Occasionally, when clamping an odd-shaped part like a cylinder head or small engine block on our Bridgeport mill, the mill table's T-slots are not always spaced for convenient clamping. To make the job easier and faster, we machined a pair of steel T-slot "bridges". We tapped them to…
Tom Nichols Automotive Machine & Supply, Inc Joshua TX
If you have one of these style sharpeners, we have found the rest and stop can be adjusted to sharpen your drill bits on the appropriate angle, for a sharp tip every time. Adam Cofer Don Ott Racing Engines York Springs, PA NOVEMBER, 2021
Adam Cofer Don Ott Racing Engines York Springs, PA
Every couple of months I repair a transmission ear. The people install the transmissions out of alignment and attempt to pull them in using the mounting bolts. Part of my repair includes donating a couple simple alignment pins fabricated from bolts to ensure the gearbox goes in straight. Once…
Archie Frangoudis Archie’s Racing Service Nashua, NH
When I check deck height the caliper pads can be hard to hold in the correct spot. I use the appropriate parallel to rest the caliper on, making the measuring process much easier. Randy Torvinen Torvinen's Machine Menahga, MN OCTOBER, 2021
Randy Torvinen Torvinen's Machine Menahga, MN
Shallow head fasteners like flywheel bolts can be a challenge to remove without rounding the head off. I place a socket in my metal lathe and face it flat to eliminate the chamfer. I get full contact with the fastener and fewer stripped heads. Dave Matton D and…
Dave Matton D and D Auto Machine Bloomington, MN
When fabricating gaskets, exhaust flanges, etc. , a set of hole transfer punches can make the job easier. However if you do not have transfer punches, or if they're always at the other end of the shop, this little trick comes in handy. Set the tool…
Eric Nichols Moto Machine & Supply Cleburne, TX
To prevent a clogged file from marring your work, try filling the file's teeth with chalk. Children's sidewalk chalk works well for this. Should the file become clogged, a length of 3/8" or 1/2" copper tubing, with one end flattened, will quickly clear the clogs. It…
Tom Nichols Automotive Machine & Supply, Inc Cleburne, TX
On the line honing machine, the mandrel rest and tank sides can end up becoming a real mess, especially after the job while the mandrel drains off. I took a large cup freeze plug and drilled some drain holes in it. I screwed this to the metal…
Ron Flood Cedar Machine North Branch, MN
It is a common thing with Arnold Gauge calipers to have the original set screws strip out. Many try welding the holes shut or drilling a new hole. We have found that by simply re-tapping the hole for a 3mm set screw it will make it like new. Adney…
Adney Brown Performance Crankshaft Inc Ferndale, MI
About twenty years ago cam lifts and valve spring pressures were on the increase. Today, 1000 lbs open pressure is not unheard of. This increases taxation of many existing valve spring compressors and their tooling. Shown are some of my modified compressors and spring retainer jaws.…
Archie Frangoudis Archie’s Racing Service Nashua, NH