mills 1.3cc diesel crankcase model engineering mikes-models

9th January 2008 - 2nd session

I now know where I went wrong regarding the holes to be drilled in the
crankcase blank. I marked their position on the wrong side! I marked them
where they join the lugs markings on the front, when indeed they should be
marked out on the rear of the crankcase.

However, more of a successful day today in regards to making the second
crank case blank. The first blank was very close to the sizes required but using
the very small pin vice I felt it wasn't running quite true and always have to
finish off any piece by light filing if it runs out anywhere.

Today's efforts were more successful, indeed the most accurate I have ever
achieved. 2 sides were exactly right to 0.0000" (according to my digital
callipers) and 0.0005" on the third. I now have a blank I am pleased with.

How did I achieve what is for me, an accurate blank? Two reasons, both
linked to Christmas! My wife gave me sufficient funds for me to buy a digital
height gauge (photo 1 on the left) and a new and larger precision milling vice.

The vice is not only substantial, but machined to an accuracy I have not had
before. So perhaps the old adage of a workman is only as good as his tools,
has some validity! Using the height gauge really did make marking out easier as
well as the increased accuracy.

So by the end of the day I now have the blank done. The next task is to drill
the two holes in the correct position!

Time today 2 hours. Total time 4 hours.