Forum

[Steve T]

Hi guys thought this might be of interest to some, it's been mentioned in previous posts about using a
marble chopping board to give you a flat surface for any lapping that's required, I have found a cheap source in my local B&M shop
http://www.bmstores.co.uk/search?q=271166

and it's only £4.99 plus it's good size

[loco builder bri]

I use an old sealed window unit. Plate glass is very flat. Cost nowt! just asked if i could take unit from local window fitters skip.
Bri e

[Steve T]

Now that's a great idea😎 Has anybody else got tips about tools or anything else in the workshop, we could all do with saving money where we can so we can spend more on our beloved bikes👍

[PeteF]

I use one of these, not as accurate as a proper surface plate of course but we'll up to the job for lapping mating surfaces.

[loco builder bri]

When lapping covers etc remember to use a figure of eight action. Not a side to side action as this causes you to rock the cover.
Re tips. A)If you haven't got a tap cut two cuts at 90 degrees to each other down a setscrew of the same dia & pitch. It acts as a very rudimentary tap. B) Dont use copperslip on any fastener you are going to use a torque wrench on. The amount of torque applied can be 25% over the fiqure set as the friction is reduced.

[vince]

Had a bowed outer chaincase and levelled it using a wet paving slab and moved the casing in a circular motion, then finished off with wet and dry paper on a flat worktop. Its proved useful in other applications too!

[Steve T]

Great guys keep the ideas coming there a lot of us on here what other tips are out there, thinking out of the box and necessity breeds great ideas

[jefrs]

Plate glass.

The way it is made by floating makes it dead flat but do check with a steel rule.

You don't buy it, you reuse it from something. I have a circular piece from some bathroom scales and a larger piece from a cupboard door. Real granite has an abrasive surface and its abrasion is uneven. Go and ask local glass people for off cuts.

[papasmurf]

Steve T, we have all done it, had something left over when reassembling something. (I did it yesterday.)
Make sure what goes where when you disassemble something.
I had a 10mm long 4mm cap-head bolt left over yesterday. It was an (expletive deleted) of a job to find out where it went.
Luckily I did not have to take everything apart again.

[ric]

One of those chopping boards will soon find a home underneath my REL home cine sub!

Recently had a new longer pile carpets fitted - This should help with the sonics. If not I'll end up with a new chopping board in the kitchen.
PS I have several sheets of plate glass I keep under the stairs for lapping