SHOP SOLUTIONS
NO MORE SPLIT GUIDES

NO MORE SPLIT GUIDES

The person who taught me to broach bronze liners used hose clamps, but sometimes they crack. More often it’s when it has had a .502” service guide installed. So instead of hose clamps, I bought some inexpensive split collars for 1/2". A person could machine them for...

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LUBRICATING LARD

LUBRICATING LARD

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,...

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SHIM FOR PROTECTION

SHIM FOR PROTECTION

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  

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DOUBLE DUTY

DOUBLE DUTY

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...

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VARIABLE HEIGHT FIXTURE

VARIABLE HEIGHT FIXTURE

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...

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SPRAY WASHER RECHARGE

SPRAY WASHER RECHARGE

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...

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