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Thread: Miniature Tools

  1. #1
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    Miniature Tools

    Thought some might be interested my miniature tool collection. Ralph


    2 mini planes[1].jpg

  2. #2
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    Would like to have posted a larger picture of these miniatures but don't know how. Anybody help? Ralph

  3. #3
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    The size seems fine. Did you make those?
    "If you have all your fingers, you can convert to Metric"

  4. #4
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    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
    Last edited by Ralph Juarros; 11-23-2013 at 5:32 PM.

  5. #5
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    Here's another. Ralph



  6. #6
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    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
    "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
    - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

  7. #7
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    Thanks Jim. I'm from Colorado (just updated my profile). I am retired but keeping busy building miniatures.


    Coach maker's plane:






  8. #8
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    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.
    I am never wrong.

    Well...I thought I was wrong once...but I was mistaken.

  9. #9
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    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!

  10. #10
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    Thanks Gary.
    Thanks Harold.


    A Rabbet plane in progress. Ralph


  11. #11
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    From a plural to a singular Ralph, are these tools actually used or are they more for show?
    "If you have all your fingers, you can convert to Metric"

  12. #12
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    Vancouver Island BC-eh!
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    Very nice Ralph. And they just keep coming....

  13. #13
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    I would like to see more about the process.

    How are the bodies made and then finished?

    Great looking pieces.

    jtk
    "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
    - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

  14. #14
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    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.





    Parts are drawn to scale.





    And carefully cut out to ensure proper fit when assembled.





    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.





    The joined parts are filed smooth then sanded with ever smaller abrasive and finally buffer and polished.








    Then drilled and tapped as needed.





    And assembled.


    And more polishing of all the parts




    With attention to details





    And a finished tool results after a steel blade is fashioned.






    Sorry that was such a mouth full. It is a complex process, and the results can be quite pleasing.





    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










  15. #15
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    Wow! That is some nice work.

    I'm still struggling with tuning some wooden hollows & rounds.

    Thanks for sharing.

    jtk
    "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
    - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

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