Making Small Workshop Tools (Workshop Practice Series)

Making tools and workshop equipment forms the major part of the model engineering hobby for some, but for others it is regarded as something of a chore, the manufacture of models being the prime concern. Frequently, however, there is a need for items that cannot always be purchased, or perhaps are needed at a time when obtaining them is not convenient. In these instances making the necessary tools or whatever becomes the only possible solution. The reasons for a reluctance to undertake making these items are that there is a common belief that their manufacture will be very time-consuming, or that special materials will be needed. Neither is true - all the tools described in this book can be made in a very short time, some in fact in a matter of minutes and none requires anything other than the type of material likely to be found in any home workshop, left over from other projects. They are designed to use up those little short ends that get put away just in case they will come in useful, but never do! I prefer to convert them into useful things for my workshop rather than just leave odd bits of metal in a box under the bench to go rusty. The projects are divided into sections for convenience. They are designed generally for marking out, bellchwork or lathe work, but there are also some fixtures suitable for use on any type of machinery. While reasonable care is required in their manufacture they do not need either high precision or, unless it is the constructors wish, a high finish. The important thing is that they work and that when they have been made they add to the workshop equipment. Personally I have found all of them pleasing little exercises which offer relaxation from more demanding tasks, and they have served me well over the years. Making twenty-two simple but useful adjuncts to the tool kit for bench and lathe use, none taking any more than 3 to 4 hours or involving special materials, yet each able to save considerable time in use as well as aiding accuracy. With working drawings, photographs and sketches etc.