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Work Shop Tips from Tim (#2)
Hey Guys,
Last week it was improvised end mill storage tubes. How do you beat that with something even more exciting? Gee, I don't know, but I think this week's tips will equally astound and astonish! OK, here we go….three tips (or topics), wow!
Shop Clean-Up. I spend about 20 minutes at the end of each work day doing machine maintenance or clean-up. I learned this habit from my grandfather (welding engineer) and my high school shop teacher. My shop teacher learned his trade as a Navy machinist. He was a great guy and knew his stuff. He was always very insistent on safety, organization and keeping the shop clean. I learned a lot from them both.
Organization. Everything is organized and labeled. I don't waste much time finding parts and materials. I use 12-drawer plastic parts cabinets for common hardware, parts and components. The computer makes it easy to label everything. I don't have to think where something is, I just have to know how to read. All common hardware is positioned above the main assembly work bench; these are the #8 and #10 fasteners I use most often. All are within easy reach of the work bench.
Processing and Lubricating New Tools. When I receive new reamers, milling cutters, dies, boring bars, etc., I process these items by cleaning them with WD-40, wiping them dry and then applying anhydrous lanolin (USP) to prevent rust. The lanolin is available at the drug store and costs about $16.00 per pound. It's a special order item, but not difficult to find. It's also available in various tool catalogs; a couple of ounces in a squeezable tube for several dollars. Better deal at the drug store. I also clean tools with a small rag with a mix of Hoppe's #9 firearms cleaning solvent and 3-In-1 آ® oil. All my tools sat unused for a year (when I was in Saudi Arabia) and rust didn't come to roost.
Next time….The intricacies of Fluorescent Lighting as seen from the standpoint of a rank amatuer ( partially true; I do bath and use deodorant).
Regards,
TIM
Last week it was improvised end mill storage tubes. How do you beat that with something even more exciting? Gee, I don't know, but I think this week's tips will equally astound and astonish! OK, here we go….three tips (or topics), wow!
Shop Clean-Up. I spend about 20 minutes at the end of each work day doing machine maintenance or clean-up. I learned this habit from my grandfather (welding engineer) and my high school shop teacher. My shop teacher learned his trade as a Navy machinist. He was a great guy and knew his stuff. He was always very insistent on safety, organization and keeping the shop clean. I learned a lot from them both.
Organization. Everything is organized and labeled. I don't waste much time finding parts and materials. I use 12-drawer plastic parts cabinets for common hardware, parts and components. The computer makes it easy to label everything. I don't have to think where something is, I just have to know how to read. All common hardware is positioned above the main assembly work bench; these are the #8 and #10 fasteners I use most often. All are within easy reach of the work bench.
Processing and Lubricating New Tools. When I receive new reamers, milling cutters, dies, boring bars, etc., I process these items by cleaning them with WD-40, wiping them dry and then applying anhydrous lanolin (USP) to prevent rust. The lanolin is available at the drug store and costs about $16.00 per pound. It's a special order item, but not difficult to find. It's also available in various tool catalogs; a couple of ounces in a squeezable tube for several dollars. Better deal at the drug store. I also clean tools with a small rag with a mix of Hoppe's #9 firearms cleaning solvent and 3-In-1 آ® oil. All my tools sat unused for a year (when I was in Saudi Arabia) and rust didn't come to roost.
Next time….The intricacies of Fluorescent Lighting as seen from the standpoint of a rank amatuer ( partially true; I do bath and use deodorant).
Regards,
TIM
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