Um Afeared!

[eartigas]

Guys and (I will presume) Gals!

Back in the office this week has given me some space to reflect on circumstances regarding my recently acquired used MV.

So far, I’ve had a chuck that was stuck and a Gilmer broken.

The chuck issued is dealt with, but this Gilmer issue will require, I expect, a deft grasp of the workings of the machine.

Though I’d intended to do the work myself I’ve become concerned that I may make matters worse. When I opened the belt cover I took the time to peek around inside and it’s certain that, beside replacement of the belt, this machine could use a thorough cleaning and maybe other things yet unforeseen.

An ardent eBay user I’ve come across a guy name of Jacob Anderson who offers MV repair service at what seems a very reasonable rate to me. His feedback section suggests that his service is well regarded by those who’ve worked with him already.

QUESTION:

I’ve been quite impressed with the level of skill I’ve observed among the members here and very thankful for the help I’ve received from those who’ve helped me through the difficulties I’ve experienced so far.

SO … I’d like to know if anyone here has had any experience with Mr. Anderson and can offer opinions about his work and related costs?

It seems to me that though it will likely amount to me paying near as much to have him do all the work needed as it cost me to purchase the machine to begin with, in the end I should wind up with a MV that will perform at its peak capability for the duration.

What say you (if you can) …?

— Nervous Newbie

Somebody nearby may be able to help you. I have done a couple of Mark V and noticed you say location NY. Where in this large State? I may be nearby and able to assist you putting that baby to work.

Regards (Ed, from Carmel, NY)

[BuckeyeDennis]

Stay organized. I'm a big fan of putting everything in ziplock bags and labeling with a magic marker.

I learned a neat repair-organizing technique recently from a YouTube video, and have been using it with great success on Shopsmith repair projects.

The trick is simply to use muffin pans to store and organize all of the small parts and fasteners as you remove them. Each set of small parts goes into it's very own muffin hole, left to right, top to bottom, as it is removed. This not only keeps the parts separated neatly, it also guides their reassembly. Just work your way back through the pan(s) in reverse.

While everything is still disassembled, I go through the pans and do all the needed cleaning, rust removal, etc. on the small parts. Then everything is ready to rock at reassembly time.

But whatever you do, don't spill the pan!

[frank81]

[quote="BuckeyeDennis"]But whatever you do, don't spill the pan! /QUOTE]

That's the issue, and why I now use ziplock bags (hint: buy large and small sizes). Besides knocking the pan over, if its a job that takes more than a single afternoon you'll want to be able to store the parts where they will be safe and have them labeled. I like to dissassemble the entire item all the way down before R&R and reassembly. This way I can put all those baggies into boxes and not lose bench space.

Another trick - if I'm doing something in one sitting, like rebuilding a carb, I completely cover my workbench with brown packing paper and duct tape it to the sides. You can draw your own diagrams and notes on the paper with the real world parts taped to them. Sometimes I combine this with the ziplock method if its going to take a little longer or there are a lot of small pieces.

[Cavediver]

Another trick - if I'm doing something in one sitting, like rebuilding a carb, I completely cover my workbench with brown packing paper and duct tape it to the sides. You can draw your own diagrams and notes on the paper with the real world parts taped to them. Sometimes I combine this with the ziplock method if its going to take a little longer or there are a lot of small pieces.

Nice idea!
Here's my contribution for the organizationally challenged:
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=Portable+Parts+Storage+Case
While I have adopted the baggie idea for larger items, I use these for fasteners and what-not while disassembling stuff. I've also evapo-rusted directly in the bins so I could keep parts together (probably not necessary, but why not?).

[idcook]

I’ll likely use baggies numbered and named according to whatever’s shown in the manual.

Ed, I’m allllllll the way down in Staten Island.

Thanks anyway.

[frank81]

Nice idea!
Here's my contribution for the organizationally challenged:
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=Portable+Parts+Storage+Case
While I have adopted the baggie idea for larger items, I use these for fasteners and what-not while disassembling stuff. I've also evapo-rusted directly in the bins so I could keep parts together (probably not necessary, but why not?).

Or
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-S ... uct/13316/

The big ones go on sale for $3 each spring. And they interlock for stacking.

[JPG]

'Lo Idcook

Thanks for the open kimono post. Interesting autobio.

I would have thought the best thing about the chuck endeavor was it's eventual 'separation'.

[idcook]

[quote="JPG40504"]'Lo Idcook

Thanks for the open kimono post. Interesting autobio.

I would have thought the best thing about the chuck endeavor was it's eventual 'separation'.]


Touché …

But I expect to reestablish the coupling again, and often.

[fiatben]

I was not blessed with being very mechanically inclined, but I rebuilt my '55 a couple of years ago.
https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=5449
I, like you, like fixing things, and I enjoy learning how things work. I found two invaluable sources that insured I was successful in rebuilding mine; the Sawdust Sessions (especially the motor holding jig) and this forum.
My suggestion would be to read a lot, watch a lot and print out the parts diagrams. Then load up on baggies and Sharpies, and bring your camera along. Take notes as you go, even writing down those things you are just SURE you won't forget how it went. Take lots of pictures (and let us see some) and ask lots of questions.
I would work on mine until I got stumped or had a few questions, then go post a pic(s) and my questions, get some answers, watch the Sawdust videos again, and go back to it.
It was fun learning, very satisfying completing it, and a joy to use it daily in my shop.
You can do this. Heck, I KNOW that if I can, ANYONE can!!

[moose]

Ben, I agree! Anyone who has or who has had an old Fiat in their garage can do anything. I know, I have had three of them and it's as intimate as a man will ever come to a machine.