Grebel

Always liked the HP2

At least if it leaks oil you know it has oil.

Found this out the hard way...

And don't ever think that silicone sealer can be used instead of gasket maker. Silicone sealer belongs in bathrooms, fish tanks and women's t!ts. Not on your engine.

Thanks for the heads up. I have been using epoxy to glue the tubes in and it has a tendency to collect in the ends. I have been using a 6mm HSS bit to ream the ends by hand. I also realised that I need to insert the barrel trimmer into the tube before turning the drill press on..... Would be keen to try a Junior Gentleman or maybe a Vertex one of these days.

So all my bits from Mr Woodturner arrived the week before lockdown. It is amazing the difference in the finished product when you use the right tools...(using a proper mandrel and a barrel trimmer) Another ebony body. This time using a Streamline Twist kit. I have decided that I am not a fan of the bulbous "fat" looking pens. I prefer the straight geometric look. Doesn't hurt that it plays to my engineering preferences as well as the equipment at hand. Two kits left. Streamline Twist like this one and a Fancy Twist in Gunmetal with three blanks remaining (African Blackwood, Wild Olive and an acrylic blank which I might try next weekend). I am quite enjoying this.

So I got a few basics from Mr Woodturner a few weeks ago and with the pressures of work haven't had a chance to play until this weekend. I used some scrap ebony that I have been hoarding for the past few years and ended up with this. Some damage near the tip (got a bit thin getting it to match the tip insert diameter and it split on the grain). It was supposed to be a Comfort grip with the rubber bit but I liked it better without. My mandrel was home made with a piece of 6mm SS round with a home made thumb screw and spacers. I have ordered a mandrel insert and proper spacers so hopefully the next one will come out better. Not too bad for a first try using a metal lathe. Wood turning tool was an old modified metal file.

Yeah those bikes were purdy. I saw the Eco posts on Instagram but haven't had a chance to watch the vids yet.

Been following him on Instagram and Youtube for a while now. Prepare yourself to lose days of your life watching the videos [emoji1303]

Or fit......

So I just ordered two kits (a slimline and a comfort), some bushings and a couple of blanks (african blackwood, wild Olive and an amethyst acrylester). Need to make up a mandrel and see how this all turns out (pun intended).

6 cup Moka, Aeropress grind, in a mug with a dash of milk is a great way to start your day

Thanks. Been watching a few videos on YouTube. I have a metal lathe at home so I will have a go at making a mandrel and some bushings when I get a chance. That Mr Woodturner site looks like it could do damage to your credit card... Will start with a slimline kit and see how it goes [emoji1303]

Does anyone know a supplier for pen kits in Durban? I am keen to try make one

Yeah the wattage would be a problem. Probably meant for DVD players etc. I believe that you can also get a plug socket rewired for 220V in the US (if that's where you are headed) so might be an option to consider as well

Have you thought about buying a step up transformer? https://voltage-converter-transformers.com/collections/step-up-down-voltage-transformer-converter $20 and then you can take it with you

That happens without even thinking about it anymore. When we send out plates for cutting we automatically add a fillet radius normally the the same as the plate thickness. That applies to external and internal corners. Apart from the aesthetics it also acts as stress relief at the internal corners.

I believe that here was some police action with streaming channels in Europe recently which resulted in a few being shut down. That could be why?

Are those the same bikes that SAPS motorcycle guys ride? I used to see them around Pinetown

I went out riding on my own to explore some tracks in the Camperdown area a while back. The dirt road went to jeeptrack and eventually to goat path. I decided to turn around and head back at a narrow section and dropped the 640. Took me a while to get it back on it's wheels. Gradient and access didn't make it any easier... I thought about phoning a mate to help but didn't want to suffer the humiliation.I don't ride on my own anymore.

Only if you do it right...

I use Spanjaard. So far so good. Doesn't break the bank either.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1_VXknnuLE/?igshid=94t93q73qgya I'd be surprised if he didn't have Motorex in his veins... I realise that sponsors pay bills but it was a lot more fun following him when he was flying solo without all the brand pitches.

Scenario: Weekend trip with a few mates. All of them have Akra/Leo Vince or some form of loud pipe fitted. It ends up looking like a TDF breakaway with everybody taking their turn at the front... this is where a good set of earplugs comes in handy

Try doing it for 500km...