The past week has been very full of events. The week has renewed energy into this project along with faith in people. I received word Friday that the back knives will presumably be ready Friday after Xmas. I should receive them sometime around the week of the new year, right on my hopeful track all along. there will still be finish work to figure out but the bulk of the stick will be able to be cut. I've also learned more about sharpening knives and gouges on my end. Ernie has said he will send info as to wheels I will need to sharpen everything I have. I'm feeling good again and positive as to the direction this is all headed.
| After Dexter turned down the tail spindle and I got it back from him, I was able to reinstall it and make some much needed alignment adjustments. As it turns out, the FH30 is in really good shape, but nearly 40 years of production have put some wear on the way causing the tail block and carriage to not align with the head spindle. My big challenge was aligning the tail block. I spoke with John @ Goodspeed about shortly after I was in New England. He recommended shims under the tail block. He stated that this element of the machine was set at the factory. I can understand that after working with this machine for the past several months. I took John's advice and scoured my shop for a suitable shim. Something a little thicker than 1/16" and that turned out to be one thing... drum wrap. I had a piece of scrap inexpensive wrap from a job, supposedly .020' thick. It was and it did the job. The tail spindle cup center is now in alignment with the head spindle. | 
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My next job on the lathe, repair a leaking tail spindle hydraulic ram. John had sent the rebuild kits and they were waiting for me. After some questioning the ability to accomplish this, I made up my mind and pulled the ram out of the tail block, removed the hydraulic hoses, and brought the ram to the operating table. I had to figure out how to get the c-clips closed enough to remove one side of the cylinder. After fighting with it free hand for a bit, I finally decided to put it in the vise and utilize some strong hold. It worked, however I was very fortunate that I had my glasses on... oil shot out of the ram and splashed all around my eye, but not in it. Thank goodness!! After cleaning up I proceeded to remove the many O-rings in the cylinder. There were six or so and a couple gasket rings too. I had to use some old dental tools, that I inherited from my dad, to carefully remove the small O-rings from the aluminum housing. I got it all rebuilt and back in the tail block. It does not leak any longer.
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I spent the rest of the week in the shop fine tuning the alignment of the die and the tail spindle. It is close... VERY close. I have turned two 3/4 dowels out of pecan. I've been using pecan for trials since, after much research, it is extremely close to the density of hickory. It is in the same family as hickory and many times even sold as hickory. I had to sharpen a bad roughing knife and it is now very sharp and true. I look forward to the list of wheels I need to sharpen. The right tools for the job!
I also taught my regular days of lessons on tuesday and thursday afternoon at Acadiana School of the Arts, along with saturday in retail at Scott's Drum Center. I've been helping my brothers out for the for the holiday season. Brad and I have been discussing getting my sticks in the shop. Everything is going very well. As soon as I have the product, they will be at the drum center. Keep an eye out in either January or February.
The coming two weeks I am on holiday from lessons. It will be very productive although very tight. It will be good to be around family and friends over Xmas and New Years. I'm finding that the presence of friendship and family is helping through my holiday blues. Lately, when I feel the blues of missin' my momma, I remind myself of how proud she was/is that I am doing what I chose in life and being successful with my life's endeavor. Music, Drums and Craftsmanship have been a powerful part of my life ever since I can remember. I am happy that I am finally bridging the gap to put all my skills together.
Thanks Mom and Dad!
'til later... HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Frank
I also taught my regular days of lessons on tuesday and thursday afternoon at Acadiana School of the Arts, along with saturday in retail at Scott's Drum Center. I've been helping my brothers out for the for the holiday season. Brad and I have been discussing getting my sticks in the shop. Everything is going very well. As soon as I have the product, they will be at the drum center. Keep an eye out in either January or February.
The coming two weeks I am on holiday from lessons. It will be very productive although very tight. It will be good to be around family and friends over Xmas and New Years. I'm finding that the presence of friendship and family is helping through my holiday blues. Lately, when I feel the blues of missin' my momma, I remind myself of how proud she was/is that I am doing what I chose in life and being successful with my life's endeavor. Music, Drums and Craftsmanship have been a powerful part of my life ever since I can remember. I am happy that I am finally bridging the gap to put all my skills together.
Thanks Mom and Dad!
'til later... HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Frank
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