I’m still here. Sometimes I wonder if you are. Ha! All two of you… It’s like writing to myself (Dear Diary…) but that is OK. I’ll hit a subject sooner or later that will make you put finger to keyboard.
Slid to work on the Dallas skating rink er… highways but since it was 6:00 AM there wasn’t much traffic. The Hemi RAM was covered with snow at 5:30 AM about 3 inches deep. Light and fluffy. It was nice to see everything looking like a “White Christmas”. Don’t get that much snow around here. Had to keep a very light touch on the “Go” button on the 340 HP RAM, but then the roads go better nearer to the office, 20 some miles away from home.
It’s 7:00 AM now so off to make some more money for the company…
Dan’l
Hi Dad,
Happy Groundhog’s Day! Punxsutawney Phil says Spring is coming early, so enjoy that snow while it’s here! 🙂
Shel
Hey Shel,
Yes, I see that ol’ PP has made that prediction. Punxsytawney is where I smacked a deer with my work van while on my way to a jobsite in that town. You may have been too young to remember.
It was the beige Ford service van and it had a dent in the hood forever after. The deer got up and ran away…
Dadio
Hi Dan
Love your website. I live about 15 miles south of Houston TX. in Manvel. The cold weather is a shock for most people down here. I’m a newbie to your hobby and am finially in a position to buy tools ( IE: lathe and mill). I was planning on getting the lathemaster 8×14 and their mill listed on their website. I just ordered the Kozo book on the A3 and am wondering if my tool purchase will be a smart one. Do I also need the “micro” tools?
Do I need cnc machines to make an A3? Is proper tooling explained in Kozo’s book? Thanks in advance for any time spent helping me. Time seems to be the most expensive comodity in the universe.*S* I’ve done hours of reaserch on the web and it all starts spinning in a circle after awhile.*L*
Robert August
Hello Robert,
I have your private email too. Since you ask the same questions there, I will answer public here! 🙂
The Lathemaster 8×14 is an excellent choice for a project like the A3 locomotive or anything in that size range. It is a very simple machine but a great value for the money. The longer version is fine too. If you have the money anything in that size that can do 2,000 rpm will avoid the need for a micro lathe. (The smaller the diameter of the part the more RPM you should use on the lathe.) Small model parts need the speed. Big lathes usually don’t provide it.
The current Lathemaster mill is very big. Much bigger than my X3. I am in partnership with one of those so I can use it whenever I need. Haven’t needed it yet. If you have the room, it is a great investment. It is a lot of mill for the money and well worth it. Be aware, large gear head mills make some noise, but that is the nature of these beasts.
The A3 book has great tool recommendations from Kozo. You will be amazed at what he has done with the tools in his shop. Proof positive that not tools but how you use them create the result.
Do you need micro tools or CNC… NO. The only sane way for me to mill the drivers rather than use castings is with CNC. I will surely find other CNC applications on the A3 (side frames?). But CNC is not required.
When you stop at a state highway intersection outside of Houston and you see a L.E.D. traffic signal (little dots), I ran the construction project that put them there for TXDOT. Over 30,000 of them in several thousand intersections. One standard incandescent “ball” equals 135 watts. One LED ball is 17 watts or less (arrows). Good energy savings.
I live in Frisco, just north of Dallas if you haven’t seen that yet.
Dan’l
Thanks for your quick response. I value your advise tremendously. SO YOUR THE ONE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THOSE LIGHTS!!!*L* I used to work for the Chicago Northwestern and the Union Pacific R.R.(after they bought out the CNW) as a signalman. Before I left we were just starting to switch over all the grade crossing protectors to LED packs. I think they were staying with the bulbs for actual train signals though. I was actually contacting some friends still in the buisness to see If I could get switch drawings. I haven’t seen a whole lot of that kind of thing(in toy size)on the web. Funny thing…….I wasn’t that interested in trains while working for them. Its only after having a son did toy steam trains spike my interest. He’s 5 now, and by the time he’s responsible enough to use one I make(like the A3), he should be plenty old.*L*
Do you think a smaller mill would be more appropriate? Is there anyone selling the X3 any more? I did notice the cost was considerably less for the X3 than the lathemaster. Saving money would sure excite the wife.*S* I planned on making alot of my own tooling to save money and gain experience. I’ve seen alot of plans and books on the subject. I also found a Houston area club for metal workers and plan on going to their next meeting. Thanks again. I understand your probably a very busy person. So, you don’t have to answer these posts. I still have lots of questions, and I’m famous for bugging someone till I have my fill.*L*
Robert,
The mill is now being sold by Grizzly as the G0463. The deluxe version is the G0619. Harbor Freight and others may have it too.
The Houston Club is the best place for you to get local mentoring. I don’t know how friendly they are but they do have a great reputation. Here is a LINK to their website. http://www.homemetalshopclub.org/
Dan’l