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[banjo]

 :)

Cast "resin" funnels from a well known source, got a couple, heavy heavy!!

Is there a reccomended way to drill them out??

Thanks in anticipation

 

[IainM]

Hi Banjo ........ yes, I know what you mean about weight.
I tried (some time ago now) to bore one out on the lathe but found to my disgust that the resin was really brittle with shattering results - literally!
I guess the wall thickness could be reduced with one of these abrasive flap wheels in a Dremel or somesuch but it'd be a bit tedious to do.

Like you, I'd certainly be interested in hearing what others have tried.

IainM

[Colin Bishop]

Could you just use them as a pattern to knock up something lighter?

[Admhawk]

I have had success drilling out a resin funnel using a 1/4 inch bit. Tedious, but doable. Careful you don't try and make the walls too thin. I left at least a 1/4 inch wall around. I didn't bother making it smooth or 'pretty' inside, just got the bulk out.

[banjo]

 

Thanks people...
I'll go with the dremel into the bottom, at least get some kilos off the weight!

[barryfoote]

This thread has got me wondering what size funnels you are talking about? If of sufficient size, can you not make your own using something like 25mm or 40mm plastic piping?

[Colin Bishop]

I'll go with the dremel into the bottom, at least get some kilos off the weight!

Ouch! I really do hope you are just talking about model boats.....

[banjo]

That remark reminds me of a film..."Grapes of Wrath"

[Peterm]

For the funnels of my paddle tug, 6 inches high by 1 inch dia, I took couple of lengths of alloy tube from two cheapo garden solar lights.  Pete M

[IainM]

Thinking of funnels ....... I've managed to scrounge (from skips etc.) some very nice thin wall ally pipe ex vacuum cleaner extensions (around 50mm ID) and some 25mm ID stuff from scrap garden gizmos.  In the latter case, the cheaper they were, the better - nice thin wall stuff.

I have also used the aerosol cans that ladies hairstuff comes in (after they'd been used of course - I'm no an Aberdonian fur nuthin!!) and superglued funnel bands made from litho plate.  Unfortunately I no longer have the gear to roll cylinders from tin plate - this was really the best way.

You know, now I think back on it, I've probably spend more time trying to find a cheap way to make things than I've actually spent building the boats.  Not entirely sure what that says about me .......... but what the hell 
Iain

[Roger in France]

IainM,

Your not daft. Making something from next to nothing; inventing your own solution or repairing something designed to be thrown out is a sign of a craftsman and thinker. It is also called beating the system! In my case I do my best thinking while walking the dog, then I get home and rush into the workshop, sift through the scrap box and make/repair what I was thinking about.

Very fulfilling and my wife thinks me a genius.

No need to think about your time or the relevant cost of buying new, it's the way some folk are and has its own merits. For others it may appear pointless but I think they are turned on by other things. You? You're creative.

Roger in France.

[IainM]

Thanks Rodger for those kind words  :)
I feel a little better about the garage full of junk now .......
Mind you I think my wife remains to be convinced 

I guess it all comes from many years as an engineer at sea when (1950's) spares were things that lived in a warehouse 3000 odd miles away and, when the ship wouldn't go and the wind wouldn't blow you had to come up with fix.  27000 tons worth of steel and oil with no light, heat, power or water was really pretty useless  ::)
And no ....... we didn't have a First Mate called Carter (to start her!!) 

Iain