Model Engineer or Model Workshop

[KLZParticipant @klz]

Hello all, I am thinking of subscribing to one of the magazines but which one? I build rc model boats and this winters project is a steam launch I have been watching a few youtube videos and that as got me thinking do I get a lathe. I have no idea what im doing or where to start, that is nothing new for me. I am not worried about what lathe I have read many good subjects on this forum about them my question is what magazine would be best for a total novice.

Thanks in advance
Kelvin

[KLZParticipant @klz]

[EmgeeParticipant @emgee]

Welcome Kelvin, if you intend to build the steam engine and steam boiler for the launch you will certainly need a lathe of some kind.
You may be best served by reading some of the books that are available for beginners to lathework in addition to a subscription to ME and/or MEW.

There is usually some kind of offer on ME and MEW subscriptions going so you could get a copy for minimal outlay, at least then you could get an idea of which you prefer and find most beneficial.

Emgee

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

Hi Kelvin,

Well I take both. ME is more focussed on models, steam and engineering history, while MEW is mainly about workshop practice, tools, theory and non-model related engineering. ME often ventures into MEW territory. MEW rarely (if ever?) does a model.

As my main interests don't involve much model making I prefer MEW. That said I get good value from ME as well because seeing how models are made, often with limited tooling, is highly educational. A total novice who wants to learn about tools might start with MEW and then switch to ME later. Don't forget you can also buy books, and – approach with caution – look at videos and blogs on the web. This forum is good for answering questions.

Engineering in Miniature is another possibility. I've never taken to it probably because all the examples I've read concentrated strongly on making steam locos, which isn't my thing.

Dave

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

Hello Kelvin,

As much as the lathe is always considered THE essential metal machininig machine, I have slowly come to the conclusion that it is not really the case.

In woodworking, the router can be employed satisfactorily to replace a saw, plane, rebater, hole cutter, etc. – sometimes not as convenient – and relatively easily done.

The small hobby lathe may have been the only machine a person had, perhaps later fitted with a milling attachment for extra operations. Indeed, many model engineering plans/kits were able to be made with just the use of a lathe. That was because milling machines were developed later and were regarded as an asset of only the wealthy (or fanatic) hobbyist.

Nowadays, I expect I could make most (smaller) items with my Centec 2B without recourse to using my lathe. I won’t, of course, because of the added complexity as I have both available. I have a rotary table, which could be used to shape most cylindrical items.

Starting the hobby with a lathe is the usual route. But if I now only had space for one machine….

So I might suggest that although the first acquisition will be a lathe, the milling machine should be the next (and more capable) than the former.

That means taking both mags is likely good sense – at least initially.

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Start of with ME and read it all, even on subjects you don't think are relevant. Also see if you can find old copies as they are often being given away by people. By reading the magazines you will start to absorb the knowledge and jargon.

If you start by building the hull it will give you time to build up some understanding before leaping into lathe work. If you design the boat to take a drop in motor assembly you can start off with electric while making the steam plant.
Making the rudder and stern tube instead of buying will get you into working with metal.

[IanTParticipant @iant]

Well if you are not doing so already Kelvin – I'd probably subscribe to Model Boats first!

However, I think you've answered your own question – if you want to build a small steam plant and boiler – then ME is really the better magazine for your needs. Or (whisper it quietly) Engineering in Miniature, which tends to cover both model and workshop topics all in the one place (and which is beginning to improve again after a rather deadly dull period). However, I think ME still gets my vote.

NDIY – The lathe is still the King of Tools as far as I'm concerned – and although I find a router very handy, the number one wood-working machine tool in my Shop is still my table saw (although I could probably survive with just my band saw if I really had to).

Regards,

IanT

[KLZParticipant @klz]

Thank you for your replies.

Looks like its ME then to soak up as much info as possible, Ian I already subscribe to Model Boats it was an article in the boiler section and a club member with a steam launch that got me looking into steam. I hope to get to the Midland Model Engineering Exhibition have a look around get some ideas of whats available.

[HopperParticipant @hopper]

You could always buy a couple of single copies of ME and MEW and have a look at them for yourself and see which suits your needs best before committing to a full subscription.

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

You could also put an ad under the WANTED section on this site – explain why you want a mix of ME and MEWs.

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

Fully agree with Ian T;

The centre lathe is the KING of all machine tools. It is the only one capable of reproducing itself. Believe it or not, it can also be used, within limitations, to do milling. (My turning instructor made his rectangular cigarette lighter on a lathe, while he was on nights!)

Because I am loathe to breakdown the job on the mill; shortly, my lathe is going to shorten some rectangular bar, either by facing it in a four jaw chuck, or with an end mill in the chuck, with the workpiece held on a Vertical Slide.

Being a not very good toolmaker, rather than a model maker, I favour M E W, but models do feature much more in M E.

I also read E I M, but find the emphasis on models, less interesting. But that's just me!

Howard

[Old SchoolParticipant @oldschool]

Have a look for some old Marine Modeling magazines they ran quite a few articles on building steam plants for model boats. I built a nice centre flue boiler for my Reeves v twin oscillator that is in a Victorian steam launch.

[Old SchoolParticipant @oldschool]

You want the years 1987 to 1990 air tickles by Malcom Beak and Peter Arnott.

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