A Shed Downunder.

[bj383ss]

Steve love that welder. My grandpa had 3 of those in his machine shop. They were all painted red. He called the army helmets. I would love to get one someday and restore it to look like his. He only had one that was on wheels the other two were stationary.

You can see the main one here in the upper left corner on top of his 3/16" thick welding supplies cabinet.

image0007 by bjohnson388, on Flickr


Bret

 

[bolensboneyard]

Steve great save and a good tidbit of information I would have never known not having lived with this wheel. My wind generator has a similar story one of powering much of the rural countryside when those of us who lived closer to the city never gave a thought to where our power came from. I have grown to appreciate it also; just because someone has thought enough of it to see it as part of a way of life lived and worth a place in their heart. Not necessarily part of who you were but part of who you are! Bobby

 

[1/2 Cup]

1/2 Cup,
The water wheel garden art looks very nice!
Great job!

Jon, thank you..

Steve love that welder. My grandpa had 3 of those in his machine shop. They were all painted red. He called the army helmets. I would love to get one someday and restore it to look like his. He only had one that was on wheels the other two were stationary.

You can see the main one here in the upper left corner on top of his 3/16" thick welding supplies cabinet.


Bret

Bret, they were and still are a great welder. I have given this one to a work colleague of mine to add to his collection of Lincoln welders so it is going to a good home..

There is still a few of them kicking about.

Man that would be one heavy cabinet..

Steve great save and a good tidbit of information I would have never known not having lived with this wheel. My wind generator has a similar story one of powering much of the rural countryside when those of us who lived closer to the city never gave a thought to where our power came from. I have grown to appreciate it also; just because someone has thought enough of it to see it as part of a way of life lived and worth a place in their heart. Not necessarily part of who you were but part of who you are! Bobby

Bobby, thank you..

Most definitely

I have to totally agree with your sentiment and I do also look at it this way as well in so much that I am only its curator..

Thank you one and all have a great day

 

[Guster]

Love the waterwheel and the old Dalek welder. I used one of those once and it definitely had a very smooth arc.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Love the waterwheel and the old Dalek welder. I used one of those once and it definitely had a very smooth arc.

Guster, thank you

They do a beautifully smooth weld for both Arc and TIG..

 

[slimpickins]

Those wheels are what you would call an iconic piece of history.

They are also an "iron-ic" piece of history....
... oh well I thought it was funny at the time.

Steve, a couple of the paddles look like they'll catch some rain water .... I'm sure you've thought of making sure the water won't sit in the paddles and rust? Probably drilled a hole or two ... no doubt centered and measured with your micrometer ... huh?

It's great to see you back on here, or back to normal, again!

Cheers!

 

[1/2 Cup]

They are also an "iron-ic" piece of history....
... oh well I thought it was funny at the time.

Steve, a couple of the paddles look like they'll catch some rain water .... I'm sure you've thought of making sure the water won't sit in the paddles and rust? Probably drilled a hole or two ... no doubt centered and measured with your micrometer ... huh?

It's great to see you back on here, or back to normal, again!

Cheers!

Slim, "iron-ic" I luv it

I don't have to worry about the paddles / vanes catching water because each one has a V notch cut in the centre so they drain quite easily..

It is great to be back I can tell you, or be it in the "New Normal Format".

I still have to take things pretty easy mind you and not over do things.

To that end I have been given day release for the first time to a track day at Winton Motor Raceway tomorrow to give the #76 MG F a work out..

https://wintonraceway.com.au/


View media item 76850
( Sister car to Andrews' MG F )

I am quite looking forward to the day

 

[oldironfarmer]

Have a GREAT track day!!

 

[drivesitfar]

1/2: you've been so busy you forgot to mention that new part you had made for Andrew's car to cure the starting problem must be fixed now if you are driving it tomorrow?

have a great time and hope you enjoy your ride to get some good old fashioned 100+MPH AC.

cheers

 

[HOTFR8]

I am guessing their will be no 1/2 throttle.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Have a GREAT track day!!

Andy, thank you..

We will do..

Mrs 1/2 Cup has given me strict instructions of what to do, what not to do, what to eat, when to eat, what to take with me as this is my first long trip away from home for some time even though its only a 45 minute drive from here. Any way one does what one is told to do..

I am taking my own car so that I can be flexible in coming home should the need arise..

Have a good one..

 

[1/2 Cup]

1/2: you've been so busy you forgot to mention that new part you had made for Andrew's car to cure the starting problem must be fixed now if you are driving it tomorrow?

have a great time and hope you enjoy your ride to get some good old fashioned 100+MPH AC.

cheers

Drives, all the starting issues have been sorted on the #76 car, however I do believe there will be an engine rebuild in the not to distant future..

I am guessing their will be no 1/2 throttle.

HOTFR8, it will be full noise let me tell you.

 

[Lwel9226]

it will be full noise let me tell you.

Right on Steve.... good to hear you are feeling up to a little fun and games

Lynn

 

[1/2 Cup]

Right on Steve.... good to hear you are feeling up to a little fun and games

Lynn

Lynn. thank you I am well and truly up for some fun and games..

Pics and my be some in car footage to follow..

Update: my eldest son Andrew looks like he will have his car (# 54 MG F) alternator issues sorted tonight and be up and running for tomorrow so its double trouble on the track.

View media item 45109
A late night tonight as well..

Thank you and have a good one..

 

[1/2 Cup]

All, its been a fairly busy day today but look what followed me home today.

View media item 80505
It is an oldie but a goodie, the creame de la creame of steel cold cut saws

http://brobo.com.au/

Still fully functional with a new blade I am stocked. .

This has suddenly become a priority project in the Shed Downunder to give it some badly needed TLC and a new mobile stand..

Have a great day..

 

[drivesitfar]

1/2: i'm looking forward to hearing more about your race track experience especially if Andrew is heading out there with you in the other MG. WOW what a Father/Son fun day/time. and if you guys can somehow make a video even better.

that old Chop saw looks like a beast and happy to hear you think it still works and will be chopping steel stuff for you and your family for years to come. also great to hear that the company that made it originally is still in business cause so many of the old great companies in the USA are not around any longer or have sold and their new stuff is made in China and with maybe less than 1/2 the quality of their old tools.

have a fun day and hope you got some quality rest last night.

 

[rmalkow2]

1/2 Cup,
Nice score on the saw. That looks like a heavy duty item for sure. Should be good addition to your shed.

Bob

 

[oldironfarmer]

How long have cold cut saws been around? I thought they were a new invention but that one does not look like last year's model. Have you Aussies been holding out on us?

 

[Ralf99]

The company that made 1/2's saw has been around since 1947 and to me the saw looks like its from the late 60's or 70's.
These are very solid machines and recirculate coolant for the blade from the tank below in the photo. More modern versions come up for sale on auction sites fairly regularly around the USD 2,500 mark, and new can be double that.

 

[1/2 Cup]

1/2: i'm looking forward to hearing more about your race track experience especially if Andrew is heading out there with you in the other MG. WOW what a Father/Son fun day/time. and if you guys can somehow make a video even better.

that old Chop saw looks like a beast and happy to hear you think it still works and will be chopping steel stuff for you and your family for years to come. also great to hear that the company that made it originally is still in business cause so many of the old great companies in the USA are not around any longer or have sold and their new stuff is made in China and with maybe less than 1/2 the quality of their old tools.

have a fun day and hope you got some quality rest last night.

Drives, the race track experience did not go well today.

Andrew decided late last night not to rush his to be ready for today which I think was wise move as he has his first race for the season next week end.

The # 76 car's first outing literally blew the top of the radiator ( which was its first outing and brand new ) after four laps.
Fortunately there was no other damage as it was shut down fairly quickly.

In the pits this morning prior to the first session.

View media item 80534
So it was an early day sadly..

The steel cold saw will be a mighty fine asset for many years to come. I will be giving it a make over and fabricate a mobile stand for it as I am running out of room in the shed now.

BROBO have been around for many years now and make some quality equipment. New or second hand they are a fantastic investment.

1/2 Cup,
Nice score on the saw. That looks like a heavy duty item for sure. Should be good addition to your shed.

Bob

Bob, it will do the job nicely let me tell you

It sure beats a drop saw..

How long have cold cut saws been around? I thought they were a new invention but that one does not look like last year's model. Have you Aussies been holding out on us?

Andy, they have been kicking around for a while and as Ralf said below mine is a 60's or 70's vintage.
It still runs well but as I said needs some TLC.

The company that made 1/2's saw has been around since 1947 and to me the saw looks like its from the late 60's or 70's.
These are very solid machines and recirculate coolant for the blade from the tank below in the photo. More modern versions come up for sale on auction sites fairly regularly around the USD 2,500 mark, and new can be double that.

Ralf99 thank you for the info.

You are spot on second hand ones are very pricey indeed..

Out to the shed now to start cleaning up the cold saw..

 

[oldironfarmer]

Too bad about the radiator, but I guess that is racing.

Cool looking car.

Does Andrew's happen to have the same radiator?

 

[1/2 Cup]

Too bad about the radiator, but I guess that is racing.

Cool looking car.

Does Andrew's happen to have the same radiator?

Andy, as you say that's motor racing, you take the good with the bad.

It is a nice looking car and well presented. Still there is plenty of development potential left in it yet..

Andrews' MG F has the original OEM radiator in it and I am not sure whether the one in the #76 car is the same.

I hope not..

Regards

 

[drivesitfar]

1/2: sorry to hear your racing day didn't go as planned.

maybe GOD was telling the best man in the pits what to upgrade for racing season if the other car has something similar?

i hope the old chop saw restoration has better results.

at least you got a couple laps in so maybe there was some fun in that. it's a cool looking car that is for certain and is that regular gas in the old green Jerry can?

cheers

 

[1/2 Cup]

Drives, it was a little disappointing but as they say "that's motor racing". It was still a great day out with some nice cars on the track..

The current thought is that the # 76 car blew a head gasket which then over pressurised the cooling system and subsequent loss of the radiator.
At the very least it will be a new radiator and head removal to see what caused the issue in the first place.

Note to file: Rover K Series Engines are notorious for doing just that..

The Jerry can is a new one actually with 98 Octane fuel ..

The last two days I have literally buried my self into the Bobo Cold Saw make over

View media item 80505


It is now totally stripped and I am in the process of cleaning up every thing ready for painting in the factory colours.
There has been quite a bit of repair work needed but it will be worth the effort in the long term.

. New parts have been ordered.
. Replaced all the electricals and isolator switch.
. Cleaned and repaired the coolant tank.
. Relaced all the coolant lines and hose clamps.
. Replaced most of the socket head cap screws with new stainless ones.

There is a fair bit of work in the make over and the unit is heavy to say the least but bit by bit we are getting there..

Thank you and have good one..

 

[oldironfarmer]

Thanks for the update on the chop saw.

Sorry your camera broke again.

 

[RivennHewn]

Chop saw will be an awesome addition to the shop!

 

[shortykorte]

Thanks for the update on the chop saw.



Sorry your camera broke again.

Ha. I was thinking the same thing Andy. Steve I’d like to see the restoration progress as I’m sure others would.

Glad to hear you are venturing out and having fun. A couple laps is still better than sitting on the couch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Guster]

Very nice cold saw<insert 'green with envy' emoji here>

Last one of those came up for auction sold for more than what I paid on my lathe.

Lucky to have the manufacturer in the same country too. Should clean up very nicely. The blades can be mighty expensive but come up for sale often enough and last a while between resharpening. Worth checking the worm gear drive out. Should be some sludge in the gearbox to clean and hopefully the worm and worm gear are in good condition. But knowing you, I'm sure you're onto it already.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Thanks for the update on the chop saw.

Sorry your camera broke again.

Andy, I will get some pics together to day.
The saw is in bits and pieces and all over the shop.
The other thing is the saw , even in bits it weighs heap and is difficult for me to move, Andrew helped me out yesterday..

Chop saw will be an awesome addition to the shop!

Riven, I am looking forward to having it operational again.

Ha. I was thinking the same thing Andy. Steve I’d like to see the restoration progress as I’m sure others would.

Glad to hear you are venturing out and having fun. A couple laps is still better than sitting on the couch.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Shorty, will do.

I have made the Cold Saw make over a priority over other projects at the moment..
I a figure that this project will be well worth the investment in both time and money

Very nice cold saw<insert 'green with envy' emoji here>

Last one of those came up for auction sold for more than what I paid on my lathe.

Lucky to have the manufacturer in the same country too. Should clean up very nicely. The blades can be mighty expensive but come up for sale often enough and last a while between resharpening. Worth checking the worm gear drive out. Should be some sludge in the gearbox to clean and hopefully the worm and worm gear are in good condition. But knowing you, I'm sure you're onto it already.

Guster, the cold saws even second hand are expensive.

New spare parts are through the roof. and to give you an example the coolant pump is a Ford mechanical fuel pump so I discovered thanks to Google.
The OEM has them at $168.00 AU. I found one at Auto Surplus in Melbourne for $65.00 and free postage..

The worm gear looks fine at a quick glance but I will be giving the gearbox a good clean and fresh oil..
It is one tough unit..

There are a couple of second hand blades that I have not picked up as yet that come with the unit. The one that is presently on there is as new which is a bonus.

Thank you gentlemen, have a good one..

 

[Guster]

Oh wow, you did do very well on the cold saw purchase then. Usually by the time the outside looks like that the insides are a bit chewed up too. Shouldn't take much to resharpen the old blades as long as they are not cracked or missing teeth.

Hehe has to be Australian made if it has a ford fuel pump in it!

Sounds like the first big job for it might be a scissor lift table or perhaps a mobile gantry crane to help move heavy stuff in future. Though I guess it is not every day you recondition a cold saw.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Oh wow, you did do very well on the cold saw purchase then. Usually by the time the outside looks like that the insides are a bit chewed up too. Shouldn't take much to resharpen the old blades as long as they are not cracked or missing teeth.

Hehe has to be Australian made if it has a ford fuel pump in it!

Sounds like the first big job for it might be a scissor lift table or perhaps a mobile gantry crane to help move heavy stuff in future. Though I guess it is not every day you recondition a cold saw.

Guster, the blade is spot on, no cracks and no teeth missing.

The coolant pump ( Ford mechanical fuel pump ) actually suits these models: Capri, Consul, Granada, Transit, Sierra & Taurus which puts the Cold Saw build between 1964 and 1984 according to these particular models.

I could do with a scissor lift table, this thing is not a comfortable two man lift let me tell you so block and tackle and my trollies have come in real handy.

Andrew and I struggled to get it out of the trailer.

Every thing is totally dismantled now which makes it a little easier to move about the shed.

View media item 80709
View media item 80710
I have parts every where all ready for cleaning..

The new air conditioner for the shed arrives on Wednesday and I am looking forward to at least get that installed so I can get the place back in some semblance of order as I have move stuff around and opened up a wall for the install and on top of this have the cold saw in bits..

So I have some prioritising to do at the moment..

Back to work tomorrow and I have a full day already..

Thank you and have a good one..

 

[HOTFR8]

That saw can wait until you have the Air Con working. Prioritise and work in comfort.

 

[1/2 Cup]

That saw can wait until you have the Air Con working. Prioritise and work in comfort.

HOTFR8, I totally agree, my comfort comes first..

 

[HOTFR8]

HOTFR8, I totally agree, my comfort comes first..

Always.

 

[rmalkow2]

A lift table of some sort will be a tool you never regret having. I use a hydraulic lift that has forks and likely was for lifting molds and dies originally but got it at auction. (Love those auction deals) Admittedly it's a little big to store in the garage but I cannot tell you how many times it has saved me when loading/unloading from my truck or trailer or, moving heavy items around the shop. My back is saved and it allows me to move and position heavy items at ease. It also provides an adjustable height work bench in a pinch for those bulky items. I just used mine again to unload that 20 ton shop press and stand it upright by myself.
Shop around for some sort of lift table that will suit your needs and your shop space and I believe you will never regret the purchase. And, enjoy not having to wait for that helper to come over to safely lift a project.

Bob

 

[drivesitfar]

1/2: so if i'm an old tool looking for a new home it would be a DREAM of mine to have you bring me home. GEESH that saw is going to be better than new and rightly so. now you just need some of my steel pile or maybe you'll get one of your own soon.

I agree with RM that a lift table is something we all can use. with your skills you could probably turn one of your cool benches into one or if you find a good quality one used i'd recommend you buy it.

i've got this Jet pallet jack lift at my little shop, but it's too hard to get out easily and it doesn't take bumps very well. i'm leaning towards just buying a SCRATCH N DENT from a local store that gets these Jet lifts and sells new ones with a few scratches for half price.

in any case I'm still praying your health is improving every day and good to see that it looks like 1/2 Cup is back to his old tricks of making stuff like new or keeping it that way.

speaking of back to normal has Mrs. 1/2 scheduled any new dog shows with the rodents or is that still a bit on hold?

cheers

 

[xtremek]

Cool how the pump turned out to be from a Ford, and bummer about the headgasket/radiator. You'll have them both done soon, if we know you.

 

[tweidman]

That is one killer saw, can't wait to see that thing working.

 

[Ralf99]

I reckon the first job for the saw should be whipping up a frame for an overhead dual axis gantry crane that covers the entire shed - and the acquisition of a forklift.

 

[drivesitfar]

1/2: would Mrs. 1/2 approve maybe that gantry or BRIDGE CRANE idea? i remembered you had a lift attachment that you could put on your trailer that probably could pick anything up and put it on one of your cool tables/benches but a BRIDGE CRANE could carry some serious steel for a new WEST WING GARAGE ADDITION?

sorry if we are spending your money faster than you can make it, but you are so damn talented we are only try to have you build it so we'll know how and we can all drool.

I haven't asked about your great tenants cause wanted to wait until you felt better, but how is their new home build coming along or have they decided to maybe stay as your tenant/neighbor for the next 20+ years?

cheers