I once worked for Roy Johnson's Automotive Machine Shop. This is where I was introduced to the use of common cooking lard as a lubricant when drilling on steel. Yes that's right, now you’re cooking with "Bacon" in the shop. The use of the lard makes cutting clean,...
When grinding wire for fitting O-rings I use an air angle grinder and put a piece of shim stock between the head and wire to prevent bumping the grinding disc on the freshly machined head. Arus Kinney AK's Engine and Machining Covington, GA
I have a cam gear with a chain for checking clearance on the top oil galley area on SB Chevy blocks, which is often an issue. This was a previous Shop Solution. I also use it to check or set-up cam button to timing cover clearance for my engine builders or home...
Often it is necessary to space the work piece up in the mill vise or off the machine’s table, when drilling or boring, etc. In addition to typical set of milling parallels, these shop-made variable height fixtures have proven to be very handy. Tom Nichols Automotive...
When I'm recharging my spray wash, I have a coffee can with small holes that I use to dissolve the detergent. It allows the water to fill and mix with the detergent and lets me stir it if needed as I'm adding. This prevents the detergent from setting and caking on the...
Freshly bored blocks leave a sharp edge on the bottom where the skirts protrude. I've found one of these little belt sanders are perfect to break that edge and add a chamfer. The outboard side I do from the crankcase and the Inboard side I put the sander through the...