SET UP BLOCKS Keep your tape measure in the toolbox when doing set ups that you repeat time and time again. Make some gauge blocks or fixtures, whatever it takes to save time setting up your machines. Randy Torvinen Torvinen's Machine Menahga, MN DECEMBER, 2021

3D PRINTER One of the most useful tools I have acquired and recommend are my two 3D printers. It allows rapid part prototyping as well as the ability to quickly make a tool. In this case I had a cam bearing that my two other cam bearing tools just weren’t working well...

PINS TO STANDOFFS It’s common for shops to use DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel) tubing to make standoffs they need to torque plate hone different engines. For a while there was a materials shortage, but that didn't mean there wasn't some old .927’ wristpins over in the scrap...

T-SLOT BRIDGE Occasionally, when clamping an odd-shaped part like a cylinder head or small engine block on our Bridgeport mill, the mill table's T-slots are not always spaced for convenient clamping. To make the job easier and faster, we machined a pair of steel...

SHARPENER If you have one of these style sharpeners, we have found the rest and stop can be adjusted to sharpen your drill bits on the appropriate angle, for a sharp tip every time. Adam Cofer Don Ott Racing Engines York Springs, PA NOVEMBER, 2021

ALIGNMENT DOWELS Every couple of months I repair a transmission ear. The people install the transmissions out of alignment and attempt to pull them in using the mounting bolts. Part of my repair includes donating a couple simple alignment pins fabricated from bolts to...