Sherlines for the K-27?

[Socrews]

Hello to all. Name is Steve and I'm really excited about this K-27 project!! I would like to eventually build the DRGW 315 in 2.5" scale but I know I don't exactly have the skills required to build such an engine yet. Nor the space at the moment (living in an apartment). So to work on skills I thought this would be a great engine to start with. I would like to know before I make a purchase of either one of these Sherline products if they will be adequate for building the K-27 or will I need to wait and get something larger?

Sherline 4500 (4530) 3.5” x 8” lathe w/ adjustable zero handwheels
( www.sherline.com/4500pg.htm )


Sherline 5500 (5510) Vertical milling machine (10” base) w/ adjustable zero handwheels
( www.sherline.com/5500pg.htm )

[andypullen]

Hi Steve,

As far as the lathe goes....it is too small to turn the drivers. It could probably make most of the rest of the parts. The mill would be ok the smaller parts as well.

You have to bear in mind that the frames for the locomotive are almost 42" long. I'm not trying to tell you not to build this locomotive...Please, don't think that....You will most likely have to farm out the bigger pieces to somebody with bigger machines.

Sherline machines are pretty capable for their size. Hudson Honey over on the Chaski Live Steam board works for Sherline and she has made some amazing things with the machines she has. Look her up and pm her. If you can't find her, let me know and I'll connect you.

Andy Pullen

[Socrews]

Thanks Andy!

This won't keep me from building this engine. it may postpone the start a little bit. I'll look into a bigger lathe and/or possibly farming out the larger parts. I'll also head over to Chaski. Any other pointers/ideas will be more than welcome! Thanks again!

Steve

[Harlock]

For this engine, to be comfortable, I would recommend a 9X20 or similar lathe, and a Rong Fu RF-45 bench top mill.

Both can be had as less expensive Chinese copies from Enco which are just fine for the task. The 9X20 lathe I believe is a copy of the Emco (not eNco) Compact 8 from Australia.

I have the Enco 9X20 and I've been pretty satisfied with it over the years.

However, neither is really suitable for an apartment, for noise, space and mess reasons.

Smaller machines indeed would be your best bet, you may just need to get help here and there for the larger pieces.

-Mike

[Socrews]

Thanks Mike!

I may have to build this engine in my Dads garage instead of the apartment? I'll be doing some more lathe/mill pricing before I make a decision.