Small Beginner Projects

[34_40]

An older thread popped up again "across the street", Terry W made a part for my 8520 mill.  At the conclusion of the project TW said, "On that note, I've been thinking about starting a 'Beginner's Series' of simple projects that those new to the hobby could follow. Users would learn the basics as they go and would make something useful as a result. The series would start with some simple projects like tap holders, machinist clamps, vee blocks, sine bars, etc, and would increase in difficulty as we went. Drawings would be included for each project. I am hoping to get it off the ground this winter. I just need to come up with a difficulty rating system so that each project ends up with a 'difficulty score'. Since nothing can guarantee that I would make the easiest thing first and the hardest thing last, I need to have a way to establish a score for comparison. Gotta give that more thought." end quote.  The idea was a good one back then and is still a good one now. I'm sure the more "seasoned" folks could be bored with this but who knows.?.?.?  Could be a lot of fun too!

[34_40]

I meant to attach the drawing that was provided for that project too. Could be handy if you have an 8520,  but it looks like I need to learn that feature!

[Piggiron]

What was the 8520 part ? Since I have one and might find it useful.

As for the rating system, I'd suggest a multiple category rating system. Something along the lines of:
1. Number of machines required/desired. Lathe, mill, grinder, shaper, etc. The more machines, the higher the rating.
2. Tooling - the more tooling, the higher the rating. Indexer, rotary table, ball turner, etc.
3. Cost - the amount and type of materials needed.
4. Tolerances - the tighter the required tolerances, the higher the rating.
5. Metrology - does the project require indicators, calipers, surface plate, etc. Maybe even consider ease with or without a DRO.
6. Time - is it a quick project or one that takes many hours or even days.
7. Usefulness - is it an item/tool that will be useful in the shop. For example, a collet block vs a metal hammer (one of the high school shop projects I remember having to make).

There are probably more categories that could be considered. I think a rating system of 1-5 or 1-10 for each category with a possible over-all rating being the average of the categories.

[34_40]

The brake handle and cam.  I have his drawing and was going to share it. But, posting photos has changed somehow.. and now I am not a fan. I'll figure it out..  I doubt he'll mind if I share it.  It is still shared "across the street" and folks are finding it helpful!  One error, the handle length is 3 inch not 4.

[Piggiron]

I remember that now, sure been a while.
You should upload those plans to the TinyPortal page under "Drawings and Plans".

[TerryWerm]

Sorry for the slow response, but yes, I am okay with you sharing the drawing, and yes, maybe we should put it in the downloads area. Maybe I should correct the handle length error first and then post it, as I do still have the original drawing.

The beginner projects idea has never left my mind, and it has been even more present since starting this forum. It has been lingering in the back of my mind however since it will take some time to come up with first, a list of projects that would be appropriate, and then make all the necessary drawings. 

This past winter was spent on other things but next winter is wide open. I am NOT planning a big vacation next year, so that alone will free up quite a bit of time. We are going to the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho on motorcycles next month, and I will be leading a group of 9 people on 5 bikes, 1 trike, and one pickup truck on this trip. Planning routes, lodging, you name it, for a trip like this is a far more daunting task than one imagines, especially when taking a whole group, so a lot of my free time was lost to that. We will be gone for 9 days and will put on a little over 2800 miles. I will still be able to check in here while we are away, so everything should be in good shape.

Since all of the trip planning is finally done (just finished the last details last weekend) I can start thinking about our beginner section with more earnest. 

Stay tuned!

[34_40]

Quote, "Sorry for the slow response, but yes, I am okay with you sharing the drawing, and yes, maybe we should put it in the downloads area. Maybe I should correct the handle length error first and then post it, as I do still have the original drawing." end quote.                                                       

I hedged a bet and took the liberty of doing all the above.   TIA.   And the idea of the projects is still a good one.