33

18 A Rolling Box

aques Maurel offers some useful ideas for storing heavier items in awkward spots.

20 3D printing: a Young Engineer’s perspective on innovation and potential

Apprentice engineer Tom Dale discusses his experience of 3D printing and how it fits with his aspirations as a model engineer.

24 Making a Pultra Lathe Collet Drawbar

Brett Meacle describes his versatile drawbar that acts as a precision stop and rear steady – and it’s easily adapted for other types of draw in collet.

30 From the Archives

To mark our final issue under the masthead “Model Engineers’ Worksop”, we revisit a useful article on clamping from the very first issue in 1990.

32 Accessories for the Worden Tool and Cutter Grinder Rod Jenkins explains how to make a set of fixtures that he uses with the Worden grinder to make specialist cutters and D-bits.

.3 No

36 Cherry Hill, 1931-2024 We mark the passing of an exceptional model engineer.

39 A Model Riveting Attachment Adrian Garner details his device for impressing rivets for smaller scale models, making use of George .

Thomas’ illar Tool.

46 A Noisy Problem Laurie Leonard discovered problems with his Myford ML7 lathe’s clutch; he describes how he tracked down the problem and solved it.

52 Measuring the “Frankestein mill”

While Brian Wood’s Dore Westbury Tom Senior mill is probably unique, his solutions to fitting digital readouts will be useful to owners of many milling machine types.

60 Beginner’s Workshop

Geometer looks at fitting and removing studs – challenges often faced when working with older machines.

61 First Steps in CNC part 2

Mark Noel concludes his first experiences of CNC by discussing some improvements to his machine.

VE PERSPECTI g.

ENGINEERe in’Shobb y engineerin A YOUNG Dale on his futur

48

Tom Apprentice

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

EER.CO.UK MODEL-ENGIN

THE MAGAZINE

ERS, MAKERS FOR HOME ENGINE

AND MODELLERS

FEBRUARY 2025

ISSUE 348 WWW.

RIVET A MINIATURE MACHINE ts imitation rive Press perfect . kshop-made tool with this wor

GET YOUR FAVOURITE MAGAZINE FOR LESS DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR!

CHERRY HILL

Our tribute to one of the el greatest mod engineers.

A COLLET DRAWBAR

explains Brett Meacle atile a neat and vers his drawbar for Pultra lathe.

Feb. 25

£5.85

RD LATHE. ISSUE: A NOISY MYFO IN ER.  FIXING IS PACKED R STORAGE EN TOOL GRIND BOX FOR EASIE INSIDE TH ING S FOR THE WORD  A ROLLING INE.  STEPP E ACCESSORIE CLAMPING. MILLING MACH  MAKE THES R, SAFER WORK TO A BENCHTOP ES FOR BETTE L READOUTS  TECHNIQU .  FITTING DIGITA STUDS. SHOP at: YOUR WORK Find out more REMOVING FITTING AND gineer.co.uk INTO CNC. 

Get more out of

6

with MEW your workshop

See page 22-23 for details.

46

www.model-en

www.model-engineer.co.uk

Model Engineers’ Workshop

OME FEAT RES WOR S O

Coming up… in our next issue In our next issue Alex du re demonstrates some creative applications of superglue to aid workholding in the lathe and mill.

E ENTS FOR MS ALB MS

Visit our

Website www.model-engineer.co.uk Why not follow us on Twitter? twitter.com/ ModelEngineers hashtag #MEW

Regulars 3 On the Editor’s Bench

Important news for readers on the future of your favourite magazine. .

38 On the Wire

This month, our new masthead and some news from Sealey Tools.

THIS MONTH’S BONUS CONTENT

49 Scribe A Line

Some thoughts on the Density Measurement conundrum. Send the editor your letters at meweditor@mortons.co.uk.

50 Readers’ Tips

This month our winner is a tip for easier marking out of sheet steel. Send your tips to meweditor@mortons.co.uk, you could win a prize..

Our monthly selection of readers free advertisements, is it time for you to grab a bargain

Our cover features Adrian Garner’s device for impressing rivet detail into sheet metal for small models.

See page 39 for more details.

.3 No

48

Your magazine is growing and changing into Model Engineer & Workshop. Find out more and let us know what you would like to see in the new, larger magazine at: www.model-engineer.co.uk forums Look for the topic Discussion on the Future Direction of Model Engineer and Workshop.

Hot topics on the forum include:

64 Readers’ Classifieds

ON THE COVER

Extra Content!

Francis W Shaw bench planer Started by Rob Gough.

A historic machine in stunning condition.

Internal thread & taper in same hole started by Dell.

A YOUNG ENGINEER’S PERSPECTIVE

ow best to tackle this machining challenge

Apprentice Tom Dale on his future in hobby engineering.

THE MAGAZINE FOR HOME ENGINEERS, MAKERS AND MODELLERS FEBRUARY 2025 ISSUE 348 WWW.MODEL-ENGINEER.CO.UK

A MINIATURE RIVET MACHINE Press perfect imitation rivets with this workshop-made tool.

A COLLET DRAWBAR

CHERRY HILL

Brett Meacle explains a neat and versatile drawbar for his Pultra lathe.

Our tribute to one of the greatest model engineers.

Unkown micrometer manufacturer started by Tomk.

Can you help track down the provenance of this precision tool

Come and have a Chat!

As well as plenty of engineering and hobby related discussion, we are happy for forum members to use it to share advice and support.

Come and join us – it’s free to all readers!

Feb. 25

£5.85

INSIDE THIS PACKED

ISSUE:

 MAKE THESE ACCESSORIES FOR THE WORDEN TOOL GRINDER.  FIXING A NOISY MYFORD LATHE.  TECHNIQUES FOR BETTER, SAFER WORK CLAMPING.  A ROLLING BOX FOR EASIER STORAGE IN YOUR WORKSHOP.  FITTING DIGITAL READOUTS TO A BENCHTOP MILLING MACHINE.  STEPPING INTO CNC.  FITTING AND REMOVING STUDS.

Get more out of your workshop with MEW

February 2025

Find out more at: www.model-engineer.co.uk

CLASSIFIEDS E TRA S BSCRIBE ARC I E S

LIERS

7

A Tribute to Cherry Hill In 2008, former MEW Editor Geoff Sheppard and photographer Justin Lambert visited the late Cherry Hill to talk to her about her workshop and models. This article appeared only in a 'special' magazine and we reproduce it here in tribute to one of the finest model engineers of our age.

T

he remarkable thing about Cherry Hill’s workshop is that it is quite unremarkable – except that it is so clean and tidy. For a facility that has produced a succession of models that have been awarded eight Duke of Edinburgh Trophies as well as many Gold and Silver Medals, trophies and other awards, this is a workshop which is modestly equipped. True that all the machine tools which populate it are of excellent quality, but it is just a small collection of nice lathes, milling machines and drilling machines plus a bandsaw, a couple of off-hand grinders and a filing machine. All this goes to emphasize the point that the quality and complexity of the items produced there are a tribute to the skill of the operator and her ability to manipulate these machines and the hand tools which augment them.

Cherry picked up these skills in her younger days because her father had established a home workshop, the centre piece of which was a 1913 Pittler lathe which has had a chequered history. Its previous owner had used it to produce parts for munitions, probably under the Amateur Ordnance Volunteer (AOV) Scheme, which made a significant contribution to the war effort. It was reported that, at one stage this scheme was producing 47,500 fuse screws and 5,000 sockets per week, leading to complaints from engineering firms that they were losing business to these volunteers! When the Second World War came along, its new owner again volunteered its services and it was transferred to a Ministry establishment in the Farnborough area, complete with George Hinds (Cherry’s father) to operate it. Later it re-located to another

8

www.model-engineer.co.uk

2

Cherry’s current project, the 1863 Robert Blackburn Agricultural engine, showing the horizontal boiler mounted within the drum. (CH) facility in the West Midlands, and on ‘demobilisation’, back to the Hinds family workshop. The machine still haspride of place in Cherry’s workshop, now frequently set up in dividing mode and fitted with its cutter frame to produce such things as hexagonal items (nuts, bolts etc) which are all specially made.

With a Degree from St. Andrews niversity, Cherry oined the family firm, a small organisation which designed and made agricultural equipment, including hop-picking machinery. ere she was expected to participate in all aspects of the operation, becoming as familiar with the works activities as she did with the design side. The extensive knowledge gained during this phase obviously equipped her well to meet the challenges encountered in her modelling activities.

These started when, on the return journey from a business trip to Kent, she and her father stopped off at Bond’s, this being in the days when it was still possible to park outside the shop on Euston Road. Of the designs on offer, the Bassett-Lowke 1in. scale traction engine was considered, but father thought that this was, perhaps, too complex a task on which to start, so a Stuart Turner No. 9 orizontal Engine became the first pro ect. Bill ughes’ version of the Allchin traction engine ‘Royal Chester’ was the next to attract attention, but at 1½in. scale it was felt to be a bit on the big side, so it was re-worked at half size. This in. to 1 foot scale has now become the norm for all Cherry’s modelling projects. Cherry felt that some of the details on the ughes design did not accurately re ect

Model Engineers’ Workshop

Cherry Hill Tribute 3

4

Drawings are still made in the traditional way, without the aid of electronic equipment, drawn at either full size or ten times full size. (JL)

Cherry points out some of the finer details of the design. (JL) those of the prototype, so sought out the full-size engine in order to improve the fidelity of her model. This, of course, generated much favourable comment when it was displayed at the 1964 Model Engineer Exhibition, winning a Silver Medal, with the Stuart Turner No. 9, also displayed, gaining a Bronze Medal.

Cherry’s skills were now, well and truly, attracting the attention of the model engineering world, with an editorial in ‘Smoke Rings’ in the 15 October 1964 edition of Model Engineer and an article by Bill ughes in the following issue. Hughes mentioned that the next planned project was a model of a steam propelled Merryweather fire engine, a 2in. scale version of which was to be found in the National Museum of Wales, in Cardiff.

There then started a process cycle which is now well established – a research phase, followed by detail design, followed by manufacture.

The detail design activity is often accompanied by the construction of what might be called a ‘feasibility model’, a prototype in aluminium, brass and whatever other material is appropriate to allow a check to be made of the practicality of the evolving design. Hence there are often two models, both to the same high standard! It’s just that one is produced from materials not employed on the prototype.

Some of the projects chosen by Cherry have been of little-known pieces of road machinery or agricultural equipment, the only source of information being

February 2025

5

A view of the machine shop with the Centec 2A milling machine in the foreground and the Myford Connoisseur lathe to the rear. The Pittler lathe is beside it and the Wabeco milling machine is largely hidden. (JL)

6

This room is mainly used for fitting work, but also houses the IME lathe and Meddings drill. The chassis bedplate of the latest project is covered by the cloth. (JL) patent applications or reports in technical ournals of the first and perhaps only) appearance of the device at some early agricultural show. The feasibility model sometimes shows that the full size machine was anything but feasible. For example, the latest

design exercise has shown that the valve gear of the steam engine section of the machine could not have been mounted where the only available drawing depicts it because it would have resulted in totally inadequate bearing scantlings. Changes must have been

9

›

7

Cherry gathers some of the smaller items for assembly to the Blackburn bedplate. (JL)

10

8

The 1913 Pittler lathe is set up for dividing and milling, having been motorised at some stage of its career. (JL)

9

The Pittler overhead drives the cutter frame. (JL)

11

Right up to date is the Myford Connoisseur lathe. (JL) An elegant piece of Edwardian engineering. (JL) made to the prototype, so Cherry has schemed out something which is likely to have been adopted. This approach is essential because, despite observations to the contrary, all Cherry’s models are capable of being operated and video footage is taken of each one performing when connected to a compressed air supply. They would be capable of being

10 www.model-engineer.co.uk

steamed, but the inaccessibility of fire hole doors on some of the prototypes would make stoking very difficult and the subsequent task of cleaning the model to bring it back to pristine condition doesn’t bear thinking about.

Incidentally, the Merryweather fire engine brought Cherry another Silver Medal, her first Bradbury Winter Trophy and an appearance on the cover of ‘M. E.’ (16 February 1968).

Her subsequent model, an Aveling

and Porter road roller captured the supreme award, the Duke of Edinburgh Trophy in 1971 after having won the Championship Cup for Road Vehicles and the Crebbin Memorial Trophy in 1970.

The latest model is of a Robert Blackburn Agricultural Engine of 18 3, a follow-on from the 1857 version which won Cherry her eighth ‘Duke of Edinburgh’ when it was exhibited at the 2007 Model Engineer Exhibition. This

Model Engineers’ Workshop

Cherry Hill Tribute 12

13

A micrometer saddle stop adds even more precision to the Connoisseur! (JL)

14

15

Cherry at work at the largest machine in the shop, the Myford VMC mill. (JL)

16

The X axis reaction point is a piece of angle attached to a permanent magnet. (JL) The Centec 2A has been fi tted with dial gauges to measure travel on the X and Z axes. (JL)

A simple collar clamped to the quill bears against the plunger of the Z axis clock. (JL)

prototype had a horizontal boiler, photo 2 rather than the vertical boiler of the earlier one.

So, what of the workshop in which these masterpieces are produced? The one we visited is only in use for part of the year because Cherry and her husband Ivor also have a home in Florida where the manufacture of some parts is also possible. At their British base, the workshop occupies two ground oor basement rooms of a bungalow built on a steep slope. This location allows each room to have the benefit of natural light, essential when the model reaches the painting stage, a process which is always carried out in this country. A further small room

on the oor above is equipped as the drawing office, complete with traditional drawing board, photo 3 on which General Arrangement and component detail drawings are worked up from the often meagre information which can be gleaned about the prototype. Some of the drawings are created at full model size, photo 4 but Cherry prefers to work at ten times full size for most as, at this scale, she finds that she can assess clearances more accurately One of the workshop rooms is equipped mainly as a machine shop, photo 5 while the other is where most of the hand work and fitting takes place, photos 6 and 7. As mentioned previously, pride of place in the machine

February 2025

17

Another survivor from the Hines family original workshop is this small sensitive drilling machine. (JL)

›

11

18

19

IME lathes were made by The Ideal Machine Tool and Engineering Company of Kingsland Road, London E8. Cherry’s is one of the Model 100 Series. (JL)

20

The “Raw Material Store” is well stocked and easily accessible. (JL)

21

Cherry’s other lathe for small work is a Cowells 90 of 1.75 in. centre height, a model which is still in production. (JL)

23

A simple buffing and polishing spindle is a vital tool when imparting the high finish which Cherry achieves. (JL)

22

Cherry’s other lathe for small work is a Cowells 90 of 1.75 in. centre height, a model which is still in production. (JL) shop is still occupied by the Pittler lathe, photos 8, 9 and 10 but this is augmentedby the latest in a succession of Myfords, this being the Connoisseur version, photos 11 and 12. The largest

12

www.model-engineer.co.uk

milling machine in the workshop is a Myford VMC, photo 13 which is capable of dealing with the heaviest work that Cherry is likely to undertake. An addition to the VMC is an inverter drive

Some items of the rear cultivator drive of the 1863 Blackburn engine, showing how some of the chain components are developed. (JL)

Model Engineers’ Workshop

Cherry Hill Tribute 24

26

The small size of Cherry’s models requires the manufacture of a significant number of special tools, many of them being special spanners such as this, each being hardened. (JL)

25

The Pillar Tool is fully equipped with the accessories described by GHT. (CH)

27

28

The UPT set up in ‘light’ staking mode i.e. with the ‘anvil’ set in the arm, rather than in the base. (For heavier riveting and staking, a set-up similar to that shown in photo 28 is used.) (CH)

Cherry has produced a simpler version of the top arm for use with the tools shown in photo 29. (CH)

The Universal Pillar Tool to the George Thomas design – one of the first made. (CH) which allows control of motor speed, a particularly welcome feature, says Cherry, as this obviates the need for frequent changes of drive belt position – not the easiest of exercises on this tall machine. Alongside the VMC is a bench mounted Centec 2A horizontal vertical miller which Cherry says that she finds particularly useful because, in some circumstances, the horizontal arbor can be used with the vertical head still in place. This proved to be the case recently when cutting the teeth on some lengths of rack for the Blackburn 18 3 engine. The Centec, though, does have one annoying habit – that of leaking oil from the vertical head when not in use – hence the plastic ‘drip container’ seen in photo 5. An addition to the Centec which has proved useful is the fitting of dial gauges to indicate movement on the X and Z axes, photos 14, 15 and 16.

February 2025

Sitting opposite the Centec is another bit of history, a simple sensitive drill, photo 17 which was a companion of the Pittler lathe in the original workshop.

The drilling machine is still in use, but the heavier work is now handled by some more modern companions, a Startrite Mercury Mk II, a Meddings and a small Toyo, the latter two being in the other

room, as can be seen in photos 6 and 7.

The Meddings is best suited to drilling smaller holes due to its high speed.

An additional milling machine has more recently been installed, this being the Wabeco F1210E which can be seen on the extreme right hand edge of photo 5. This is equipped with digital scales on all three axes, which have currently still to be set up to Cherry’s satisfaction.

13

›

29

30

The tools of various diameters are located directly in the adapters which are plugged into the special top arm. (CH) As has been mentioned, the second room of the workshop complex is the focus for bench work, although it does house some smaller machines such as the Toyo and Meddings drills already described and a couple of small lathes. These are a 2in. centre height IME instrument lathe, photos 18 and 19 and a 1 in. centre height Cowells machine, photo 20 both being used for smaller components. A simple buffing and polishing spindle made by simply mounting a chuck and a hub for the mop to a well-known make of reversible electric motor is one of the tools used to bring components to a high standard of finish, photo 21.

With work benches set at a convenient height and plenty of natural light from a large window, this workshop is the ideal setting for the fine fitting work required on Cherry’s models. While we were there we had the opportunity to see (and handle!) some of the components of the

32

The Centec ‘A’ milling machine set up for gashing a worm wheel. (CH) The range of home-made dividing plates available for use on the dividing head. (CH)

31

33

The gashing of a worm wheel nears completion. (CH)

The dividing head on the Centec equipped with one of the dividing plates made by Cherry. (CH)

34

35

Machining a worm gear on the IME 100 lathe. (CH)

A slender worm shaft requires carefully sharpened tools and fine cuts! (CH)

14

www.model-engineer.co.uk

Model Engineers’ Workshop

Cherry Hill Tribute 36

38

The Pittler lathe and overhead drive set up for lapping a worm gear to its worm wheel. (CH)

37 The worm and wheel nearing completion. (CH)

40

Lapping in progress – always remember to protect the lathe bed! (CH)

39

Slotting the worm wheel keyway on the Myford. The bore is 9/32in. diameter and the keyway is .024in. wide. (CH) drive train to the cultivator section of the Blackburn engine. The two-stage sprocket and entails the manufacture of a very large number of components, just

February 2025

The comparison with a 20p coin emphasizes the quality of the workmanship. (CH) a selection of which is seen in photo 22, while a few of the specially made tools involved are shown in photo 23.

With the very restricted space available on models of this scale, Cherry has found that purpose-made spanners are essential and now has a large selection of the type seen in photo 24, all of which are hardened for durability.

As would be expected of Cherry, any home-built piece of workshop equipment would be to the same high standard as any other piece of her work. Typical is a nice Pillar Tool to the George Thomas design, photo 25 which is fully equipped for tapping and riveting, photos 26 and 27 with some additional items of Cherry’s own design to increase its versatility, photos 28 and

29. George Thomas visited Cherry soon after the completion of the illar Tool, commenting that it was the first he had seen following the constructional series published in Model Engineer.

Although there were no major machining operations in progress at the time we visited, Cherry has supplied some photos of her own, taken at the various stages of machining a worm gear and wheel pair for the new model, photos 30 to 40. The photos of the internal gear and the associated tooling, photos 41 and 42 also illustrate the amount of effort which goes into ensuring that each component is not only correct in appearance, but fully functional. On occasions, however, all does not go according to plan and, ›

15

41

44

The excellent detail and fine finish on the motion work of the Gilletts and Allet engine, which also won the Duke of Edinburgh Trophy, in 2004, after having won a Gold Medal and the Bradbury Winter Memorial Trophy in 2003. (GS) More gear cutting, but this time the internal gear which can be seen on the inner periphery of the drum in photo 2. (CH)

42

The tools used to cut the internal gear seen in photo 41 with the ‘tools’ used to make the tools. (CH)

43

The rejected cylinder fabrication, of which the lower cylinder cover stud bosses were just too long, was used as ‘supporting evidence’ when the 1857 Blackburn engine was entered for the ‘Duke of Edinburgh Trophy’ competition, which it won. (JL)

16 www.model-engineer.co.uk

despite all the careful calculation and detail drawing, finished components do not always come up to the high standard which Cherry sets. She has no hesitation in rejecting a component if she is not satisfied so, despite many hours of work, a cylinder fabrication, photo 43 was discarded because the bosses for one set of cylinder cover studs appeared to be too long. It did have a use however, because its similarity to the component on the 1857 engine made it useful “supporting evidence” for a competition entry.

It will be a little while yet before the components of the later 1863 Robert Blackburn engine will be ready for painting and final assembly, so I include a photo, photo 44 of the motion work of the Gilletts and Allat engine which I took on an earlier visit. This clearly illustrates the high standard of finish and detail that Cherry is able to achieve.

It was a great pleasure and privilege to be able to visit this charming and talented lady and to admire her workshop and the work which emanates from it. The lesson to be learned is that it is not necessary to own a facility packed with hugely expensive and complex state-of –theart machinery to be able to produce top class work. Over the years, descriptions of many award-winning models have made reference to the modestly equipped workshops in which they have been produced. The same still applies today. We look forward to seeing the next masterpiece from Cherry.

Model Engineers’ Workshop

A Rolling Box Jacques Maurel has an idea that involves recycling one of the artefacts of his youth!

1

Jacques elderly pair of roller skates.

2

The ‘roller box’ under the stairs.

18 www.model-engineer.co.uk

Photograph 1 shows a pair of skates from the sixties. It’s possible to use them for making a “rolling box”, very convenient to stock the odds and ends of wrought iron and other material under the stairs, as can be seen in photo 2. For this, the skates are dismantled and bolted under a piece of 15mm thick plywood, and a fruit crate is screwed on the opposite side, see photo 3.

If it happens that you’re not old enough to get this type of skate from your attic, it’s possible to buy the lowprice casters seen in photo 4.

Photograph 5 shows a “rolling drawer” using this type of casters, set in the bottom of the tools cupboard, paint cans are used to stock the steel odds and ends, a piece of angle iron is bolted on the front side and drilled to get a grip with the lathe “chips hook”, photo 6, for drawing it out, pushing it back in being done by a little footwork.

Model Engineers’ Workshop

Roller Box 3

How the skates are fixed to the box.

4

An alternative caster is easily obtained.

5

The ‘rolling drawer’ fits under a bench.

6

Jacques’ ‘Chips Hook’ is primarily a safe way to remove swarf from the lathe.

February 2025

19

3D printing: a Young Engineer’s perspective on innovation and potential Tom Dale is an apprentice engineer the editor met at the Midlands Exhibition.

Here he shares his thoughts on 3D printing, offering an insight in to what could inspire the next generation of model engineers.

A

s a young engineer, I started 3D printing when I was 13 and it’s been one of the most exciting parts of my journey so far. I have been fascinated by how a spool of plastic wire can be turned into an intricate 3D model right in front of me with only a few clicks of a button. Since then, I have found that 3D printing is a valuable tool that I find entrances me for hours as it offers a unique blend of complexity, userfriendliness, and excitement.

In this article, I want to share how 3D printing has changed the way I look at the engineering world, how it has captured my imagination, the types of projects I have tackled and want to tackle, and my dreams of expanding into the world of 3D scanning and resin printing. I believe that 3D printing is not just a hobby but a powerful tool for engineering.

For young engineers, 3D printing offers a diverse mix of creativity and accessibility. Traditional manufacturing methods, like using castings, are usually labour intensive and expensive, but 3D printing allows for a cheaper alternative without sacrificing quality. In addition you have the opportunity to prototype and test allowing you to quickly reach the best design. 3D printing also offers a lot of control, from being able to choose materials to designing your own models, I have found that I can adapt to any project’s needs. 3D printing technology is becoming more

20 www.model-engineer.co.uk

user-friendly and with lowering costs is increasingly more accessible for beginners.

As an apprentice engineer, I like the process of designing and testing models.

3D printing allows me to do this quickly and cheaply without spending lots of time and money, in a way few other methods can. To me the idea of quickly bringing ideas from a computer screen to reality is really exciting as I am not just limited to looking at my ideas on a screen, I can 3D print them and then actually hold and test them.

The first model I printed was a little “Benchy” tug boat, I then moved on to creating octopi with articulated legs, exible sharks and dinosaurs as toys, some of which I sold to friends to make some pocket money to buy new filaments. I then moved on to some larger prints like a “redhood” mask, some larger articulated dinosaurs before branching out into more engineering focused prints, like a Stirling engine, photo 1. The Stirling heat engine is my favourite print to date, as it runs off the air temperature differential, as a closed cycle regenerative hot air engine.

Looking ahead, there are several projects that I am particularly excited about trying with my 3D printer. On the model side I would like to create a working model traction engine that’s a majority 3D printed as this can be a real test of skill, patience, and intricacy. It

would also be a fantastic way to practice modelling skills, and it would allow me to study the inner workings of a traction engine.

Beyond the aspect of creating models, I am very interested to delve deeper into the world of engineering with a 3D printer. I have already made a chevroned epicyclic gear which was fascinating to see made as one object, photo 2 Furthermore, I would like to expand and create parts to solve specific problems like creating an electrical housing for a lathe. If I ever needed, I could build or design my own unique tools for a certain task. There is an

1

A 3D printed Stirling engine.

Model Engineers’ Workshop