First of all a quick study of the prototype;
No point in guessing dimensions! This was a skip find.
Then some 3/16" brass was faced up and drilled with a 1/8" slot drill held in a 3 jaw chuck fitted to the tailstock, .6mm deep seemed about right;
Then the largest diameter, 4mm, could be turned;
With the headstock rotated the body was taper turned, leaving a lip at the top;
After re-setting the headstock parallel the bucket was parted off;
Handles are .33mm Gibson brass wire soldered in place, which was a tad fiddly... I first tried to solder the handle flat on top, as per my galvanised bucket at the top, but that simply didn't look 'buckety' enough so a longer handle was fitted hanging down to 3 of the 4, on the 4th I soldered the handle sticking up at an angle so it could hang from a smokebox dart or lamp-iron;
The one on the left was the first made, hence the shallower recess on the top. My soldering, done with my 25W Antex, leaves a lot to be desired but should clean up ok.
Paul.
Thanks Paul - they look fantastic :)
ReplyDeleteThe soldering could be neater!
ReplyDeleteThey look fantastic, and much better than some others I've seen that were made up from etched brass and required even more solder to hold them together.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mark.
ReplyDeleteI've seen those etched ones, made by Czech company Brengun to 1:72. I like their range, the toolbox looks particulary good. Mine could be better, they're solid only having a .6mm recess but they were made for adding a tiny amount of extra weight to James' OO9 loco. At least one of them will be sent to another friend to be used as a casting master.
One thing I did want is the handle hanging down, most buckets on the market have the handle sticking up, fine if its to be hung on a hook but not if its just laying around.
Yes, I think every cast bucket I've ever seen has the handle bolt upright, which limits their use somewhat.
DeleteI applaud the thorough way you researched the prototype, Paul! The buckets are sooo good...brilliant!
ReplyDelete