Miniature Tools

[turnnut]

Ralph, I do not mean to rush your project, but my driveway needs leveling before winter.

only kidding, I am watching the progress, and yes, I am smiling.

have a good week-end,  Frank

[Art Rafael]

A little progress every day.  Yesterday I built the frame that will hold the turntable and blade apparatus.
This weekend I'll work on rest of blade and anchors.

Ralph

[Art Rafael]

The blade and mounting brackets came together well and quickly.




And it mated together well with the mounting frame. 
The turntable rings fit together properly allowing the blade angle to be adjusted and locked.   Ralph

[john k]

Looking good, real good, how is your eyesight holding out?   I bought a bench magnifier, but has only helped a little, still fumble fingered, *S*. 

[Art Rafael]

Well, gentlemen, with all the ideas, assistance, referrals, support and encouragement that were given me by members of this forum and my family,
I've about built a miniature horse drawn antique type road grader -- almost.  : )   Thanks John K for the idea.  It has kept me busy for a while.
There are a few details that need attention and some fine tuning, but I couldn't wait to post progress pictures of it mostly complete.












I must say that this was a most challenging project that a month or so ago I regarded as beyond my skill level,
and I erred some and stumbled along the way and found new (to me) fabrication methods and procedures.
Beyond bouts of frustration, I found new thrills and gratification in progressing toward a desirable end.





I'll post an action video demonstrating how the grader functions soon.
And there is yet a major component to be built -- the device to hook up the miniature draft horses that I'm still trying to round up.

[Lewill2]

Another great job Art. What can we talk you into for the next project?

[OilyRascal]

Thank you for sharing your creative thinking, skills, and methods.  That is a true work of Art :)

It strikes a kindness with me as I grew up watching one (that was modified) used to drag ditches and roads in the oil fields and at the camp.  Every year it was effort by all the male type figures in the family.  Kids threw sticks and chunks out of the ditches and roads; men operated equipment.  I have a story of my grandfather going backwards off a bluff riding the thing.....watched it.  Stopped dead still (very suddenly) upon the first good stump.

Congrats on conquering what you thought couldn't be done.  Doesn't it feel great?

[turnnut]

Ralph,

  right to the point, WOW.

 Frank

[rusty]

They work on snow also, but then you need 12 tiny reindeer.....

Beautiful piece :)

[oldtools]

WOW!!  WOW!!  WOW!! Amazing!!

[OilyRascal]

I'm curious as to the wood species used for the deck.  You've outdone even yourself, Ralph.  I can't wait for the video.

[john k]

To get hitched up, will need to attach a wooden shaft to that steering arm, about 3/4 of the length of the grader, then a set of double trees with the attending hooks.   Art this came out so nice looking, would be a shame to paint it.  I do have a pic of a 1/16 scale steam traction engine mostly in brass.   heh, heh,   Found this pic of a grader, ROAD KING on the plate.  I included a second pic that has the original tongue, a wooden 4x6 laying across the front.

[scottg]

Sorry to have been gone so long. I have not been myself, for some time now. 
 I am not entirely sure who I am, even yet. 

 But a road grader? Of all the standard equipment, the road grader is the one I find coolest of all. To me it marks a higher lever of civilization.
 The steel plow may have caused us to live, but the grader got us to town.

 There is a small horse drawn grader, almost 1/2 size, sitting at the edge of Happy Camp. I have never passed it without a glance and a soft feeling. 

 Oh, also, 
 Your wheels are just rockin!! 
I for one would like better shots and more explanation of your drilling and assembly jigs. 
     yours Scott

[Chillylulu]

All that off of some pictures and your memory? Just flat out cool.  Very nice job, and way to go on those gears!

Chilly

[Art Rafael]

Thanks a lot, everybody.  I appreciate your observations and interest in my work - it's so much fun that I should call it play.
If I were younger, I would call it play.  Oh, what the heck, I retired so that I could play -- my way -- not work.

First though, Scott, It is so good to hear from you.  I have been worried about you knowing that you have had bouts with illness.
I am truly sorry that you have been so under the weather and hope that you continue to recover.
I have always looked to you for the final word on any question / item.  You are so well versed in the tool industry (and in many other areas).

I'll try to post more info on the wheel assembly apparatus I employed.
Don't expect anything elaborate.  I'm a simple guy and employ some unimpressive methods and devices.

I don't know what's next.  Several ideas are on my mind (put there by forum members and others),
Just haven't decided yet.  I typically consider "doability" - that is, something within my skill and equipment set,
but, as with the grader, I do tend to push the envelope.  So, we'll see what incubates.

Thanks again, everyone for your assistance, pictures, encouragement and recognition.

Yesterday the final touch was added built of Oak as was the standing platform:





A comparative scale:





Today I'll try to film and post an action video and to round up some reindeer or draft squirrels or something.   Ralph