Don Campbell's Workshop

[1953mercury]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

Very nice work Don. I have the big shop with all the tools and and the car lift, but due to too much stuff and things that have to be done there is precious little time to enjoy them. The better half and I were just discussing getting rid of all the rental properties and simplifying are lives so we have more time for each other and the people and things we love. It can take a long time to realize that more isn't necessarily better. Once again congrats on the great projects and the lifestyle to match. Cheers, Mike

 

[5Cent]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

Welcome to the site Don! You have an unbelievable gift, glad the Journal has acquired you!

 

[DenisG]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

Wonderful ouvre!

 

[Don Campbell]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

Thanks again,
My brother has a shop much nicer and much bigger and never built one project in his life, ha,ha. But I appreciate mine and that is all I could ever afford. I have a TV in it and it is a very relaxing place to be everyday puttering.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Re: Sharing my little workshop



This thread is full of some seriously great awesomeness.



Is the Reddy Heater I see in a few pictures, your sole source of heat for your workshop ?

 

[terrierman816]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

Awesome, I mean absolutely awesome projects!!! I too wondered if you put an engine in the cat dozer? I'm alittle south of Cadillac

 

[Sunbimmer]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

This man is a true metal magician !!

If you like what you see here you should check out his website...

http://doncampbellmodels.com/

Don, I've been following for years now absoluty amazing stuff

Very welcome to GJ!!

 

[SUNBURNTsnype]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

Thanks again ,
Northern Michigan has had rough winters for many years so people like me who love to tinker in between snowstorms spend a lot of time in the workshop to avoid cabin fever. Once the snow starts in Nov. it never melts until mid april. Puttering in the workshop is all we got to do or head to the bar. I don't drink so i was forced to make things . Grayling is very close to us. Glad to hear this brought you and your dad together for some fun talking about my projects. This is what I hope happens is people will see if I can do this in this mini shop with no lathe or milling machine or fancy computerized plasma cutter that anybody can do it. Everytime I start a new project I really have no idea it will turn out. Often times it looks like **** until the final few steps. I have always got excited seeing other peoples hand made projects so sharing mine I am hoping some of you get that same excitement for your future projects. Here are a few smaller projects.
Anyone who might be interested my wife has downloading 175 videos showing building progress on several models and snowplowing videos using some of my home made snow blades. if you go to
doncampbellequipment you can see the you-tube videos. The train and the cat dozer videos show the most detail as they are being built.

Its interesting that you mention that you dont have a lathe or mill because i was just wondering if you did because i didnt see any in the background pictures of your shop. So how do you work around issues or problems where you need to make a piece such as an axle or bushing or machine something flat or put a slot in something? i am in the same situation as i dont have either and by looking at your models i was just curious how you delt with building parts that requied a uniform or flat or cylindrical surface? do you just use sheetmetal and bend it to what you need requires?

in place of a mill and lathe whAt hand tools would you say are the most useful/valuable?

thanks for any tips.

 

[Don Campbell]

My shop tour and the ten tools I use to make 200 steel models

Today I will begin my little shop tour with my nut and bolt and misl storage bins. I bought a cheap tool box and filled each drawer with screws, washers, nuts , bolts, nails of many sizes. I try to keep them stocked at least half full . Each drawer is full all the way to the back with small bins or boxes to keep them in place.
The bins over my main workbench hold all the misl. electrical connectors, small carb parts, fuel line, filters, tiny nuts and bolts and washers, hose clamps , lock nuts , wing nuts, lock washers and many other small items used on many of my projects. They are very handy and easy to get too and it gives a nice look over the bench. Tomorrow I'll share my two plasma cutters but one no longer works .

 

[Gentleman Adventurer]

Re: My shop tour and the ten tools I use to make 200 steel models

What kind of models?

 

[NUTTSGT]

Re: My shop tour and the ten tools I use to make 200 steel models

Don, I realize that you are new to GJ and I (along with plenty of members) appreciate you sharing your work shop. I'd suggest that you just keep updating your workshop thread instead of starting new threads about it. It makes it easier for you to keep up and respond to one thread rather than several threads when other members start asking questions.

If you choose not to, that's entirely up to you. Either way, you have plenty of followers already.


I'd also suggest adding a link for your "workshop" thread into your sig.

 

[NASTYZEN]

Re: My shop tour and the ten tools I use to make 200 steel models

I'm already a fan Don. I enjoy your projects.

 

[pepi]

Re: My shop tour and the ten tools I use to make 200 steel models

What kind of models?

I want to know also and add



Bet you knew that was coming.

 

[Don Campbell]

Re: My shop tour and the ten tools I use to make 200 steel models

ok,
I am not so good with the computer so if you want to delete the workshop post or move it over that would be great. So now do I just post everything workshop related on that same original thread? Will you move the bandsaw thread their too ? My intentions are good but I am a little lost here as you can tell. Thanks for the help.

 

[aka Larry]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

HO-LEE-****!

Don, your work is nothing short of awesome! I'd like to say more, but all I keep thinking is WOW!

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

Re: My shop tour and the ten tools I use to make 200 steel models

Keep 'em coming Don. I enjoy seeing what works for people that use their shop.

 

[moonpool145]

Re: My shop tour and the ten tools I use to make 200 steel models

Don

I will read it anywhere you want to post it. Your work is simply amazing.

 

[Don Campbell]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

ha,ha, that is pretty funny,
Thanks .
I will add some more posts here as I have been asked to do to help me keep track .
Being new I didn't know for sure if I was supposed to keep posting on this thread or move on. So I think the Bandsaw post and the tool tour post might be sent here. So I will wait to be sure. Then I will keep posting the new posts onto this thread. I am not good with the computer , my wife and my daughter help me a lot so if I screw up I appreciate the help to get me back on track, thanks
To answer your question about shaping things because my steel models are just static models everything is just light duty for looks . I have many dia. of thin wall steel tubing for round parts and I have a 4 foot hand brake for bending . None of the garden tractor projects required any machining. just lengthening the frame with angle iron . I have 10 tools I use everyday and I am going to start sharing some of my tools and how I build some of my models with those tools this week. I just got confused where to post . What I do is sure no rocket science , it is more of a art form with metal. I don't really see the steel models all the time as machines but often I try to achieve the finished shape of the real machine . From 1/32 scale to 1/4 scale . I have always been a little embarrassed to share my projects here because here there are real mechanics and real metal workers/ machinists . I just think of myself as a toy maker . But now I made the working mini tractor projects I felt more confident to share those along with a few of my handbuilt steel toys. Sorry to ramble on just trying to find my place here. Thanks again.

 

[dbonne]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

Don, You are right where you belong. On this forum is a host of makers and builders. For some of us it is the tool and the space to build, for others it is the build. We all share one thing, that is our desire to make our dreams with our hands. It doesn't matter if your models are static or dynamic, it is all in the fact that you use what you got to be a maker, and a damn good one at that.

Thank you for coming here to perk up that artist in all of us, I will be watching and learning from you!!

Very nice work!! I am inspired.

 

[Farmall450]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

Nice!
I'm loving the creativity

 

[bobemmerich]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

Those are really awesome!

DITTO!

 

[KSB]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

Awesome models Don, beautiful work. Amazes me to see the detail involved in your work.

 

[Don Campbell]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

Thanks again, if you want to see another of one of my very fun projects here it is. Many years ago I bought this 1959 vw truck . I saw in a magazine where a fellow cut one in half and shortened it 36 inches. I really wanted one of those . So I brought it home and cut it in half. I ten rewelded it back together . I wanted a mini semi look with chrome stacks , cab lights and west coast mirrors. I roughed in a fifth wheel trailer and hooked it on the rear to haul one of my rail dunebuggies. I did not like the trailer so I built some little wood sides for the back. It was a riot to drive. It just had the original 36 hp engine so it would not do a wheely. Back then I only had my lincoln 225 buzzbox stick welder . It was tricky welding that thin metal and flaring the fenders . So even 30 years ago I had a vision of making something a little different from the ordinary. My wife thought I was nuts.

 

[sirweldalot]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

Hello from Plant City,Fl. It looks great to me. I also have a small shop, I do turn out a lot of work from it.

 

[irregardless]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

I just assumed you were a giant working on the real thing...



Those are in-flocking-credible.

 

[Clinton_FL]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

So what do you do with them all?

 

[NUTTSGT]

Re: My shop tour and the ten tools I use to make 200 steel models

ok,
I am not so good with the computer so if you want to delete the workshop post or move it over that would be great. So now do I just post everything workshop related on that same original thread? Will you move the bandsaw thread their too ? My intentions are good but I am a little lost here as you can tell. Thanks for the help.

Don, PM sent. I won't move anything yet.

 

[racinfarmer]

Re: My shop tour and the ten tools I use to make 200 steel models

What kind of models?

I don't really want to speak for Don, but he does some pretty awesome work. Wish we still had him around TTT.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/doncampbellmodels/sets/

 

[Bjm364]

Re: My shop tour and the ten tools I use to make 200 steel models

You could be the most sought after movie prop maker! These models are the coolest thing. My nephew wont stop looking at them!

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

Re: My shop tour and the ten tools I use to make 200 steel models

Today I will begin my little shop tour with my nut and bolt and misl storage bins. I bought a cheap tool box and filled each drawer with screws, washers, nuts , bolts, nails of many sizes. I try to keep them stocked at least half full . Each drawer is full all the way to the back with small bins or boxes to keep them in place.
The bins over my main workbench hold all the misl. electrical connectors, small carb parts, fuel line, filters, tiny nuts and bolts and washers, hose clamps , lock nuts , wing nuts, lock washers and many other small items used on many of my projects. They are very handy and easy to get too and it gives a nice look over the bench. Tomorrow I'll share my two plasma cutters but one no longer works .

Don, thanks for taking the time to post! I looked at some of the photos in the link posted above. Those models are awesome. I was curious as to what you do with them after you are done. That model of 1/3 scale Cat was awesome. Did you build that for someone? Just curious!

 

[Deadhead]

Re: My shop tour and the ten tools I use to make 200 steel models

Not many things in this world amaze or even shock me anymore. I have been looking at ALL of those models that you built and words can not describe the joy and excitement that your work has given me as a fabricator. I just pulled my boys into the room and all 4 of us have sit and admired your work. I cant imagine the hours and hours of work that goes into just one of those masterpieces.

Thank you for joining the Garage Journal.

I have to ask regarding the 1/2 scale models of the 4wd tractors. What motor/ transmission/hydaulic combination are you using to drive them.

I encourage everyone to look at the link provided about by racinfarmer.

 

[Gentleman Adventurer]

Re: My shop tour and the ten tools I use to make 200 steel models

Thanks for the link!

Those are incredible. Don you are one talented person!

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Kevin54]

Re: My shop tour and the ten tools I use to make 200 steel models

Don.....I went to your website and was just blowed away. BTW...great looking family too. I know you must be a very proud man, and your grandson is going to be very proud of gramps too.

If you don't mind telling, how long does it take for you to build a 1/3 scale model of a steam shovel or whatever, and where or how do you get all of your dimensions to do it? Did you used to run heavy equipment and have access to take pics and measurments of everything? Do you have access to blueprints for the machines? I'm just curious and would like to know a little background.

It seems to me that you must never sleep. From what I saw on your site, and I only made it through like page 20 so far, from what I take it you started doing this at 55, correct? And you are now 62? Or maybe I read where you been doing this for 11 years?

Anyways....from what I have seen so far, you have done more than a dozen people put together in a lifetime. Do you have help on any of it, or do you do it all yourself in your shop? Inquiring minds need to know

BTW.....I liked all of the Vettes too. Especially the '63 Split Window and the '67(?) convertible with the Cragars. I am assuming that was you in it with the black hair and the big 'stache

 

[Don Campbell]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

People offer me a few bucks for them and I sell them. Don't get much but try to get enough for my time and materials. We are heading to Bushnell , Florida to check out a place for my mom in March. 50 of my models are now in Florida so we hope to go see them when we are down there. Maybe one day I'll be making models near Bushnell where it is a little warmer , ha,ha.

 

[Don Campbell]

Re: My shop tour and the ten tools I use to make 200 steel models

Thanks ,
I been making models part time for 18 years , I will be 62 in May. That is me restoring the 63 split window . Looking back it seems I was quite ambitious building all those things, ha,ha. The biggest models take 6 months, medium ones, 3 months, smaller ones one month , smallest one one week. No help , I design , cut out by hand and drill, bend , weld , bodywork, sand and paint every model. No blueprints , just specs from rear of brochures and a lot of guessing. I never ran heavy equipment

 

[4xdog]

Re: My shop tour and the ten tools I use to make 200 steel models

Don, your work is simply astounding. Thanks for pulling back the curtain a bit -- although knowing how the trick is done in this case makes it even more amazing!

It's great fun to look over your projects. We'll keep our eyes out for more.

-- Don

 

[GRN96WS6]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

Holy ****, those are awesome.

 

[Don Campbell]

Re: Sharing my little workshop

Thanks , I'll share more projects soon.

 

[Don Campbell]

Re: My shop tour and the ten tools I use to make 200 steel models

Thanks,
I'm trying to figure out where to put the posts , I am not so good on the computer so bear with me and I hope to share more things some of you might enjoy seeing. We think we will just go back to posting most new stuff at my original thread and I was told it could be renamed to make it simpler. So hopefully that will work out much better.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Don, the thread has been renamed. I also merged the two threads, as you might notice an intermixing of posts from the threads, that is due to the times of the posts.

I see the link is now up in your signature too.

Keep plugging away with the projects and updates, we are happy to have you here at GJ.