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Things I have learnt...
shades - 16/6/05 at 09:24 PM

So far things I have learnt that I did not know before I started. Its been trial and error. Probably fairly obvious to most people. But hey learning is part of the fun.

1. When drilling metal its better to use slow speed than fast.

2. Use a center punch when drilling holes.

3. Use oil on drill bit when drilling metal.

4. Metal files only work in the push stroke.

Just thought I would open this And I might learn some more from others.

shortie - 16/6/05 at 09:33 PM

1. If the thought even enters your mind that you may have measured it wrong you probably did!

2. Always buy more than you need otherwise you'll always need one more and not have it!

3. When people say it's easy they mean it's easy once you've done it.

4. Use a blunt drill and drill fibreglass slowly.

5. Don't think you're the only one who's done it wrong, everyone else has too you just don't notice when you look at their cars!

Loads more I'm sure.

Rich.

JoelP - 16/6/05 at 10:08 PM

1) Felled trees dont always fall where expected
2) Tree felling is best left to professionals
3) I am not a professional



and 4) Car roofs dent very easily



Not my own personal mistakes, but funny when someone told me those!

Hellfire - 17/6/05 at 12:48 AM

quote:
Originally posted by JoelP
1) Felled trees dont always fall where expected
2) Tree felling is best left to professionals
3) I am not a professional



and 4) Car roofs dent very easily



Not my own personal mistakes, but funny when someone told me those!


1. Neither do lamp-posts
2. Removing lamp-posts is best left to professionals.
3. We are not professionals
4. I don't wanna become one either!

donut - 17/6/05 at 06:49 AM

1: Don't forget (while in the garage) to drink that cup of tea you made before starting the building that day, cold tea is nasty!

2: Measure once, measure twice, go away for 3 mins, measure again and drill once!

3: Don't build when your drunk / hung over

4: Don't tell the wife that the gadget you just bought cost £25 and leave the receipt arround which states that you actually spent more like £85

5: Don't let your 'know it all' mate go within 3 foot of the car!

6: Don't let you other half within 50feet of the car!

7: Most important - don't wire the battery the wrong way round when testing the wiring........ Deckman01, Conrod, Jasper, Chris W, Ned and Bob know what i'm talking about

[Edited on 17/6/05 by donut]

wilkingj - 17/6/05 at 07:01 AM

quote:
Originally posted by shades
So far things I have learnt that I did not know before I started. Its been trial and error. Probably fairly obvious to most people. But hey learning is part of the fun.

1. When drilling metal its better to use slow speed than fast.
2. Use a center punch when drilling holes.

3. Use oil on drill bit when drilling metal.

4. Metal files only work in the push stroke.

Just thought I would open this And I might learn some more from others.


The reasons for the above:
1. - The Bigger the Drill the slower the speed you should use. All down to keeping cutting speeds at the correct rate. ie the outer edge of a large drill is travelling at a faster speed than the outer edge of a small drill at the same rpm.

2. It locates the drill and stops it skidding to a new place. Gives better accuracy of the position of the hole.

3. It gives lubrication, which reduces friction, which reduces heat, which stops the drill's metal from softening (annealing) and thus keeps it sharper longer and therefore it cuts better.

3. The cutting part of a file is shaped for cutting only in one direction. ALWAYS use a handle on a file. A sharp tang on the file shoved into your wrist HURTS, and will definately slow your build down!

flak monkey - 17/6/05 at 07:14 AM

quote:
Originally posted by wilkingj

3. The cutting part of a file is shaped for cutting only in one direction. ALWAYS use a handle on a file. A sharp tang on the file shoved into your wrist HURTS, and will definately slow your build down!



Some files are double cut, ie cut on the forward and backward stroke (you can tel if they are by looking at the tang end of the file). However you will get better accuracy if you only use them on the forward stroke, as its easier to avoid rocking and getting a rounded edge... if you want the best finish on the edge of a bit of plate you can draw file. Using light pressure drage the file sideways across the edge, you get a nice finish and its easy to keep the edge flat, does take a while to do properly though...

Peteff - 17/6/05 at 10:15 AM

For larger holes cut in aluminium get a deburrer to clean the edges up or use emery cloth wrapped round something. Oil also stops the piece from work hardening and keeps the swarf in one place. If drilling a round bar file a flat on it and punch it. When cutting a bolt or threaded bar, put a nut on it so it cleans the end thread when you remove it.

flak monkey - 17/6/05 at 11:15 AM

Something constructive....

For cutting holes in GRP:

Mark out on masking tape with a biro or permanent marker. Chain drill inside the lines, and pop out the centre.

Using a sanding drum in a high speed drill (dremel or other) remove the excess GRP left in the hole. Its very fast so be careful!

Remember to wear a mask.

This will leave you with a very neat hole, with no chips on the gelcoat and no loose fibres. All thats needed to finish it is a rub around with some fine wet and dry to take the sharp edges off the holes.

Another one:

When drilling holes in thin sheet, to stop them coming out triangular, drill a smallish pilot hole. Then place a bit of emery paper rough side down over the hole. Drill the larger hole through the emery paper. The hole will be round and be deburred as well...

[Edited on 17/6/05 by flak monkey]

mangogrooveworkshop - 17/6/05 at 11:18 PM

Things I have learnt... There is a four o`clock in the morning!