SHOP SOLUTIONS
QUICKARBOR

QUICKARBOR

Up against a deadline to ship engines, we elected to machine the 20 chrome water necks to fit, rather than return them and order more. To securely hold the water necks in our lathe, we needed a custom-sized expanding arbor. I made the arbor from a 4" length of...

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EXPANDABLE DOWEL DRIVER

EXPANDABLE DOWEL DRIVER

If you ever tried to get the locating dowels out of the Cummins main caps, you know that using a straight drift doesn't work. The bolt holes are tighter on the opposite side of the dowel end. I made an expandable driver spud that allows the removal end to be expanded...

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ADD A JACKSCREW

ADD A JACKSCREW

When drilling on cranks for balancing, install a simple jackscrew between the counterweights to eliminate flex at the rod journal. I use the same ones for drilling in line with the crank for heavy metal install, if the counterweight is unsupported on the drill...

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V-BLOCKS FOR LARGE SHAFTS

V-BLOCKS FOR LARGE SHAFTS

Here’s an easy fixture for inspecting run-out on shafts with a diameter too large to fit in your V-blocks. We place 2-4-6 blocks (or you can use a couple of 1-2-3 blocks) on our granite surface plate. You could also use a mill table. Next drop 4 steel ball bearings...

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PLUG SOCKET ON A DIET

PLUG SOCKET ON A DIET

I have a “snakey” set of 1.75" headers on my hot rod truck. Several of the spark plugs are nearly impossible to access. I took an extra 5/8" socket, though the concept would work regardless what size hex. I trimmed it down In the lathe and drilled a 1/2" hole through...

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NO SPILL LUBE CONTAINERS

NO SPILL LUBE CONTAINERS

We all use different assembly lubricants for different areas of our projects. Just have many pill bottles with a smaller hole in the cap to prevent spilling if it gets tipped over. Just fill the bottle with a smaller level of lube so it won't pour out the top hole if...

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