What sort of things DO NOT inspire you

[clogsParticipant @clogs]

simply one word RAIN…….hate stuff, never been inspired to go out in it for fun……..

similar to lack of sun……..

sorry, just a sad old bloke…..

[Bryan Cedar 1Participant @bryancedar1]

Posted by Mick B1 on 22/02/2020 12:21:21:

Posted by bill ellis on 22/02/2020 11:51:54:

Most TV is pretty awful these days. One thing I cannot get my head around is why total fwits go on quiz shows. Maybe it is because they are too stupid to know they are stupid. Even my dog knows the name of the wide collars worn by men in Elizabethan times (Ruff).

Oh yeah? Well my cat knows the name of the first Chairman of the Glorious Chinese People's Revolutionary Party…

Edited By Mick B1 on 22/02/2020 12:21:33

Nice one, or should I say two. ! Made me chuckle

[Johnboy25Participant @johnboy25]

What doesn’t inspire me…Using tools for jobs they are definitely not designed for… this stems from the time when my Sister used one of my Father’s best chisels to open a tin of paint many years ago. When I told him my Sister had used this he did believe me – needless to say I got the blame. Since then I try to make sure the tool is for the purpose it’s intended for. I occasionally remind my Sister that I got a telling off for her miss use of one of Dad’s best chisels. She says she can’t remember the incident!

and… there’s another thing – people using angle grinders when they can’t be bothered to use dare I say ‘a hack saw’! Angle grinders are great for… wait for it – grinding. Where a file can’t be used. Mine stays in the box most of the time!

Edited By Johnboy25 on 22/02/2020 20:54:08

[Anthony KnightsParticipant @anthonyknights16741]

With the right disc, angle grinders are great for cutting.

[Ady1Participant @ady1]

A good angle grinder saves you hours of effort over the years

Those precious hours can be used to do more productive things

[Nick WheelerParticipant @nickwheeler]

Posted by Johnboy25 on 22/02/2020 20:52:30:

and… there’s another thing – people using angle grinders when they can’t be bothered to use dare I say ‘a hack saw’! Angle grinders are great for… wait for it – grinding. Where a file can’t be used. Mine stays in the box most of the time!

So you only use a treadle lathe and hand drills? Consider bandsaws and milling machines unnecessary?

Tools exist purely to make work easier, so while I often cut off one piece with a hacksaw multiple parts get done with a cutting disc in the angle grinder. Looking at a tool you already have and realising it will do another job on your list is an essential engineering life skill.

[Jon LawesParticipant @jonlawes51698]

Getting embroiled in pettiness when this hobby is about enjoying what we do. I love to learn about new skills, and get constantly annoyed with how slowly I seem to pick them up myself. I'm very lucky that my local MES is so supportive and patient!

Basically anything that strips the enjoyment out of what is supposed to be fun. Not many of us are lucky enough to do this full time. I'm 30 years off of retirement but I'd love to have the time to do these things before my eyes get totally knackered.

[Mick B1Participant @mickb1]

Posted by Nicholas Wheeler 1 on 23/02/2020 10:35:48:

…

Looking at a tool you already have and realising it will do another job on your list is an essential engineering life skill.

+1 for that.

[JAParticipant @ja]

What I don't understand is the fascination the model engineering fraternity has with hot air engines. While most other model engines develop some power hot air engines are pathetic (except for a very few).

JA

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by JA on 23/02/2020 13:00:02:

[…]

hot air engines are pathetic (except for a very few).

.

Surely that’s the basis of the fascination … the challenge

MichaelG.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

And that lack of power creates the challege in getting a well fitted engine with minimal friction that will run smoothly or simply to just run..

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by JA on 23/02/2020 13:00:02:

What I don't understand is the fascination the model engineering fraternity has with hot air engines. While most other model engines develop some power hot air engines are pathetic (except for a very few).

JA

But they are more efficient than internal combustion engines…

Neil

[CirclipParticipant @circlip]

But But But aren't all engines hot air engines??

Regards Ian.

[Barnabas TaylorParticipant @barnabastaylor89961]

Posted by Circlip on 23/02/2020 13:36:54:

But But But aren't all engines hot air engines??

Regards Ian.

Don't you mean "Aren't all model engineers hot air engines?"

[KWILParticipant @kwil]

My only interest in "hot air" machines was when I used one in reverse, mechanical power (electric motor) IN, very (VERY) cold out. Actually pretty close to absolute zero.

[JAParticipant @ja]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 23/02/2020 13:26:03:

Posted by JA on 23/02/2020 13:00:02:

What I don't understand is the fascination the model engineering fraternity has with hot air engines. While most other model engines develop some power hot air engines are pathetic (except for a very few).

JA

But they are more efficient than internal combustion engines…

Neil

Are they?

Most operate at near atmospheric pressures and low temperatures, not conditions for good efficiency.

I agree that they have to be well made, to work at all.

JA

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

Posted by KWIL on 23/02/2020 14:39:24:

My only interest in "hot air" machines was when I used one in reverse, mechanical power (electric motor) IN, very (VERY) cold out. Actually pretty close to absolute zero.

Good point! I jumped to the conclusion that engines are always about power out, completely forgetting refrigerators!

Obviously Model Engineering is Freudian. Engines that move the world involve hot, steamy action, whereas the other way round is frigid and no fun at all…

Not that it matters at my age.

[JAParticipant @ja]

Posted by KWIL on 23/02/2020 14:39:24:

My only interest in "hot air" machines was when I used one in reverse, mechanical power (electric motor) IN, very (VERY) cold out. Actually pretty close to absolute zero.

What gas were you using? Helium?

JA

[KWILParticipant @kwil]

Yes, cold end was vacuum contained also at extremely low pressure.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by JA on 23/02/2020 17:14:50:

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 23/02/2020 13:26:03:

Posted by JA on 23/02/2020 13:00:02:

What I don't understand is the fascination the model engineering fraternity has with hot air engines. While most other model engines develop some power hot air engines are pathetic (except for a very few).

JA

But they are more efficient than internal combustion engines…

Neil

Are they?

Most operate at near atmospheric pressures and low temperatures, not conditions for good efficiency.

I agree that they have to be well made, to work at all.

JA

A google for 'stirling cycle efficiency' will leave your head spinning…

In theory a Stirling engine can approach it's Carnot theory limit (based on the temperature difference of the hot and cold ends. Internal combustion can use higher temperatures, but at a much lower Carnot efficiency with all that hot exhaust gas so most industrial Stirling engines are more efficient than most IC engines. They use less fuel but cost more to build… According to wikipedia and some other sources up to a round 100-150kW Stirling engines are cost effective, but unfortunately a much lower power to weight ratio means they are typically suited to fixed installations.

Neil

[JAParticipant @ja]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 23/02/2020 20:11:50:

Posted by JA on 23/02/2020 17:14:50:

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 23/02/2020 13:26:03:

Posted by JA on 23/02/2020 13:00:02:

What I don't understand is the fascination the model engineering fraternity has with hot air engines. While most other model engines develop some power hot air engines are pathetic (except for a very few).

JA

But they are more efficient than internal combustion engines…

Neil

Are they?

Most operate at near atmospheric pressures and low temperatures, not conditions for good efficiency.

I agree that they have to be well made, to work at all.

JA

A google for 'stirling cycle efficiency' will leave your head spinning…

In theory a Stirling engine can approach it's Carnot theory limit (based on the temperature difference of the hot and cold ends. Internal combustion can use higher temperatures, but at a much lower Carnot efficiency with all that hot exhaust gas so most industrial Stirling engines are more efficient than most IC engines. They use less fuel but cost more to build… According to wikipedia and some other sources up to a round 100-150kW Stirling engines are cost effective, but unfortunately a much lower power to weight ratio means they are typically suited to fixed installations.

Neil

Your head spin…. No, these are normal thermodynamic performance calculations.

I first met the Stirling cycle in the early 1960s with an article on the Phillips engine in the New Scientist. It struck me as a marvellous engine. However having spent most of my working life with engines I realise why they are only met in niche applications. Some of the reasons you have already alluded to. Other include non-combustion heat sources such as radioactivity.

If I have the time, and will, in the next few days I may sit down and calculate the theoretical performance differences of a model 4 stroke IC and a Stirling engine.

JA

[Peter G. ShawParticipant @peterg-shaw75338]

Modern music, or what passes for music.

Modern art: a few years ago, my wife and I visited Chatsworth House and on one of the corridors was an exhibition of painting. It looked just like a child's daubs using different colours. And as for Tracey Emin's unmade bed, well words fail me.

Peter G. Shaw

[paul raynerParticipant @paulrayner36054]

politicians

 

sorry I know we shouldn't get political, but, well I do find them uninspiring.

Edited By paul rayner on 23/02/2020 22:17:14

[BazParticipant @baz89810]

Got to agree with Peter, modern music and art. As for politicians I am lost for printable words.

[Peter G. ShawParticipant @peterg-shaw75338]

Just another couple of items that do not inspire me:

Mobile & these so-called smart 'phones. Why do I want to be available to all and sundry 24/7? Having said that, as someone who had a (fortunately) mild heart attack five years ago, I will concede that a basic mobile 'phone could now be a lifesaver if I ever had another attack, especially if the internal address book has been set up with the ICE (1, 2, 3 as necessary) commands. (ICE = In Case of Emergency). However, mine is switched off probably 99% of the time.

The other totally uninspiring item is closely allied to smart 'phones. I refer to things like Reddit, Facebook, etc. Do I really, really need to know the ins & outs of someone elses life? And do I want to tell everyone else my innermost thoughts? Do I heck!

After all, how did we manage 30 or more years ago? A trip out from the office meant peace & quiet with no-one contacting you to either ask inane questions, or worse, keeping you abreast of office gossip. I suppose FOMO accounts for a lot of it, but not for me – I really do not care if I miss out!. (FOMO = Fear Of Missing Out)

Peter G. Shaw

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