hewey
Well-known member
That's come out great, some really neat details.
Matty's Garage Projects (Aus)
- Thread starter octane_matty
- Start date
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Matty what more can I say
Regards
Regards
metalhead140
Well-known member
Nice entertainment unit!
OP
octane_matty
Well-known member
Thank all for the kind words on the entertainment unit! 
I'm excited to announce a new tool addition to the garage
Most of the time i come across tool adverts i can resist the temptation (it's hard i know), this latest ad i came across i just had a good feeling about!
Last night i met a lovely man named Yossi to purchase this tool.
Being a jeweler on a busy, dark inner suburban shop strip made him very hesitant at first to show me around his work area (Melbourne has had a large increase in thefts from shops over the years either by smash&grab or by gunpoint)
After talking for a few minutes i discovered Yossi is the perfect example of a guy you should buy every second hand tool from. As a jeweller by trade he has the utmost appreciation for a quality tool. We ended up talking for good hour about all things fabrication, tools and future projects. He was such a humble and kind man i felt bad purchasing such a nice tool off him even though he hadn't used it in over 20 years because it had too much torque for his small jewelry work.
Here it is, Waldown 7" Grinder, Australian Made, circa 1980s? Hasn't been used in the last 20 years.
Time has not been nice to the original power cable, i'll get that sorted soon.
In other news; the ryobi ap13 thicknesser is being teared down to assess damage from the endgrain chopping board incident.
Also the Aldi drill press "sloppy joe" is getting some modifications to hopefully dramatically improve it's accuracy. More on that later.
I'm excited to announce a new tool addition to the garage
Most of the time i come across tool adverts i can resist the temptation (it's hard i know), this latest ad i came across i just had a good feeling about!
Last night i met a lovely man named Yossi to purchase this tool.
Being a jeweler on a busy, dark inner suburban shop strip made him very hesitant at first to show me around his work area (Melbourne has had a large increase in thefts from shops over the years either by smash&grab or by gunpoint)
After talking for a few minutes i discovered Yossi is the perfect example of a guy you should buy every second hand tool from. As a jeweller by trade he has the utmost appreciation for a quality tool. We ended up talking for good hour about all things fabrication, tools and future projects. He was such a humble and kind man i felt bad purchasing such a nice tool off him even though he hadn't used it in over 20 years because it had too much torque for his small jewelry work.
Here it is, Waldown 7" Grinder, Australian Made, circa 1980s? Hasn't been used in the last 20 years.
Time has not been nice to the original power cable, i'll get that sorted soon.
In other news; the ryobi ap13 thicknesser is being teared down to assess damage from the endgrain chopping board incident.
Also the Aldi drill press "sloppy joe" is getting some modifications to hopefully dramatically improve it's accuracy. More on that later.
Last edited:
ajohno
Well-known member
Great score Matt.
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Matty, the holly grail of Aussie bench grinders, nice score..
OP
octane_matty
Well-known member
Matty, the holly grail of Aussie bench grinders, nice score..
I actually came across your 8" trying to research this little beast! Can't find any information on the years these were made or how common/rare they are!
All the others I come across have different badge style,switch or base casting
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Matty , mine is stamped in the name plate.
Just looking at it would be late 60s or seventies vintage.
Regards
hewey
Well-known member
Awesome looking bench grinder!
I had my wedding ring custom made, loved visiting the jeweler and checking all of his tools and getting an insight into the process.
I had my wedding ring custom made, loved visiting the jeweler and checking all of his tools and getting an insight into the process.
OP
octane_matty
Well-known member
Wow it's been a while since an update. it's becoming prime QST time of the year!
Alright here's a brief run down of the past few months
There were some major delays one friday night coming back from the big smoke, here's a late winter sunset:
Next project is a bit of a fun one....a outdoor cat enclosure for our furry friend.
The better half came by to help do some building in the garage
Frame together 70x20ish treated pine decking
It's bigger than it looks! trust me
Took 3 attempts trying to nail before I rage quit and went to the big store...
Came back with a new addition
Funnily enough this lasted about 300 staples before it fired a staple through the magazine.
Trip back to the store and they replaced it on warranty. Wasn't very confidence inspiring but the second is well into 1000+ firing now
Can't stand it up in the garage, ceiling is 2.3m and enclosure is ~2.2m
Walking down the street later that week, little fella came to say hi
So remember that Laundry I must have started 1.5yrs ago now? well there's been some troubles with getting a reasonable window/door quote among my procrastination.
Time to finally get this done (currently aiming for before
)
Existing door situation
new casement window, door and frame
Picked up some cheap victorian ash for a future super secret project
Went to help a mate build a new woodshed and this guy popped by while i was working away
For any Americans, this is a Kookaburra, native to Australia and New Guinea (non lethal)
Installing a mortice lock isn't fun let me tell you, that hole is a good 100mm deep.
But i can't say i'm dissapointed with our handle/lock choice
Last week the Amarok decided it would rumble/vibrate at 40-50km/h
It seemed like the rear driveshaft carrier bearing was on it's way out. I didn't want to be without a car for the weekend so called the local dealer for a price on the carrier bearing.
You'd assume maybe $100 for a carrier + VW markup of 100%?
nah not even close.... $629 for a carrier bearing assembly. No installation, No postage and definately no reach-arounds.
Took it to my local driveshaft bloke.... $165..installed
Turns out it's your average "Spicer" carrier bearing
After he was done he mentioned the Uni-joints didn't feel great, but he didn't like my chances of getting the staked joints replaced.
I decided to throw it in and take it for a test drive; better but definately not fixed.
After I pulled the driveshaft again, uni-joints were absolutely buggered. One of the middle joints was completely siezed.
Trip next day down to GJ Drivelines in keysborough and they had the VW uni-joints sorted same day with of course...BMW uni-joints! #bmw4life
All 8 speeds are smooth as butter now
Went around to a mates place last weekend to pickup some wood. While i was there we built a outdoor "Brunswick style" saw bench.
I joked afterwards he should use motor oil to seal it like most of the hipster pallet table builds on youtube.
...minutes later
Picked up some red gum fence posts to add to my stocks. All suggestions welcome for what to make?
Last Sunday helping another mate build a new study desk. Rather industrial style using gal plumbing pipe.
Welded together some legs
And sharpened some planes again to glue up a 900mm wide table top out of some bunnings oak boards
In other news;
Bought a makita trim router (i couldn't resist the machined aluminium housing it has. yes i have a problem.) Came in very handy to install hinges.
My Kinchrome digital caliper seems to have died, new battery couldn't bring it back to life
Bought a set of 0-6" outside micrometers today to assist with bore measuring (Yep, fingers crossed the LS build will get rolling again)
If you're in the market for a 26" carbon all-mountain bike frame with forks&wheels, PM me.
Much more to come i'm sure....apologies for it being all over the place, that's just how I roll lately.
PS healing vibes to our semi-old mate 1/2 cup
Alright here's a brief run down of the past few months
There were some major delays one friday night coming back from the big smoke, here's a late winter sunset:
Next project is a bit of a fun one....a outdoor cat enclosure for our furry friend.
The better half came by to help do some building in the garage
Frame together 70x20ish treated pine decking
It's bigger than it looks! trust me
Took 3 attempts trying to nail before I rage quit and went to the big store...
Came back with a new addition
Funnily enough this lasted about 300 staples before it fired a staple through the magazine.
Trip back to the store and they replaced it on warranty. Wasn't very confidence inspiring but the second is well into 1000+ firing now
Can't stand it up in the garage, ceiling is 2.3m and enclosure is ~2.2m
Walking down the street later that week, little fella came to say hi
So remember that Laundry I must have started 1.5yrs ago now? well there's been some troubles with getting a reasonable window/door quote among my procrastination.
Time to finally get this done (currently aiming for before
)Existing door situation
new casement window, door and frame
Picked up some cheap victorian ash for a future super secret project
Went to help a mate build a new woodshed and this guy popped by while i was working away
For any Americans, this is a Kookaburra, native to Australia and New Guinea (non lethal)
Installing a mortice lock isn't fun let me tell you, that hole is a good 100mm deep.
But i can't say i'm dissapointed with our handle/lock choice
Last week the Amarok decided it would rumble/vibrate at 40-50km/h
It seemed like the rear driveshaft carrier bearing was on it's way out. I didn't want to be without a car for the weekend so called the local dealer for a price on the carrier bearing.
You'd assume maybe $100 for a carrier + VW markup of 100%?
nah not even close.... $629 for a carrier bearing assembly. No installation, No postage and definately no reach-arounds.
Took it to my local driveshaft bloke.... $165..installed
Turns out it's your average "Spicer" carrier bearing
After he was done he mentioned the Uni-joints didn't feel great, but he didn't like my chances of getting the staked joints replaced.
I decided to throw it in and take it for a test drive; better but definately not fixed.
After I pulled the driveshaft again, uni-joints were absolutely buggered. One of the middle joints was completely siezed.
Trip next day down to GJ Drivelines in keysborough and they had the VW uni-joints sorted same day with of course...BMW uni-joints! #bmw4life
All 8 speeds are smooth as butter now
Went around to a mates place last weekend to pickup some wood. While i was there we built a outdoor "Brunswick style" saw bench.
I joked afterwards he should use motor oil to seal it like most of the hipster pallet table builds on youtube.
...minutes later
Picked up some red gum fence posts to add to my stocks. All suggestions welcome for what to make?
Last Sunday helping another mate build a new study desk. Rather industrial style using gal plumbing pipe.
Welded together some legs
And sharpened some planes again to glue up a 900mm wide table top out of some bunnings oak boards
In other news;
Bought a makita trim router (i couldn't resist the machined aluminium housing it has. yes i have a problem.) Came in very handy to install hinges.
My Kinchrome digital caliper seems to have died, new battery couldn't bring it back to life
Bought a set of 0-6" outside micrometers today to assist with bore measuring (Yep, fingers crossed the LS build will get rolling again)
If you're in the market for a 26" carbon all-mountain bike frame with forks&wheels, PM me.
Much more to come i'm sure....apologies for it being all over the place, that's just how I roll lately.
PS healing vibes to our semi-old mate 1/2 cup
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Matty , great stuff all round and thank you for the thought as well.
TwoBytes
Well-known member
Matty! I'll second Steve's comment, too much to comment on individually, great update and good work all 'round.
Mate, if you have a problem, then so do I.
Is this the one...
https://www.bunnings.com.au/makita-700w-trimmer-and-router_p6240215
View media item 75663
If it is, then I bought one for the same reason as you did.
I agonised over whether it was really worth the extra over the Ryobi equivalent, but I'm glad I went with the machined alloy ****.
I don't have any Ryobi batteries or a charger yet, which made the decision a little easier.
Annoyingly, Makita brought out a cordless version just after I bought my corded one!
View media item 75662
I also got the plunge router attachment (although I've already got a nice plunge router), but I haven't used it yet.
View media item 75661
What's the story there mate? New bike, or not riding any more?
Mate, if you have a problem, then so do I.
Is this the one...
https://www.bunnings.com.au/makita-700w-trimmer-and-router_p6240215
View media item 75663
If it is, then I bought one for the same reason as you did.
I agonised over whether it was really worth the extra over the Ryobi equivalent, but I'm glad I went with the machined alloy ****.
I don't have any Ryobi batteries or a charger yet, which made the decision a little easier.
Annoyingly, Makita brought out a cordless version just after I bought my corded one!
View media item 75662
I also got the plunge router attachment (although I've already got a nice plunge router), but I haven't used it yet.
View media item 75661
What's the story there mate? New bike, or not riding any more?
OP
octane_matty
Well-known member
Haha twobytes, yeah I have exactly the same one. I walked in planning to buy the cheapest model and walked out with the second most expensive.
What really was strange is the more expensive makita 3709x has a plastic casing, with a plastic height adjustment rack, less power and no speed adjustment.
So I ended up spending $10 less to have better gear than the 3709x, the only downside being no clear square base which isn't a big difference.
So far isn't been ok, having some issues with chatter despite having some brand new router bits. Bit of learning experience compared to my big hitachi router which is just an absolute beast.
With the MTB, I picked up a second hand Lappierre Zesty carbon frame 27.5 which I'm building up. Will soon part out or sell off the leftovers from my Cube AMS 150.
The Cube is a real nice frame but the geometry doesn't suit me well.
TwoBytes
Well-known member
Yeah, that happens to me too, all the time!
I have no clue why the plastic base one is more expensive, and wondered the same thing when I bought mine. I wonder if the plastic base would fit on the metal body one? (assuming it was available as a spare part).
I've noticed a bit of chatter too, but playing around with the speed, and the speed that I move it generally gets it playing nicely.
That's a very nice frame mate. A lot nicer looking than the Cube. Are you buying new components, or using the bits off your Cube?
I'd be keen to see pics of the build up, especially if there's nice shiny new bits going on!
OP
octane_matty
Well-known member
Alright it's been a while but plenty of progress on things
Here's the final result of the study desk built with a mate;
Hard to find a tiler at this time of year so ended up doing the Laundry myself
Ikea cabinets are mostly installed, plumbing mostly done, few little jobs to but we're getting there
Turns out the new bike frame i bought was cheap no doubt, but it's missing a few things
First up is the axle nut
Turned out alright
Cheers
Here's the final result of the study desk built with a mate;
Hard to find a tiler at this time of year so ended up doing the Laundry myself
Ikea cabinets are mostly installed, plumbing mostly done, few little jobs to but we're getting there
Turns out the new bike frame i bought was cheap no doubt, but it's missing a few things
First up is the axle nut
Turned out alright
Cheers
TomcoPDR
Well-known member
Nice work on the mud room
TwoBytes
Well-known member
Laundry is looking great mate, and nice job on the axle nut.
hewey
Well-known member
Loving the study desk! Laundry is looking good too.
OP
octane_matty
Well-known member
welcome back!, it's been a few months and definitely overdue for an update.
I spent an hour writing out this post before and submit didn't work, lost everything
During the Jan holidays a mate came around to help me out in the garage, we decided to build a welding cart.
He's never welded before so better time than any to learn to TIG.
An hour or so later he was stacking dimes!
Base frame
Levels for TIG, MIG and provision for a plasma?
Still needs the storage mounted + variable hooks and bits
Cleaning up the garage after i decided i needed a new sheet storage rack. slapped this together.
Even when cleaned up this place looks a mess.
Far too many projects on the go but mainly need to work through my hardwood collection to clear some space.
Early Feb my lawn mower decided it would give up
Old early 80s Scott Bonnar with a Briggs & Stratton motor.
During the teardown it was quite apparent i had been a bad owner. There was oil, but not enough to keep her spinning. I'll admit i haven't done anything to this mower other than put petrol in it and abuse it.
The abuse was fatal to the conrod
I believe the lack of lubrication caused the conrod to sieze on the crank and crack from stress/heat. The crank journal is absolutely trashed.
When my father dropped this mower off he explicitly mentioned "If this thing breaks, throw it away and buy a new one!"
Hah...consumerism these days
After browsing ebay for new cranks i remembered a mate of mine had a similar mower and he just got a new one.
He was happy to donate another mower he had hidden away which he believed had an overheating or stalling problem.
After tearing this motor down i realised it was in far better condition than mine, almost perfect even. But i was committed to saving my little Scotty.
Stripped down, cleaned, painted in a Chevy Orange which was a close match.
Slapped back together donor crank + conrod and some new gaskets
After a few adjustments and it started back up with a puff of smoke seating the old rings.
Late march the custom ordered benchtop for the laundry arrived
No idea how this room took us just over 2 years, there has been much debating over all the fine details. But many lessons learnt for the future.
The laundry is now 98% complete except for Splashback + shelves. Both will have to wait with other more exciting projects getting in the way
Bought some large bits of Messmate recently to become table legs.
The legs will be a cross shape, with an industrial metal look to match the entertainment unit + coffee table and a glass top. It seems buying the glass top by itself is more expensive than an entire table. I ended up buying a very modern/mcm looking table on gumtree for $150. Since the existing table base isn't too ugly this project will be delayed for a bit.
Since the laundry is functional with a toilet + sink we have started gutting our existing bathroom/ensuite. Had asbestos behind all the tiles which has now been professionally removed.
Spent a good weekend jack hammering this shower base followed by a few trips to the tip.
Solid concrete with rebar shower base
After gutting the ensuite it was clear there has been no waterproofing on the floor + under shower base. Some of the walls need to be replaced and all the floor with it.
Not sure if you all remember but before woodworking and renovations i had plans of building a project car in my garage. Well time to get back into it!
17x11s aren't an easy task on an E36 body
the fender cutting begins!
Keep cutting until it hits the bump stops!
Unforunately the 3 layers of fender wouldn't merge as neat as i'd like so i ended up welding in a panel to meet the inner/outer fenders.
This was my first time attempting MIG welding so it's not pretty.
Initially i started using my 100% argon TIG gas with the MIG and it didn't go very well. After getting a Argon + Co2 mix bottle i'm welding much much better.
With the patch panel on the inside just needing some seam sealer now, i started mocking up the E46 pre-facelift sedan fenders.
Cleco's are amazing, get some.
Clearance for the fuel door.
It's definitely a slow process grafting the fenders but hopefully it will come out good in the end.
Engine build update
I have been debating what to do about this LS engine for a while. I've decided after measuring the bores that i'm not happy with the dingle ball hone on the bores. The stock pistons are also too dirty for me to bother spending the time to re-use them.
I've decided for this initial rebuild i'll aim for just a slightly higher compression ratio of 11.2:1 with the new pistons.
I'm not really going for big hp/tq but just a good stout reliable 6L engine.
I'll be replacing everything except the block and crank with upgraded parts.
Thanks for reading
I spent an hour writing out this post before and submit didn't work, lost everything
During the Jan holidays a mate came around to help me out in the garage, we decided to build a welding cart.
He's never welded before so better time than any to learn to TIG.
An hour or so later he was stacking dimes!
Base frame
Levels for TIG, MIG and provision for a plasma?
Still needs the storage mounted + variable hooks and bits
Cleaning up the garage after i decided i needed a new sheet storage rack. slapped this together.
Even when cleaned up this place looks a mess.
Far too many projects on the go but mainly need to work through my hardwood collection to clear some space.
Early Feb my lawn mower decided it would give up
Old early 80s Scott Bonnar with a Briggs & Stratton motor.
During the teardown it was quite apparent i had been a bad owner. There was oil, but not enough to keep her spinning. I'll admit i haven't done anything to this mower other than put petrol in it and abuse it.
The abuse was fatal to the conrod
I believe the lack of lubrication caused the conrod to sieze on the crank and crack from stress/heat. The crank journal is absolutely trashed.
When my father dropped this mower off he explicitly mentioned "If this thing breaks, throw it away and buy a new one!"
Hah...consumerism these days
After browsing ebay for new cranks i remembered a mate of mine had a similar mower and he just got a new one.
He was happy to donate another mower he had hidden away which he believed had an overheating or stalling problem.
After tearing this motor down i realised it was in far better condition than mine, almost perfect even. But i was committed to saving my little Scotty.
Stripped down, cleaned, painted in a Chevy Orange which was a close match.
Slapped back together donor crank + conrod and some new gaskets
After a few adjustments and it started back up with a puff of smoke seating the old rings.
Late march the custom ordered benchtop for the laundry arrived
No idea how this room took us just over 2 years, there has been much debating over all the fine details. But many lessons learnt for the future.The laundry is now 98% complete except for Splashback + shelves. Both will have to wait with other more exciting projects getting in the way
Bought some large bits of Messmate recently to become table legs.
The legs will be a cross shape, with an industrial metal look to match the entertainment unit + coffee table and a glass top. It seems buying the glass top by itself is more expensive than an entire table. I ended up buying a very modern/mcm looking table on gumtree for $150. Since the existing table base isn't too ugly this project will be delayed for a bit.
Since the laundry is functional with a toilet + sink we have started gutting our existing bathroom/ensuite. Had asbestos behind all the tiles which has now been professionally removed.
Spent a good weekend jack hammering this shower base followed by a few trips to the tip.
Solid concrete with rebar shower base
After gutting the ensuite it was clear there has been no waterproofing on the floor + under shower base. Some of the walls need to be replaced and all the floor with it.
Not sure if you all remember but before woodworking and renovations i had plans of building a project car in my garage. Well time to get back into it!
17x11s aren't an easy task on an E36 body
the fender cutting begins!
Keep cutting until it hits the bump stops!
Unforunately the 3 layers of fender wouldn't merge as neat as i'd like so i ended up welding in a panel to meet the inner/outer fenders.
This was my first time attempting MIG welding so it's not pretty.
Initially i started using my 100% argon TIG gas with the MIG and it didn't go very well. After getting a Argon + Co2 mix bottle i'm welding much much better.
With the patch panel on the inside just needing some seam sealer now, i started mocking up the E46 pre-facelift sedan fenders.
Cleco's are amazing, get some.
Clearance for the fuel door.
It's definitely a slow process grafting the fenders but hopefully it will come out good in the end.
Engine build update
I have been debating what to do about this LS engine for a while. I've decided after measuring the bores that i'm not happy with the dingle ball hone on the bores. The stock pistons are also too dirty for me to bother spending the time to re-use them.
I've decided for this initial rebuild i'll aim for just a slightly higher compression ratio of 11.2:1 with the new pistons.
I'm not really going for big hp/tq but just a good stout reliable 6L engine.
I'll be replacing everything except the block and crank with upgraded parts.
Thanks for reading
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
OM, when you do an update you do it well.
Well done all round
Well done all round
HOTFR8
Banned
hewey
Well-known member
Nice update - you've been busy!
OP
octane_matty
Well-known member
Alright time for the 3 month update, busy as always, starting new projects as always 
The amarok has had some love lately, put in a set of LED headlights for both DRL, low and high beams. Definately not legal but on a level playing field with newer cars. Made an amazing difference at night compared to the stock lights.
Bought an Xtrons android head unit with most of the options
OBD Diagnostic, TPMS sensors, 4G card
It has inbuilt wifi, radio, bluetooth, CAN bus adapter and external GPS antenna
Rather easy install and can't beat the value.
It's fast and retains 100% of the stock features, climate control stuff shows, reverse camera plugs right in. Parking distance works.
Trying not to mod the daily but can't help myself...
Added some sound deadening to the rear
Prepped the rear for some fibreglassing
Half mould made and test fit
Positioning of sub tested
Ready for the front
The front is actually fully covered now but needs some sanding/bogging to clean it up before i glue to carpet over it.
As always...half complete projects
The Mrs dropped off some stands from a theater show that needed re-welding
Some things you can't unsee
Ray Charles could've done better mate
Recently i need a shoulder plane to level flooring for a shower base in the ensuite. Instead of buying a new cheap replica i decided to buy one off gumtree that was mildly used.
Picked up this stanley for half the price of retail, brand new in box
I felt bad using it, could have probably been a collectors item in 30 years.
Now for what we've all been waiting for...LS Parts!!!!!
Hopefully this will fit; waited 3 months for this dorman F-body LS oil pan
Suprisingly good finish
**** H beam connecting rods, 100% overkill for an NA build but always be prepared for boost
Wiseco forged pistons; K0044X1 , 10 thou over and +9cc volume
No pictures but i have also received just about everything required to seal up the LS block:
All New gaskets
Melling high volume oil pump
Powerbond Race harmonic balancer
ARP Main Studs + Head studs
King XP Bearings for Crank + Rods
Replacement oil barbell
Couple more items in the mail that should arrive today; oil pickup, plasti gauge, timing set, coil wires, crank bolt, trunnion upgrade kit.
Also today i made an absolute bargain deal on a beefier differential which i'll pickup on the weekend
Have a good weekend lads
The amarok has had some love lately, put in a set of LED headlights for both DRL, low and high beams. Definately not legal but on a level playing field with newer cars. Made an amazing difference at night compared to the stock lights.
Bought an Xtrons android head unit with most of the options
OBD Diagnostic, TPMS sensors, 4G card
It has inbuilt wifi, radio, bluetooth, CAN bus adapter and external GPS antenna
Rather easy install and can't beat the value.
It's fast and retains 100% of the stock features, climate control stuff shows, reverse camera plugs right in. Parking distance works.
Trying not to mod the daily but can't help myself...
Added some sound deadening to the rear
Prepped the rear for some fibreglassing
Half mould made and test fit
Positioning of sub tested
Ready for the front
The front is actually fully covered now but needs some sanding/bogging to clean it up before i glue to carpet over it.
As always...half complete projects
The Mrs dropped off some stands from a theater show that needed re-welding
Some things you can't unsee
Ray Charles could've done better mate
Recently i need a shoulder plane to level flooring for a shower base in the ensuite. Instead of buying a new cheap replica i decided to buy one off gumtree that was mildly used.
Picked up this stanley for half the price of retail, brand new in box
I felt bad using it, could have probably been a collectors item in 30 years.
Now for what we've all been waiting for...LS Parts!!!!!
Hopefully this will fit; waited 3 months for this dorman F-body LS oil pan
Suprisingly good finish
**** H beam connecting rods, 100% overkill for an NA build but always be prepared for boost
Wiseco forged pistons; K0044X1 , 10 thou over and +9cc volume
No pictures but i have also received just about everything required to seal up the LS block:
All New gaskets
Melling high volume oil pump
Powerbond Race harmonic balancer
ARP Main Studs + Head studs
King XP Bearings for Crank + Rods
Replacement oil barbell
Couple more items in the mail that should arrive today; oil pickup, plasti gauge, timing set, coil wires, crank bolt, trunnion upgrade kit.
Also today i made an absolute bargain deal on a beefier differential which i'll pickup on the weekend
Have a good weekend lads
Grumblebum
Well-known member
Great update matty, can you pop up where you got the sound deadener from please ? That's a good idea doing behind the back seat in the dual cab.
cheers GB
cheers GB
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Matty, thank you for the update.
You have some fantastic engine bits there, well done.
You have some fantastic engine bits there, well done.
OP
octane_matty
Well-known member
It’s roadkill expert I believe
Buy online if I were you
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com.au/ulk/itm/183274845969
I bought it from a local car audio shop but after checking ebay I got ripped off
I think I paid 180 for not even a complete box!
Grumblebum
Well-known member
It’s roadkill expert I believe
Buy online if I were you
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com.au/ulk/itm/183274845969
I bought it from a local car audio shop but after checking ebay I got ripped off
I think I paid 180 for not even a complete box!
Cool thanks, yeah I try to avoid retail stores, although you need to look around before you hit ebay too for some things.
cheers GB
OP
octane_matty
Well-known member
Small update
L98 block has been dropped off with all the rotating assembly at my local machine shop for balancing/boring They're pretty busy at the moment so might not get it back for a few weeks.
Currently still working on ensuite renovations so haven't had much quality garage time lately. My builder friend has done a stellar job on rebuilding walls/leveling floors etc but unfortunately can't say the same for the plumbers quality of work
Few weeks ago picked up an Explorer 8.8 IRS Diff for the E36
Will require a bit of fab +custom shafts to install but capable of handling 500hp and slicks no problem.
This one already has an LSD and 3.73 ratio
These diff's are actually a few kg lighter than a stock BMW medium case diff due to the aluminium housing.
Unfortunately i couldn't get the double front bushing version as later explorer models weren't imported into Australia.
L98 block has been dropped off with all the rotating assembly at my local machine shop for balancing/boring
They're pretty busy at the moment so might not get it back for a few weeks.Currently still working on ensuite renovations so haven't had much quality garage time lately. My builder friend has done a stellar job on rebuilding walls/leveling floors etc but unfortunately can't say the same for the plumbers quality of work
Few weeks ago picked up an Explorer 8.8 IRS Diff for the E36
Will require a bit of fab +custom shafts to install but capable of handling 500hp and slicks no problem.
This one already has an LSD and 3.73 ratio
These diff's are actually a few kg lighter than a stock BMW medium case diff due to the aluminium housing.
Unfortunately i couldn't get the double front bushing version as later explorer models weren't imported into Australia.
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Matty that's a meaty looking diff, well done.
OP
octane_matty
Well-known member
Been busy as always!
started welding up a frame to add some additional tie downs to the Amarok
Using the existing tie down points to mount it and various existing holes
Only had to cut a little bit of the tub liner to make it squeeze in
some colour coded paint and came up alright!
I regret to inform tape measure number 2 has packed it up recently
She's recently been replaced with a new "magnesium" aka plastic probably empire 8m
In non-garage news I've recently had a 2 week trip around Tasmania
Amazing part of the country and some great scotch
This is an art display of old motor oil..... among other interesting things at the museum
Between everything i'm still working on the ensuite.
Builder has rebuilt a partition wall between the ensuite/bathroom.
Floor levelled
Plumbers came in and hacked everything to bits (won't be getting them back again)
Plastering sorted a few weeks ago
Waterproofed ready for tiler
Tiler did an amazing job and i'm very picky
Bought this Diablo thin kerf blade for the Tablesaw a few months ago but found out the Bosch nut wouldn't thread far enough to clamp the blade.
Time to spin up the lathe
Had to make a custom riving knife to match the new thin blade kerf
We couldn't find a vanity suitable to our tastes. 90% of the vanities sold in Australia are made of the cheapest & wobbly drawers with crazy varying panel gaps etc. To get a good custom made one is 3k-4.5k but of course i can't afford that.
I decided to go with a flatpack vanity.... "some" assembly required
Corian custom made top with integrated basin, 16mm MR MDF, thick chunk of messmate beam and some blum legrabox runners (not pictured)
New blade in the TS works excellent & that grain
Some of the larger pieces needed to be cut from a solid 210mm log
Unfortunately i don't have a bandsaw.... and Mrs Octane would not approve one
I present, the poor'ish mans bandsaw ($15 each blade
)
2 blades and about 3 makita batteries in the recip and we're through.
After this was done i needed to thickness the boards
Unfortunately after my previous incident with the thicknesser and rebuilding it with new bearings, i forgot the rollers probably needed replacing too.
Sent a test board through and it was terrible. New rollers ordered and on their way.
If rollers don't arrive in time i recently purchased plan B
This is a stanley replica No 7 jointer plane, indian made i believe and appears to be a fairly decent piece of kit.
I would have loved an original Stanley but they're too much of a collectors item these days.
I'll probably be working on the ensuite up until Christmas and then relaxing. But the LS block is back from the Engine builders again. It looks delicious and i can't wait to assemble it. I'm just waiting for a break between wood projects to really clean the garage of all dust prior to assembly.
Cheers!
started welding up a frame to add some additional tie downs to the Amarok
Using the existing tie down points to mount it and various existing holes
Only had to cut a little bit of the tub liner to make it squeeze in
some colour coded paint and came up alright!
I regret to inform tape measure number 2 has packed it up recently
She's recently been replaced with a new "magnesium" aka plastic probably empire 8m
In non-garage news I've recently had a 2 week trip around Tasmania
Amazing part of the country and some great scotch
This is an art display of old motor oil..... among other interesting things at the museum
Between everything i'm still working on the ensuite.
Builder has rebuilt a partition wall between the ensuite/bathroom.
Floor levelled
Plumbers came in and hacked everything to bits (won't be getting them back again)
Plastering sorted a few weeks ago
Waterproofed ready for tiler
Tiler did an amazing job and i'm very picky
Bought this Diablo thin kerf blade for the Tablesaw a few months ago but found out the Bosch nut wouldn't thread far enough to clamp the blade.
Time to spin up the lathe
Had to make a custom riving knife to match the new thin blade kerf
We couldn't find a vanity suitable to our tastes. 90% of the vanities sold in Australia are made of the cheapest & wobbly drawers with crazy varying panel gaps etc. To get a good custom made one is 3k-4.5k but of course i can't afford that.
I decided to go with a flatpack vanity.... "some" assembly required
Corian custom made top with integrated basin, 16mm MR MDF, thick chunk of messmate beam and some blum legrabox runners (not pictured)
New blade in the TS works excellent & that grain
Some of the larger pieces needed to be cut from a solid 210mm log
Unfortunately i don't have a bandsaw.... and Mrs Octane would not approve one
I present, the poor'ish mans bandsaw ($15 each blade
)2 blades and about 3 makita batteries in the recip and we're through.
After this was done i needed to thickness the boards
Unfortunately after my previous incident with the thicknesser and rebuilding it with new bearings, i forgot the rollers probably needed replacing too.
Sent a test board through and it was terrible. New rollers ordered and on their way.
If rollers don't arrive in time i recently purchased plan B
This is a stanley replica No 7 jointer plane, indian made i believe and appears to be a fairly decent piece of kit.
I would have loved an original Stanley but they're too much of a collectors item these days.
I'll probably be working on the ensuite up until Christmas and then relaxing. But the LS block is back from the Engine builders again. It looks delicious and i can't wait to assemble it. I'm just waiting for a break between wood projects to really clean the garage of all dust prior to assembly.
Cheers!
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Busy is right
Great work all round, I am looking forward to your engine build
Great work all round, I am looking forward to your engine build
OP
octane_matty
Well-known member
Quick update pre christmas!
Thicknesser has received new rollers, working perfect now! (I've spent way too much on this thing)
Front drawer faces are jointed and glued.
Far too easy to joint with the long hand plane, considering selling my planer/jointer it's that much more satisfying by hand.
All set up and coated in Osmo Polyx, this stuff is amazing
Sanded 80 grit on the belt sander, 80 orbital, 180 orbital, 320 orbital then hit it with the 000 steel wool and coat.
Basic carcass together for the vanity
The vanity is 850x450 which brings a few problems given the size of the integrated basin and what i'd like to fit into it.
Made up a steel bracket to support the front of the corian top and work around the overflow outlet
Drawers are assembled (Blum legrabox black) they went together rather easy with some accurate measurements.
Test fitting the sides, it's looking mint!
Hopefully i'll be done sanding/painting the plaster soon and i'll be able to mount the vanity over the christmas break.
Merry Christmas all, cheers!
Thicknesser has received new rollers, working perfect now! (I've spent way too much on this thing)
Front drawer faces are jointed and glued.
Far too easy to joint with the long hand plane, considering selling my planer/jointer it's that much more satisfying by hand.
All set up and coated in Osmo Polyx, this stuff is amazing
Sanded 80 grit on the belt sander, 80 orbital, 180 orbital, 320 orbital then hit it with the 000 steel wool and coat.
Basic carcass together for the vanity
The vanity is 850x450 which brings a few problems given the size of the integrated basin and what i'd like to fit into it.
Made up a steel bracket to support the front of the corian top and work around the overflow outlet
Drawers are assembled (Blum legrabox black) they went together rather easy with some accurate measurements.
Test fitting the sides, it's looking mint!
Hopefully i'll be done sanding/painting the plaster soon and i'll be able to mount the vanity over the christmas break.
Merry Christmas all, cheers!
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Matty that looks awesome, you have done well
All the best for Christmas as well
All the best for Christmas as well
OP
octane_matty
Well-known member
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all!
Updates from some QST i had over the holidays
Arthurs seat eagle
I'm not sure if i ever posted this project a while ago. I started building a play table for my niece's over 2 years ago. With the plan of integrating some storage for play toys and expandable table top. I ended up trying to rush the project too much to meet a Christmas deadline and wasn't happy with the results.
It's been taking up space in the garage ever since so time to complete it. I scaled down the plans to just a simple table.
It's made completely from 19mm Victorian Ash i picked up cheap off gumtree.
The legs are made of about 5 pieces each and were tricky to say the least!
Since it's a kids table i opted for some more 'safe' finish product. Ended up going with Osmo Polyx
Few coats and it turned up quite nice
Not sure if I've mentioned but i HATE my Aldi workzone drill press with passion. A long time ago i was fed up with the incredible amount of slop the drill had. I pulled it apart and attempted to weld a bead along the quill with the intention of running it on the lathe to add an extra few thou to the quill to reduce the slop. Lone behold when i chucked it up in the lathe the quill wasn't even round to begin with At this point i decided it was a lost cause and not worth my time.
Fast forward 12 months of it sitting in pieces on my workbench;
I needed to drill some holes in 10mm steel a few weeks ago and put the junk back together. Sanded the quill back to round-ish and slapped it together.
It drilled the holes but i kept thinking how dangerous the wobble is i'm actually nervous it would hurt someone if a mate or the Mrs came around to use it.
I've been searching the facebook marketplace/gumtree ever since and came across this old girl.
Say hello to my 1982 Herless RDM-250f
1.5hp single phase motor, i think MT4 taper, 9 speed, supposedly farm use only and single owner.
It was cheap ($250) and i love that it has a front bolt on the housing to tighten the quill slop similar to a Waldon 8SN which are rather over priced. Just a bonus it's the same vintage/brand as my grandfathers lathe.
She's a little rough looking, hasn't been used in 10 years. Probably due to the belt setup being a bit jacked, all easy fixes.
Not going for a full resto but a quick paint since the colour doesn't take my fancy. Also have some left over paint from painting the lathe chip tray
..Alot of wire brushing and slapping paint on later
Unfortunately i was a little to heavy handed attempting to remove the base colar from the column and cracked the flange beating it with a hammer
I could have easily got away with not removing it doh!
I've researched some cast iron TIG welding and it appears to require a significant amount of pre-heating + expensive nickel rods ($100/1kg) with quite a high possibility of failure cracking.
Decided i'll scrap the base and build a new one out of steel. Water jet cut flange + some 90NB Heavy pipe.
Also was considering replacing bearings while it's apart. Checking the runout of the tapered bore produced 1 thou runout and that's without cleaning a little bit of surface rust in there! Might just leave them in there
More updates to come
Cheers
Updates from some QST i had over the holidays
Arthurs seat eagle
I'm not sure if i ever posted this project a while ago. I started building a play table for my niece's over 2 years ago. With the plan of integrating some storage for play toys and expandable table top. I ended up trying to rush the project too much to meet a Christmas deadline and wasn't happy with the results.
It's been taking up space in the garage ever since so time to complete it. I scaled down the plans to just a simple table.
It's made completely from 19mm Victorian Ash i picked up cheap off gumtree.
The legs are made of about 5 pieces each and were tricky to say the least!
Since it's a kids table i opted for some more 'safe' finish product. Ended up going with Osmo Polyx
Few coats and it turned up quite nice
Not sure if I've mentioned but i HATE my Aldi workzone drill press with passion. A long time ago i was fed up with the incredible amount of slop the drill had. I pulled it apart and attempted to weld a bead along the quill with the intention of running it on the lathe to add an extra few thou to the quill to reduce the slop. Lone behold when i chucked it up in the lathe the quill wasn't even round to begin with
At this point i decided it was a lost cause and not worth my time. Fast forward 12 months of it sitting in pieces on my workbench;
I needed to drill some holes in 10mm steel a few weeks ago and put the junk back together. Sanded the quill back to round-ish and slapped it together.
It drilled the holes but i kept thinking how dangerous the wobble is i'm actually nervous it would hurt someone if a mate or the Mrs came around to use it.
I've been searching the facebook marketplace/gumtree ever since and came across this old girl.
Say hello to my 1982 Herless RDM-250f
1.5hp single phase motor, i think MT4 taper, 9 speed, supposedly farm use only and single owner.
It was cheap ($250) and i love that it has a front bolt on the housing to tighten the quill slop similar to a Waldon 8SN which are rather over priced. Just a bonus it's the same vintage/brand as my grandfathers lathe.
She's a little rough looking, hasn't been used in 10 years. Probably due to the belt setup being a bit jacked, all easy fixes.
Not going for a full resto but a quick paint since the colour doesn't take my fancy. Also have some left over paint from painting the lathe chip tray
..Alot of wire brushing and slapping paint on later
Unfortunately i was a little to heavy handed attempting to remove the base colar from the column and cracked the flange beating it with a hammer
I could have easily got away with not removing it doh!
I've researched some cast iron TIG welding and it appears to require a significant amount of pre-heating + expensive nickel rods ($100/1kg) with quite a high possibility of failure cracking.
Decided i'll scrap the base and build a new one out of steel. Water jet cut flange + some 90NB Heavy pipe.
Also was considering replacing bearings while it's apart. Checking the runout of the tapered bore produced 1 thou runout
and that's without cleaning a little bit of surface rust in there! Might just leave them in there More updates to come
Cheers
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Well done Matty, a good mix of time out, family and QST ..
Your drill is one year younger than mine..
Your drill is one year younger than mine..
OP
octane_matty
Well-known member
Well done Matty, a good mix of time out, family and QST ..
Your drill is one year younger than mine..
This is getting a little creepy mate....first the lathe now the drill press...and waldon grinders...I'm starting to wonder if i'm adopted haha
How do you find your press? Curious what chuck are you running?
Mine has a fairly worn Rexon RJ3-16H I'm thinking of replacing it with a keyless chuck but have heard issues with gripping bits.
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
This is getting a little creepy mate....first the lathe now the drill press...and waldon grinders...I'm starting to wonder if i'm adopted haha
How do you find your press? Curious what chuck are you running?
Mine has a fairly worn Rexon RJ3-16H I'm thinking of replacing it with a keyless chuck but have heard issues with gripping bits.
Matty
My Herless DP is ok but not brilliant it does the job it runs out a little which is some thing I must have a look at one day.
Mine has the original Jacobs key chuck which is worn but works..
I just brought a keyless chuck for my lathe from Hare & Forbes I did get a C spanner with it, which I did but thus far I have not had to use it.
https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/C294
https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/C2941
Regards
drew86
Member
Great thread really enjoyed reading.
Im looking to do a similar swap on my e46 bmw so will watch with interest
Im looking to do a similar swap on my e46 bmw so will watch with interest
OP
octane_matty
Well-known member
New waterjet cut flange for the drill press arrived late friday
I may have quoted the wrong inside diameter and had to hog the diameter out a little on the late.
Due to the wild swings in heat the paint has dried fairly horribly in general on the drill press, i will probably sand it back at a later stage and spray it.
made a quick jig to easily sand the tube and clean the inside weld bead to create a tight fit on the column.
I ended up getting 500mm of 90NB heavy guage tubing. Let me tell you it wasn't easy to find. Thanks to Handy Steel up north of Melbourne. (The only shop who stocked it and was willing to sell a short length)
TIG'd tacks
After checking it was square, welded till i ran out of gas
Drilled and tapped the pipe for a grub screw and installed the column
At this point i noticed i've forgotten to add a chamfer to the top of the pipe for the steel rack for the table. I'll weld something on later to fix that.
I ended up getting a new keyless chuck, vertex 3-16mm and new MT4-JT6 arbor
Total run-out was about 2-3 thou, i wouldn't say amazing but more than acceptable. Possible some surface rust within the quill is contributing.
Lots of cleaning up this weekend to re-organise the garage
Finally decided some changes to the layout/storage are much needed
This is probably my best investment in a while....
It's been a scorcher this week in Melbourne, reaching low 40s
Drill press setup in it's new home
A while ago i had the intention of having a large drawer at the top of the workbench. I soon realised this wouldn't be enough storage and finally bit the bullet yesterday.
Say hello to my 3 little friends
Happy Australia/Invasion day all
I may have quoted the wrong inside diameter and had to hog the diameter out a little on the late.
Due to the wild swings in heat the paint has dried fairly horribly in general on the drill press, i will probably sand it back at a later stage and spray it.
made a quick jig to easily sand the tube and clean the inside weld bead to create a tight fit on the column.
I ended up getting 500mm of 90NB heavy guage tubing. Let me tell you it wasn't easy to find. Thanks to Handy Steel up north of Melbourne. (The only shop who stocked it and was willing to sell a short length
)
TIG'd tacks
After checking it was square, welded till i ran out of gas
Drilled and tapped the pipe for a grub screw and installed the column
At this point i noticed i've forgotten to add a chamfer to the top of the pipe for the steel rack for the table. I'll weld something on later to fix that.
I ended up getting a new keyless chuck, vertex 3-16mm and new MT4-JT6 arbor
Total run-out was about 2-3 thou, i wouldn't say amazing but more than acceptable. Possible some surface rust within the quill is contributing.
Lots of cleaning up this weekend to re-organise the garage
Finally decided some changes to the layout/storage are much needed
This is probably my best investment in a while....
It's been a scorcher this week in Melbourne, reaching low 40s
Drill press setup in it's new home
A while ago i had the intention of having a large drawer at the top of the workbench. I soon realised this wouldn't be enough storage and finally bit the bullet yesterday.
Say hello to my 3 little friends
Happy Australia/Invasion day all