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mikes-models.com |
mikes-models.com |
one off project - Fowler bench/storage system |
29th March 2008. The Fowler traction engine bench and storage project is another of those 'one off' projects that seem to crop up all to frequently! I have not been happy with the space I seem to have for storing the traction engine and all its castings. As can be seen with the photo's on the Fowler page, there is a lot of parts either made or castings ready to be machined. Also being able to start work and leave it as I have to do sometimes when I dnon't really want to, is a distinct disadvantage. Additionally it would be nice to construct some sort of lifting mechanism in the workshop for the heavier items. Looking around my workshop there is no additional space to be had, and I suppose like a resticted developer, I thought the only way was up! I intend making a bench that will also be able to hold the many parts and allow me to work on her that will then be winched up to the ceiling! I will make the bench with fold down legs (or is it up?) that will be secured by line (I was going to use rigging wire for yachts but it would have cost over £75 just for the wire!) and via an electric winch, will be winched up as far as it will go with the traction engine chimney in the down position. I have measured the space underneath the 'engine in the sky' and as long as you are under 6'4" tall, it will be out of the way. When in the raised position I will secure it there. When in the lowered position the line will be raised up out of the way. The line will move over rollers that each end will be mounted in bearings. These will be secured to the ceiling joists directly and also strapped over the joists as well. I am in the process of making engineering drawings but it may be I just use the 7 A4 pages of free hand design. I am now in the process of gathering the materials needed and will post photo's as we go along. As an extra I will be thinking on how I can move the lifting power of the winch around the workshop. I am thinking of some flexible system such as the overhead belt driven machines found in the late 19th and early 20th Centuary. Time will tell..........As they say....watch this space. 31st March 2008 I spent the day rearranging one side of the leg configuration so the legs would fold as flat as possible for storage. I am now waiting for the winch to arrive and the bearings for the rollers that will be used to support the bench. Meanwhile have taken a picture (photo 1 to the right) to give you an idea of what the bench looks like. For a bit of fun I also placed the boilder, complete with front wheels, on the new bench and screwed a piece of would behind the front wheels so the traction engine won't move. When the rear wheels have been assembled I will do the same for them. I feel more confident that real progress can be made if I have a good working area that I can leave a few bits on without fear of them getting lost. Only time will tell. Once point of reinforcement though is that I hate working in wood! Its messy and gets everywhere. I thought the amount of swarf and oil flying about was 'interesting' but wood is terrible! So all you carpenters out there...you can keep it! Give me a bit of brass, ally, cast or steel anytime! |