Thought some might be interested my miniature tool collection. Ralph
Attachment 275615
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Thought some might be interested my miniature tool collection. Ralph
Attachment 275615
Would like to have posted a larger picture of these miniatures but don't know how. Anybody help? Ralph
The size seems fine. Did you make those?
Oh, if you click on the picture it displays a larger version. I should have known that.
Yes, I built them of brass with steel blades and exotic wood tote and knob. Ralph
Here's another. Ralph
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/...ps31ca9a39.jpg
Ralph,
Welcome to the Creek. Your profile doesn't show a location. Where do you call home?
I like the little chariot plane. The others are also very nice.
I used to work with an engineer who had a pocket protector with a row of tiny tools. He would always comment that he had little tools so he could do a little work.
jtk
Thanks Jim. I'm from Colorado (just updated my profile). I am retired but keeping busy building miniatures.
Coach maker's plane:
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8a7fda42.jpg
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/...ps58cdd578.jpg
OK...those are like WAY cool! I am always amazed at what folks can come up with and produce around here.
I am impressed. Seriously.
Those are the sweetest tools I have seen in awhile....
Real nice job Ralph and welcome to the Creek. Nice way to make a splash!
Thanks Gary.
Thanks Harold.
A Rabbet plane in progress. Ralph
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/...psfff3a64d.jpg
From a plural to a singular Ralph, are these tools actually used or are they more for show?
Very nice Ralph. And they just keep coming....
I would like to see more about the process.
How are the bodies made and then finished?
Great looking pieces.
jtk
Thanks Jim. I do have quite a collection.
And thank you Jim K. It is quite a process. I'll try to outline it some.
First, of course, The idea is developed with awareness of all the pieces / parts needed and how they fit together.
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/...ps20de1039.jpg
Parts are drawn to scale.
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9049eeab.jpg
And carefully cut out to ensure proper fit when assembled.
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/...ps64e3b141.jpg
The parts are assembled on a ceramic board (held in place with pins or thin wire) and silver soldered together. This is not like soft lead soldering - it is more like brazing / welding and forms a strong permanent union of pieces.
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/...psd0b84a23.jpg
The joined parts are filed smooth then sanded with ever smaller abrasive and finally buffer and polished.
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/...ps517bb8a5.jpg
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/...psb1275bf0.jpg
Then drilled and tapped as needed.
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7498d7a8.jpg
And assembled.
And more polishing of all the parts
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3bff1bd1.jpg
With attention to details
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/...psfe491b12.jpg
And a finished tool results after a steel blade is fashioned.
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0f22f065.jpg
Sorry that was such a mouth full. It is a complex process, and the results can be quite pleasing.
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/...psd7215520.jpg
And if done right,it actually works like the full scale counterpart. I actually do use the miniature tools in my other hobbies - model airplane building (and flying) and in building miniature furniture and other small stuff. Ralph
http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2c47a42c.jpg
Wow! That is some nice work.
I'm still struggling with tuning some wooden hollows & rounds.
Thanks for sharing.
jtk