Today's workshop session was  something of a mixed bag really. I started with making the four legs for the grate to stand on for the Fowler 2"  scale traction engine. The simple procedure is the face off the bar stock, turn down to size for the 4BA thread for the correct distance, then thread, and cut off to size. This means that you have to change from a cutting tool to a parting off tool. I made some time ago a tools post system where the tools have their own holders so setting for height is easier. So this cuts down on tool setting work but as I say the tools have to be changed. Multiply this by 4 legs and you can see that there are 8 changes.

After I cut the first bar down to size and threaded the end I needed to move the bar out to allow the length to be cut. This is when the 'blindingly obvious' struck! Why not just reverse the bar and use the same tools, resulting in less changes as when both ends have been threaded, they could be parted off. Doh! But its something to remember for the future. A 'put it away' for future use moment.

Feeling quite pleased with myself I fitted the four legs and using a depth gauge got them all to the same size by filing. So the next task was to make the damper plate. After studying the plans for a while I couldn't see where the pivot blocks fitted. The answer was I hadn't finished the top flange. I don't know how I missed the fact that the top flange continues all the way around the ash pan and its onto the damper end that the pivots get secured to. So I now have to make the top flange continue all around the ash pan.

I had hoped to wrap up the whole assembly today but that's not going to happen now. I think there are at least another couple of session before it is finished. Drat!

A couple of images for your delectation........... 

Legs for the grate - Fowler 2" scale traction engine

Legs for the grate - Fowler 2" scale traction engine

Grate needs to be \'adjusted\' to fit boiler opening

Grate needs to be adjusted to fit