Tractor Stories

If you decide to add a flash hider to a .223 rifle, it is best to use a guide for the die to keep it centered on the barrel when you cut the threads. Now, you can buy one for about $14 or you can make your own for two or three times that much. That is what I decided to do. The most expensive part was the 1/2X28 die. I also bought a 1/2X28 tap in case I want to design and make my own flash hider/recoil reducer. The next expense is the steel rod. I used a ½ inch and a ¼ inch rod to make the guide. I already had a lathe, files, threading tool for the lathe, turning tool, cut off tool, hack saw, center drills, micrometer, dial micrometer, cutting fluid, oil – the usual stuff. Since the 1/2X28 die is 1.5 inches in diameter, I found I did not have a die holder, so I learned how to thread the ½ inch rod using a threading tool. To do that the gears of the lathe must be changed. Once I figured out how to do that, the rest was patience and measuring. With the threaded rod in the lathe, I put the...

It has been a while since writing anyone. Recently I did some more repair work on my 8N tractor. First I made a bolt for the timing belt housing (I think it is called) to which the governor housing attaches. The original bolt must have been lost so someone put a short bold in from the opposite side from where it should have been installed. I carefully measured, bought a 3/8X16 bolt from tractor supply and modified it. There is an optical illusion between the unthreaded portion and the threaded portion of the bolt. I thought the unthreaded part was too big so I center drilled the bolt and held it in my lathe while I started turning the rear of the bolt shaft prior to cutting new threads. Once I measured a new bolt I realized that turning the bolt was not needed so I just threaded the whole length of the bolt. Then I very carefully measured the needed length and cut off the end of the bolt exactly one lock washer thickness too short. J Today I decided to change the hydraulic fluid AND re...