We keep NPT unions by the lathe for drilling pipe plugs for restrictors. We can screw the fitting in, chuck it up and use the lathe to drill the fitting. We use a split nut on conventional thread fittings. Adam Cofer Don Ott Racing Engines York…
Adam Cofer Don Ott Racing Engines York Springs, PA
In the event you come up missing a set screw or oil galley plug, and need to finish a job, one can be quickly made by threading the head of a stainless-steel hex-socket head cap screw. Then cut off and file the smaller original threaded portion of the…
Tom Nichols Automotive Machine & Supply, Inc. Joshua, TX
I needed a tool for rotating the crankshaft when adjusting valves, and the harmonic balancer was on the engine. I cut off the snout end of an old crankshaft. With the woodruff key or keys installed, I put it into the end of the balancer and then…
Chuck Peterson Peterson Machining Belmont, NH
If you have broken a tap or easy-out, how do you drill it? Go to the hardware store and buy a few cheap masonry drills. The type with a spade piece of carbide in the end. These drills will put up with lots of abuse and…
Peter vonSneidern Kidder Mountain Restoration Temple, NH
Start with a carriage bolt with a head diameter 1/4" larger than the bottom of the T-slot. Be sure the bolt's square shank fits easily into the T-slot. Chuck the bolt in the lathe, drill and tap thru the head to a depth just beyond the end of…
Tom Nichols Automotive Machine & Supply, Inc Cleburne, TX
Metal parts that are exposed to too much heat will turn a shade of Blue. I found that brushing white vinegar on the eye of the connecting rod, after heating to install pistons, removes the Blue. Put vinegar in a plastic container for dipping small parts, it…
Randy Torvinen Torvinen’s Machine Menahga, MN
When performing volume checks, this cuts down on the mess to clean up afterwards. Once finished pouring the volume, we use this syringe and a piece of tubing to suck the fluid out of the cylinder or chamber before removing the plate. The syringes can be found…
Adam Cofer Salina Engine Salina, KS
When broaching a keyway in a relatively thin part, such as this modified gear cut from a Chevy camshaft or a narrow pulley, I use an aluminum spacer to hold the broach guide bushing up and out of the work piece. This will help hold the broach…
Tom Nichols Automotive Machine & Supply, Inc Cleburne, TX
Some engines are harder to increase the compression ratio on than others. Sometimes we are limited in cylinder head chamber size and sometimes higher compression pistons are not available or effective for certain engines. Increasing the crankshaft stroke is an often overlooked but very effective way to…
Dave Matton D and D Auto Machine Bloomington, MN
When machining or lightening a flywheel on a lathe, vibration and chattering will often cause a poor surface finish. To dampen the vibrations and achieve a nice smooth finish, soak a bath towel in water, wring it out and wrap the damp towel tightly between the lathe chuck…
Tom Nichols Automotive Machine & Supply, Inc Cleburne, TX