How to Upgrade a Classic
If you are a fan of auto fix up shows, you are very familiar with the term “resto mod.” If it is a new term […]
Gear Talk With Chuck
Is it Worth Upgrading?
Unlike the vintage car market, it is tough to decide if a particular gearbox is worthy of the “resto mod” treatment. We will get […]
Thinking INSIDE the Box
Is the world ready for a reality show about a gearbox repair shop? They seem to be running out of real estate-flipping ideas — at […]
Where to Next?
We have devoted this year to going over fundamentals of gear and gearbox design and manufacture. Before we move on to other topics, I would […]
Repairing Gears
Deadlines and budgets do not always allow for “first class” gearbox rebuilds. The challenge for rebuild shops is to find the fastest and most economical […]
Necessity as the Mother of Invention
When you offer rebuilding services to heavy industry, you have to get creative sometimes. Breakdowns are never fun and when irreplaceable machines that are a […]
Acceptable Fixes
You do not always have to say “no” when confronted with non-conforming parts. Here are a few “fixes” I have been comfortable authorizing: Custom keys […]
Reworking Questions
The most important consideration in deciding whether to rework or scrap and re-make a nonconforming part is functionality. Can the part be made to safely […]
Frequently Asked Questions
Backlash “adjustment” is just one of the many “frequently” encountered problems in custom manufacturing shops. Over time, most organizations develop an extensive “playbook” on what […]
Adjust Tolerances or Expectations?
There is a great deal of science involved in measuring things, but considerably less on what the baseline dimensions and clearances should be. This situation […]