by Donnie Hurt | Feb 1, 2023 | TOOLING
CHIP REMOVER Often when tapping blind holes, chips pack in the bottom of the hole. This easy to make tool quickly removes them. You need 1-Panhead screw with the threads turned down (alternatively, a short screw with a length of rod can be substituted), 1-wood deck...
by Donnie Hurt | Feb 1, 2023 | CAMSHAFTS & VALVE TRAIN
NO BOUNCE Most everyone straightens camshafts with a rounded chisel. Your efforts are more productive by supporting the cam. I lay it on a piece of carpet runner, and it makes it quicker and easier. I used to do it on the V -blocks, but this is much more effective....
by Donnie Hurt | Feb 1, 2023 | CYLINDER HEADS
REPURPOSED STUD PULLER Back in the day, we did camel hump SBC heads by the dozens, and we really used our hydraulic stud puller. We recently did a 1944 flathead Jeep engine. There is no clearance to drive the guide out easily. So, we took a short length of grade 8...
by Donnie Hurt | Feb 1, 2023 | OTHER SHOP WORK
DOUBLE YOUR STRENGTH Lifting heavy objects is an everyday occurrence in machine shops. To prevent injury, it’s a good idea to install small, inexpensive wire cable hoists over equipment that can hold castings in place while mounting to machinery. Small hoists that...
by Donnie Hurt | Feb 1, 2023 | CRANKSHAFTS & CONNECTING RODS
EXTERNAL BALANCING ACT When balancing a crankshaft that has a flexplate or flywheel, make sure it fits snugly and there is no lateral movement. Any play can cause the balance not to repeat when the flex/flywheel has been removed and installed. I like to center them up...
