by Donnie Hurt | Sep 1, 2021 | BLOCK WORK
FIRE WIRE When I install wire O-rings, I use a mini handheld belt sander to do the first 45° scarf cut. Then, I walk the ring wire around, partially depth-set in place, leaving about 5/8” of a tail. Next, I mark the mating end with a felt tip marker. This gives you a...
by Donnie Hurt | Aug 1, 2021 | TOOLING
CHALK UP ANOTHER TIP 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...
by Donnie Hurt | Aug 1, 2021 | CRANKSHAFTS & CONNECTING RODS
BOBWEIGHT PLACEMENT I always “phase” my bobweights. I start by screwing in a couple bolts into the crankshaft flange. It seems to be a good starting place and seems to place the first throw up. I level across the bolts then 0 my degree wheel. Then I level each...
by Donnie Hurt | Aug 1, 2021 | CYLINDER HEADS
CYLINDER HEAD PORTING TIP When doing port work and rolling the short turn radius, sometimes it’s difficult to get in there and get a good angle with the burr or sanding roll. I use a tapered cone type cartridge roll, but I flip it backwards on the mandrel. This will...
by Donnie Hurt | Aug 1, 2021 | OTHER SHOP WORK
BROKEN TAP OR EZ-OUT 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 you can drill a hole in a...
