Model Engineer & Workshop Magazine | Site-Wide Activity https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/activity/ Activity feed for the entire site. Sat, 24 Oct 2026 17:44:08 +0100 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-GB 30 hourly 2 5de2ec5f1eae6630301b3694c9833b14 Geoff Rogers replied to the topic A first for ME&W in the forum Model Engineer. https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/a-first-for-mew/#post-871140 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 17:32:00 +0100 the article on the strength of 3D printed parts is most interesting.  Moves 3D printed metal parts from the ornamental stable to the mechanically useful side.

]]> dc823470c79e11cefc00b9c94c3598f3 Michael Gilligan replied to the topic A first for ME&W in the forum Model Engineer. https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/a-first-for-mew/#post-871139 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 17:00:11 +0100 Bring it on, Noel !

MichaelG.

]]> 3be592064ab17eb667e9b4c5619f8feb noel shelley replied to the topic A first for ME&W in the forum Model Engineer. https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/a-first-for-mew/#post-871137 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 16:44:56 +0100 What if any interest would there be in a powerful spark eroder able to do a lot more than just get a broken tap out ? It was made largely out of the bits from an old one armed bandit and cost very little.  Noel.

]]> 7c0a82f9b3ffe2cfb89a84eaa6c11d28 Steve Huckins started the topic More help with Rachel Wall engine in the forum Beginners questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/more-help-with-rachel-wall-engine/ Sat, 24 Oct 2026 16:43:42 +0100 Making progress with Rachel Wall Engine and now trying to understand the steam valve rod from the drawings. Can you help to explain the concept of the three differing measurements as shown on the drawing please ?

The rod changes from 5mm to 4mm to 3mm (for M3 of course).  On the photo sent by Jason for me, (thanks as ever) it shows the 5mm…[Read more]

]]> a91b21872dcff3ab5f9eb08f8ec972f0 Andrew Crow replied to the topic Free Metal in the forum Materials https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/free-metal/#post-871131 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 15:55:34 +0100 Never look a gift horse in the mouth, as Andrew has said you can always weigh it in.

Andy.

]]> c76c96ab43cab0b6ca010c33aa9e5c7e Michael Gilligan replied to the topic Dry PTFE Spray in the forum The Tea Room https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/dry-ptfe-spray/#post-871130 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:44:31 +0100 https://www.motip.com/en-en/automotive-products/technical-sprays/lubrication/ptfe-dry

]]> e2d70a99f96bdbdc1d849fff4447097c JasonB replied to the topic A first for ME&W in the forum Model Engineer. https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/a-first-for-mew/#post-871129 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:41:45 +0100 It would be a lot more useful if you said what does interest you, otherwise, how will the editor know what people want or don’t want.

Neil is also working to get Kelsey to use the old terms so new authors will retain rights.

]]> 5f9489ef2516ad229b1c1f9801702f4f Andrew Tinsley replied to the topic Free Metal in the forum Materials https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/free-metal/#post-871128 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:38:19 +0100 The material may be fine, if not weigh it in. Definitely a win win situation!

Andrew.

]]> c234f217c0ea96cfbbbb1064bc3bd676 Andrew Tinsley replied to the topic A first for ME&W in the forum Model Engineer. https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/a-first-for-mew/#post-871127 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:34:47 +0100 Please don’t give me “write an article for ME&W”. It is a commercial enterprise, there to make a profit. New authors lose the rights to their work since the latest takeover.

I agree that you can’t please everyone, I am not complaining, just observing that there was nothing of interest in the current magazine. Surely any feedback must be useful to…[Read more]

]]> 9f1e5868f79d143297347f288c93b859 Michael Gilligan replied to the topic Dry PTFE Spray in the forum The Tea Room https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/dry-ptfe-spray/#post-871126 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:25:30 +0100 I’ve just returned from a visit to this wonderful local emporium:

https://carshoppitstop.co.uk

… even they now have nothing with PTFE in it.

Further research required, but MoTip is looking like a bargain-buy

MichaelG.

]]> 9f4230b3783e5d2ff0068b26c7737d4f JA replied to the topic A first for ME&W in the forum Model Engineer. https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/a-first-for-mew/#post-871125 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:02:15 +0100 I think the latest edition is average. Some articles are interesting, some are of no interest and very few are exciting. I see no reason to terminate my subscription.

Also I have to ask Andrew and John, what interests you?

JA

]]> 1da302ca82b0a9c3ed39f24af3744466 mgnbuk replied to the topic A first for ME&W in the forum Model Engineer. https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/a-first-for-mew/#post-871124 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:00:51 +0100 A first for a long while for me was two interesting articles in the current issue !

Just goes to show that you really can’t please everyone.

Nigel B.

]]> d79543f8d92455bb31a6af261024263a JasonB replied to the topic A first for ME&W in the forum Model Engineer. https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/a-first-for-mew/#post-871123 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:00:08 +0100 Its a funny world, often there is nothing that I read but I actually read two articles in the latest, thanks to Julie and Rod. Three if you include proof reading my own.

]]> 2099e831d59270e68a54cf61d9ec3f3f mgnbuk replied to the topic Dry PTFE Spray in the forum The Tea Room https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/dry-ptfe-spray/#post-871122 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 13:58:19 +0100 WD40 list a dry PTFE aerosol- lowest price around £11 for a 400 ml aerosol delivered on Ebay. Other similar dry PTF aerosol products from £8. RS Products do their own but £14.50 + delivery.

Can’t find the supplier of the similar product I used to use on chuck jaws at my former employment. Jaws treated with this product & the scroll with a dry mo…[Read more]

]]> 08a66affcf572f755162d247984dd662 Bazyle replied to the topic A first for ME&W in the forum Model Engineer. https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/a-first-for-mew/#post-871121 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 13:47:15 +0100 Maybe you need to broaden your interests. Last week I was sufficiently impressed after I read one article to write thanks to the author in the ‘what you did today’ thread (as what I did for a couple of hours was read part of the latest edition.
Also one of the Club reports mentioned an interesting article in the Sydney club newsletter. I initially…[Read more]

]]> fa71faa8837f98287dcc0c872f5271bd Bazyle replied to the topic Dry PTFE Spray in the forum The Tea Room https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/dry-ptfe-spray/#post-871120 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 13:40:15 +0100 For some things, not necessarily the OP’s original question, graphite lube is an option.

]]> 8de9cbd8b1063589313b47660ea85db8 john fletcher 1 replied to the topic A first for ME&W in the forum Model Engineer. https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/a-first-for-mew/#post-871119 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 13:09:45 +0100 Same here, I have done the necessary and terminated my subscription. Better things to spend my money on. John

]]> 4d9ca1822288a1a6c4bf9ce5b5c9bef9 Nigel Bennett replied to the topic A first for ME&W in the forum Model Engineer. https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/a-first-for-mew/#post-871118 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 13:08:32 +0100 You could always start writing some interesting articles for ME&W yourself… unless Neil writes stuff himself, he’s pretty well reliant on other folk submitting items.

Can I offer a vote of thanks to all those unsung heroes in model engineering societies who produce their newsletters? It must be like getting blood out of a stone sometimes.

]]> 94df11e39b106b956d47addf85e166d3 Robert Atkinson 2 replied to the topic Dry PTFE Spray in the forum The Tea Room https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/dry-ptfe-spray/#post-871117 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:56:28 +0100 PTFE is being dropped from a lot of products due to concerns about PFAS “forever chemicals”

]]> 90a0efad02af02034df1dbfaa7e22295 Andrew Tinsley started the topic A first for ME&W in the forum Model Engineer. https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/a-first-for-mew/ Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:50:21 +0100 I have just perused the latest edition of ME&W and found nothing that interested me.

Andrew.

]]> d245742f1708a6c7f3202d3c682cd16f JasonB replied to the topic Free Metal in the forum Materials https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/free-metal/#post-871113 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:40:58 +0100 There is always an engine hiding inside every block, you just need to know where to look and how to prize it out. For me the Ali would do to screw work to while I cut it on the CNC and I’m not averse to using hot rolled. Pic below has hot rolled EN3 and S275 on the left and the bit in red oxide was cut from some structural steel, it is almost an…[Read more]

]]> 27cb0869f97ede3fd12369d806776070 bernard towers replied to the topic Free Metal in the forum Materials https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/free-metal/#post-871112 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:22:59 +0100 you dont know what you’ve got till you look and if they went in the skip you would never know.

]]> 28ec67b28fa44dad55a5ff7c0fd397cf peak4 replied to the topic Dry PTFE Spray in the forum The Tea Room https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/dry-ptfe-spray/#post-871111 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:11:16 +0100 Check your local Lidl, they had some listed in their Middle of Lidl a couple of weeks ago; I bought a couple of cans recently.
Labelled as Parkside this time, under their motorcycle sprays range, though they also do one under Crivit branding in their cycling series.
Double check the labelling though as they do several different varieties of…[Read more]

]]> b63ad3696ff17bd6ab22cd8e9269d7a5 Dalboy started the topic Free Metal in the forum Materials https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/free-metal/ Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:01:02 +0100 I know what some people think of free unknown metals, but I could not help myself when offered this.

The long bar is Ali with steel plates (definitely unknown) fitted to it, they measure (approximately) 960mm X 55mm X 6mm. The steel plates are 420mm X 22mm X 3mm. I did not want to go to the workshop to get the callipers,

The two weights seem to…[Read more]

]]> 06b9666d191dd88a3e8507f66b002a96 JasonB replied to the topic Dry PTFE Spray in the forum The Tea Room https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/dry-ptfe-spray/#post-871101 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 11:21:41 +0100 I’ll be a bit more economial with the cans that I do have as they are all ones with PTFE. Hope they have not changed the smell too as I quite like that.

WD40 make one with ptfe https://wd40.co.uk/product/anti-friction-dry-ptfe-lubricant-spray/

]]> 61531a618317c632069e58b3c41c22ac mgnbuk replied to the topic Emco FB2 Quirks and Additions in the forum Manual machine tools https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/emco-fb2-quirks-and-additions/page/4/#post-871097 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 11:11:12 +0100 I designed a new one and 3D-printed it in nylon.

I would be interested to know what platform you used to design your replacement gear and where you got the design info from, please ?

Following earlier posts in this thread, I printed out the two published designs quoted & sent them to Richard.

As expected, the thingiverse gear was unusable due…[Read more]

]]> f3b778b6bf0bafbf1e949ba69801c3d3 Journeyman replied to the topic Dry PTFE Spray in the forum The Tea Room https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/dry-ptfe-spray/#post-871096 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 11:03:24 +0100 Rocal do a Dry PTFE Spray, which I have used in the past and is very good. Tends to be a bit pricey though

John

]]> 5009dbf4edc7464642672de668dce457 mgnbuk replied to the topic Change old AC motor to BLDC motor in Sieg C6 in the forum Electronics in the Workshop https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/change-old-ac-motor-to-bldc-motor-in-sieg-c6/#post-871093 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 10:27:35 +0100 I would suggest it better to modify the pulley than the motor spindle.

Agreed. As a general rule, don’t modify expensive “standard” parts to fit cheap, easily replaceable, parts.

If (and it is a big “if”) I really wanted a BLDC motor & drive I would look to get it from an established seller like stepperonline rather than from an unknown source…[Read more]

]]> 8255b5d07f45360b34120e2b2e2161a8 Journeyman replied to the topic Dry PTFE Spray in the forum The Tea Room https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/dry-ptfe-spray/#post-871092 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 10:01:07 +0100 That’s interesting, they kept that very quiet. I use GT-85 on the bike mainly as an aid to cleaning but now without PTFE is pretty useless as a lubricant, good job I use a proper chain lube after cleaning. Just checked my stock and indeed the can no longer mentions PTFE.

Pocket Rocket Lubricant&Repellent apparently has PTFE in but have never used…[Read more]

]]> e1acb618aabc3c3c6445fa42ae71e40c Michael Gilligan replied to the topic Dry PTFE Spray in the forum The Tea Room https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/dry-ptfe-spray/#post-871091 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 09:31:42 +0100 Thanks, Jason …

I note with interest, however, that PTFE was removed from that product in 2024

… are you still using existing stock ?

MichaelG.

]]> 34cf1069130adb85e94ebfa3e0517cb0 JasonB replied to the topic Dry PTFE Spray in the forum The Tea Room https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/dry-ptfe-spray/#post-871090 Sat, 24 Oct 2026 09:03:41 +0100 I use GT-85 on my saws and routers.

]]> 35c3c19cdd06542c9e8c0ec8e8cc9618 Michael Gilligan started the topic Dry PTFE Spray in the forum The Tea Room https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/dry-ptfe-spray/ Sat, 24 Oct 2026 08:56:01 +0100 I need this miracle-product to lubricate the plunge mechanism on my little Mafell saw.

A Google search revealed a bewildering range of brands & prices !

Any comments ??

Thanks

MichaelG.

]]> 882e562f01b7b506b05c114042c98813 Craig Brown posted a new Ad No6 x 40 TPI UNF die wanted. https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/activity/p/86343/ Sat, 24 Oct 2026 05:19:29 +0100 Do any of you have a no6 x 40 tpi UNF die lurking in the back of one of their […]

]]> 0 3dad5fd8d88c7714fffcd717e0fceebf Dave Halford replied to the topic Hello from Ukraine - CNC lathe on LinuxCNC in the forum Introduce Yourself - New members start here! https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/hello-from-ukraine-cnc-lathe-on-linuxcnc/#post-871074 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 21:16:38 +0100 Odessit,

You need ccgt inserts for Ali they are much sharper.

]]> 0182f5dc60cff36f046dfdd02ac22b47 Clive Foster replied to the topic Hello from Ukraine - CNC lathe on LinuxCNC in the forum Introduce Yourself - New members start here! https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/hello-from-ukraine-cnc-lathe-on-linuxcnc/#post-871073 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 20:45:23 +0100 Interesting headstock. Looks very similar to that of a contact lens lathe I got very cheap to do wonderful things with that has helped hold down the floor for over 20 years.

Maybe time to revisit and try CNC as you have.

Clive

]]> 43deeb503a1e78256784e04ee461803a Nigel Graham 2 replied to the topic Change old AC motor to BLDC motor in Sieg C6 in the forum Electronics in the Workshop https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/change-old-ac-motor-to-bldc-motor-in-sieg-c6/#post-871068 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 19:57:12 +0100 Irrespective of motor and electronics, I would suggest it better to modify the pulley than the motor spindle.

]]> e2949979b4bfb6a6e1bb1f8014a84f23 odessit replied to the topic Hello from Ukraine - CNC lathe on LinuxCNC in the forum Introduce Yourself - New members start here! https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/hello-from-ukraine-cnc-lathe-on-linuxcnc/#post-871067 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 19:54:06 +0100 lathe-2lathe-1lathe-3lathe-4lathe-5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> 1d7ae90f3284acd74e12782cfb50e8e8 Nigel Graham 2 replied to the topic Hello from Ukraine - CNC lathe on LinuxCNC in the forum Introduce Yourself - New members start here! https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/hello-from-ukraine-cnc-lathe-on-linuxcnc/#post-871066 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 19:53:48 +0100 Welcome to the Forum!

]]> e5531d229abce97eeff8cb3d8fd24f7c odessit started the topic Hello from Ukraine - CNC lathe on LinuxCNC in the forum Introduce Yourself - New members start here! https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/hello-from-ukraine-cnc-lathe-on-linuxcnc/ Fri, 23 Oct 2026 19:43:50 +0100 Hello everyone. I’m into CNC. I started with a 3-axis milling machine running NC Studio, then decided to build a lathe, and I chose LinuxCNC for the control.

]]> 9ab0c209ee9caa19f14aed16fc1e1917 Clive Steer replied to the topic Change old AC motor to BLDC motor in Sieg C6 in the forum Electronics in the Workshop https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/change-old-ac-motor-to-bldc-motor-in-sieg-c6/#post-871050 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 19:01:25 +0100 Many thanks Robert. All valid issues and a good reason for those inexperienced in electrical safety to cautious of using these products without supervision or a check over.

]]> c984ee219585396019131653ff6f00e8 engineeredbyhansson replied to the topic Emco FB2 Quirks and Additions in the forum Manual machine tools https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/emco-fb2-quirks-and-additions/page/4/#post-871042 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:43:30 +0100

On 31 August 2026 at 20:03 mgnbuk Said:
Didn’t go back far enough on this thread Gray – gone back to the start now & see what was previously written, thanks.

I printed the 47 tooth gear from thingiverse this afternoon and it is nothing like correct – the helix angle is only around 3 degrees and the OD is only 58.5mm. Difficult to see how it co…

[Read more]

]]> a8a5993028ac415046479113d33d184f davelong22 replied to the topic Broken Elliot chuck screw in the forum Beginners questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/broken-elliot-chuck-screw/#post-871038 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 17:51:38 +0100 Thanks for your advise, I love in Camberley and have not installed my lathe yet.

I have not exhausted all avenues as yet and will endeavour to place a picture of the screw and dimensions soon

Regards Dave.

 

]]> bd266427db7952fa95438c069a648271 Peter Cook 6 replied to the topic Sherline closing down in the forum Manual machine tools https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/sherline-closing-down/#post-871035 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 16:13:17 +0100 Some encouraging news here on Sherlines website.

“We are currently in discussions with an American manufacturer regarding the potential purchase of Sherline’s intellectual property and remaining inventory. The goal of this proposed acquisition is to preserve and revitalize the Sherline brand while providing continued availability of replacement p…[Read more]

]]> 1a0567517ed81739ce9db2711a828241 duncan webster 1 replied to the topic Boiler stays in the forum Beginners questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/boiler-stays-6/#post-871032 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 16:05:10 +0100 More info needed, is it just the stays that need doing, what kit/expertise do you have?

]]> 41bfb875a384408727eda5b23786d19a bernard towers replied to the topic Broken Elliot chuck screw in the forum Beginners questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/broken-elliot-chuck-screw/#post-871029 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 15:09:04 +0100 yes you could make a new one, does not have to be super accurate as its a 4 jaw and if you cant do the square socket for the key do it with an external square. O you could give rotagrip a ring they are the chuck experts. 0121 551 1566.

]]> 3be107909895121fb4a8497b950d765a bernard towers replied to the topic Boiler stays in the forum Beginners questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/boiler-stays-6/#post-871024 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 15:04:37 +0100 when you say needs soldering, has any been done? If not take apart and replace the brass nuts with copper /bronze ones. and when all assembled light the torch and do them all at the same time.

]]> cd30c8ff5827ebc0ce9ebe95d6cc9130 bernard towers replied to the topic Mystery mill? in the forum Workshop Tools and Tooling https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/mystery-mill/#post-871023 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 15:00:35 +0100 Definitely

]]> 6bdb5bea8155acac6cdc316539b4c1e2 Robert Atkinson 2 replied to the topic Change old AC motor to BLDC motor in Sieg C6 in the forum Electronics in the Workshop https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/change-old-ac-motor-to-bldc-motor-in-sieg-c6/#post-871020 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:32:37 +0100

On 23 October 2026 at 11:22 Clive Steer Said:
Robert. In what way do these sewing machine motors and controllers not meet UK/EU safety requirements?

Clive

Hi Clive,

Two issues. The first is easily seen in the photos. Th connectors are not suitable for mains voltage when accessible to the user. They use either “molex” or “avionics” style…[Read more]

]]> 0bea21b5139b8c20f654bf63cf285428 Oily Rag replied to the topic Small (ish) horizontal mill identification "Howdle" in the forum Manual machine tools https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/small-ish-horizontal-mill-identification-howdle/#post-871017 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:02:04 +0100 Could it be a Luthy? Quite a rare Swiss mill if it is.

]]> f9f46855f31e50b32529393c82a425a6 Bazyle replied to the topic Mystery mill? in the forum Workshop Tools and Tooling https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/mystery-mill/#post-871014 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:48:14 +0100 Clockmaker’s pinion cutter?

]]>