Hello from Winnipeg, Canada

[Steven SmartParticipant @stevensmart59427]

Posted by not done it yet on 15/08/2021 21:31:19:

…. Blondihacks, has a PM lathe and puts up lots of beginner-type youtube vids. A rather smaller version than yours but she does try hard (and mostly succeeds) with all sorts of lathe projects, etc. A popular channel.

Thanks for mentioning Blondihacks, Not done it yet.

I do enjoy her machining videos, along with Stefan Gotteswinter, plus a few others. Lots of great info on YouTube, though it’s easy to use up available spare time that would be more fulfilling to spend in the shop… We’re sure lucky to have so much information at our fingertips!

[Steven SmartParticipant @stevensmart59427]

Posted by Harry Wilkes on 15/08/2021 21:04:43:

Welcome to the forum

H

Thank you for the welcome Harry, it’s been a lovely surprise on how many comments there were. I wasn’t expecting that.

Regards,

Steven

[Steven SmartParticipant @stevensmart59427]

Posted by Tim Rowe on 15/08/2021 21:19:15:

Steven

Enough about the engineering stuff. What about the classical guitar?…

Tim

Hi Tim,

I would have called myself a perennial intermediate classical guitarist(?). I started playing in my late teens and played on an off for the next 30 years. I’d probably be significantly better if I’d been more consistent AND had lessons, but guitar is one of a few hobbies so not progressing is likely a side effect of having too many competing interests? (but I think putting too much energy into work and wanting to sit on the couch at the end of the day may be the primary reason for lack of progress?)

It’s been over a year, maybe coming on two years since I picked up a guitar. Through poor technique, I injured my left thumb by holding the neck way too hard, and my right thumb from holding my pen way too hard (seems to be a common thread here&hellip. After a few years they just weren’t getting better so I decided it was time for a break, work was busy anyway so it didn’t take much convincing(?) My thumbs are actually feeling quite good now and I’ve been thinking of picking up the guitar again this winter. Perhaps if I wasn’t too stupid to get lessons I wouldn’t have made this mistake?

I made myself a classical guitar in my early 20’s which was a very enjoyable project. I might even make a few more when I retire in 5-7 years. Lots of options for hobbies for sure!!!

[Steven SmartParticipant @stevensmart59427]

Posted by Peter Greene on 16/08/2021 01:37:24:

Posted by Steven Smart on 15/08/2021 20:52:15:

….. I have a nice corner that a mill would sit perfectly in!

I'd be wary of that – you may restrict yourself if you want to machine/drill near the end of a long piece. Better to have it at the middle of a wall.

I don't have any of the problems you mentioned with my basement shop (in Mississauga) with the possible exception of tracking swarf into the living area and getting stick. Easily solved with a scrub-mat at the shop doorway. Then again, swmbo is exceptionally understanding.

Hi Peter,

Thats a good point about putting the mill into the corner. It would be better to put the floor mounted drill press there since mine is on wheels and easily moved out if I need more access.

I’m relieved to hear you don’t have any of the basement workshop issues I’ve mentioned. A scrub-mat is an excellent idea. I am concerned about smoke from cutting oil, so I’ll be experimenting with that. I wonder if garlic infused olive oil is a reasonable cutting fluid…LOL. At least my machining will be indistinguishable from my cooking then.

My swmbo is not keen on a basement shop, though it’s a lot of money to have a decent, dedicated outbuilding as a shop. It also doesn’t seem to make much sense to me when the basement is really only being used for junk storage. But that’s just me being too logical apparently.

Thanks for the welcome to the forum.

Regards,

Steven

[Steven SmartParticipant @stevensmart59427]

Posted by David George 1 on 17/08/2021 08:06:23:

Hi Steven I don't suppose you know of my uncle who lived in Toronto, Collin Smart, he moved from Wales in 70's with my Aunt to work for McAlpine in a few prodjects.

David

Hi David,

I moved from Australia to Canada in 1996, so it’s probably unlikely I’m related to your uncle. The “Smart” side of my family hasn’t been researched by a relative who’s interested in geology (as far as I know), so my guess is that my namesake immigrated from England to Australia 100-200 years ago.

Regards,

Steven

[Steven SmartParticipant @stevensmart59427]

Posted by Howard Lewis on 17/08/2021 17:02:47:
…The Spitfire was a stressed monocoque so a hole was more serious, and heavy damage less easily repaired….

Howard

Hi Howard,

Thinking about it more, I’m not sure if this is correct. Most attacks would have occurred from the rear of the aircraft so it seems to me that a bullet would have a pretty good probability of hitting something that required a Hurricane to be sent to a maintenance unit.

However, I’ve also read that the Hurricane had a higher serviceability than the Spitfire, so this supports what you’re saying (I think?)

Regards,

Steven

 

Edited By Steven Smart on 20/08/2021 13:11:31

[Steven SmartParticipant @stevensmart59427]

Posted by Mick B1 on 17/08/2021 17:28:07:

I'm not clear why the Hurricane was or is considered inferior to the Me109….Paul Ritchie in 'Fighter Pilot' describes actions in the Battle of France IIRC without any suspicion that his plane was less than equal to anything of the enemy's…

I’ve read that most pilots felt that once they got to know their aircraft, that they felt it was better than the other types available. You’d hope this is true, it would have been very demoralizing flying a fighter which you thought was a hack…

Its such a tough question to answer on which aircraft was better, and it probably doesn’t even have a meaningful answer. The factors which could go into determining which aircraft is better depends on your perspective and could include conflicting things like: lowest cost; hours to build; serviceability; ease of handling; performance (what type of performance?); ability to be upgraded?; etc. etc. etc.

A pilot would likely rate performance over all others. Society would probably rate ‘hours to build’ and lowest cost highest (depending on the type of war), which typically conflicts with performance.

The Battle of Britain was won by both the Spitfire and Hurricane (etc.). In my opinion this is all that can be concluded in the argument of which aircraft was better. Not a very satisfying answer, but I think it’s probably the correct one?

One of the things that really interests me about the Hurricane is how it was built. Fuselage framework bolted and riveted together. Aluminium structures pop riveted together. Wings which are a hodgepodge of technologies. It’s a great example of a transition from one technology (the “biplane” era) to another (the “stressed skin” era) and I find it endlessly fascinating.

It also helps that the Hurricane was clearly better than the Spitfire (tongue firmly held in cheek)

Regards,

Steven

Edited By Steven Smart on 20/08/2021 13:12:43

Edited By Steven Smart on 20/08/2021 13:13:19

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