Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

Just a couple of "off the cuff" comments on this technique Jim.

First off, I'll say simple is best whenever you can manage it, and I think this technique truly qualifies in that category!

While the mechanical capture between the point of the center drill and the "peak" of the cylinder is key, gravity can still have some effect on the results obtained, so I'd suggest always trying to use the rule as close to its true center as possible, and perhaps best not to use one that has a hole and a different profile on one end, such that the balance point is not true center.

Another point to consider is to make sure that the place to be drilled has no dings, dents or other deformities within the bearing area of the rule you are using, as that would cause an aberrant deflection, different from a true tangent at the "peak" of the cylinder.

Just my 0.02 cents worth.

Nah Jim .... that's your guys two cents worth.

Here's ours:

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I must say that bust of the young Elizabeth looks to be more than a match for that cool lookin' lizard.

Our two cent piece has been out of circulation a lot longer than that, but our one cent "penny" continues on.

You folks Down Under have the coolest critters!

And some of the most uncool too as I understand it !!!

But we don't have squirrels.....I have a thing for squirrels that are so cute!

Well in reality, squirrels are just a different form of rat with a prettier tail, but I too like squirrels, unless they are stealing my Gorp, but then again, I also like rats and mice, unless they are causing me some form of problem, which is often the case around here.

A razor blade is a good idea Bruce.