These have been sitting on the shelf for over 20 years. The last time I used them was
to make turnbuckles for the tracklaying machine. Don't have a clue where I got them, but
I haven't seen any others since. They probably could be found at a watch-making web site.
The smallest tap & die combo is .010".
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages50.fotki.com%2Fv1526%2Fphotos%2F1%2F15405%2F4044335%2FP6140002-vi.jpg&hash=b9d6867978bdc15393ab9d4e30cf61b63a3ecc39)
Anyway, I'm going to use them to make the steering linkage for the Lumber Carrier.
The tie rod ends are the first thing I threaded tonight. This is 3/64" brass rod:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages50.fotki.com%2Fv1526%2Fphotos%2F1%2F15405%2F4044335%2FP6140003-vi.jpg&hash=fa950819c534fb2be5161c0715cfa16f767f9965)
The "Close Enough" factor will be coming into play here. I drilled out a piece of 1/16" tubing
so the tap would fit inside just enough to cut some threads:
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages24.fotki.com%2Fv865%2Fphotos%2F1%2F15405%2F4044335%2FP6140004-vi.jpg&hash=cef8a31e1857ea7ffbc837ffc51e3f782642e967)
The end result is a working, threaded rod & tube. It's a little loose (IE: close enough)
but the "adjustable" tie rod ends won't be functional anyway. They're just for show.
(https://www.finescalerr.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages50.fotki.com%2Fv1526%2Fphotos%2F1%2F15405%2F4044335%2FP6140005-vi.jpg&hash=56e788b83b572412dd837a36dd1430aaa5dba849)
So much for keeping this build simple............
Snap!
I have the exact same set, purchased from a local jeweller/watchmaker supplier, probably the same vintage as yours. Only difference is that the plastic tray in mine is a lighter shade of yellow and the taps refuse to stay in their compartments – it's just as well they have the size stamped on the shank.
Treat them with care – they're a little on the brittle side.
WOW!!!
I could really use those!
I guess I will check that crummy auction site.
Any one know where I can find them?
-Marty
neat work by the way Ken!
Quote from: Krusty on June 15, 2009, 05:55:30 AM
Snap!
HA! You
DO have the same set! No doubt you, too, have closed
the "spring action" lid and everything inside was ejected from the trays.
(...and they ARE brittle....)
Ken,
I know the type of box..... It must have been a very sadistic designer, to come up with such a construction.
Jacq